What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
The 2019 Nintendo Switch version keeps the recognizable Koholint Island adventure but rebuilds its presentation, updates controls and adds Chamber Dungeons. One comparison detail matters: the 1993 Game Boy game is monochrome; Link’s Awakening DX is a later Game Boy Color edition with color graphics and an exclusive dungeon.
Which versions are being compared?
- Game Boy original (1993): The monochrome release.
- Link’s Awakening DX (Game Boy Color): A later edition with color graphics and an exclusive dungeon, as Nintendo describes on its DX product page. Those additions should not be attributed to the original monochrome release.
- Switch remake (2019): Released on 20 September 2019. Nintendo presented it as the classic adventure reimagined in a new art style; its UK product page lists Game Card and download editions. Nintendo Switch product page.
What changed in the Switch remake?
Visuals and music
The monochrome Game Boy presentation gives way to a colorful, toy-like world with a miniature-diorama quality. Nintendo producer Eiji Aonuma said the team used a “tilt-shift” perspective to make Koholint feel like a small world viewed from outside it. Aonuma’s Nintendo interview.
Nintendo Life’s 2019 review describes the score as a reworked, almost fully orchestrated re-recording, replacing the original Game Boy-style sound. That is the reviewer’s characterization of the remake’s audio, not a technical specification from Nintendo. Nintendo Life review.
The island and story
The Switch version remains substantially recognizable as the same Koholint adventure. Nintendo Life’s review reports that the map is identical, NPCs appear in the same locations and conversations are almost word-for-word the same. It also describes the main progression through dungeons and items as familiar. These are the reviewer’s observations, not a guarantee from Nintendo that every detail is unchanged.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Controls and convenience
The original Game Boy’s limited buttons meant frequent item swapping. On Switch, the sword and shield have dedicated buttons, while other gear can be assigned to X or Y, according to Nintendo Life’s review. The reviewer also notes empty bottles, a compass indicator for nearby treasure chests, extra heart fragments and secret seashells, and more warp points.
Chamber Dungeons and amiibo
Chamber Dungeons are new to the Switch version. After clearing main dungeons, players earn their rooms, called Chambers, then arrange those rooms into a custom layout and tackle the resulting dungeon. Aonuma identified the mode as an all-new Switch feature in his Nintendo interview.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Nintendo’s Switch product page says compatible Zelda-series amiibo can unlock additional Chambers and save layouts. The Link’s Awakening amiibo can add Shadow Link as an enemy in Chamber Dungeons; amiibo functionality is specific to compatible figures, not a promise that every amiibo offers the same content.
At a glance: Game Boy original vs. Switch
| Feature | 1993 Game Boy original | 2019 Switch remake |
|---|---|---|
| Visuals | Monochrome Game Boy presentation. The later DX edition added color. | Tilt-shift, miniature-diorama art direction, as described by Nintendo producer Eiji Aonuma. |
| Sound | Original Game Boy-style sound presentation. | Reworked, almost fully orchestrated score, as described in Nintendo Life’s 2019 review. |
| World and story | The original Koholint Island adventure. | Nintendo Life’s review says the map and NPC locations remain the same and dialogue is almost word-for-word the same. |
| Controls | Limited Game Boy buttons require item swapping. | Dedicated sword and shield buttons; other gear can be assigned to X or Y, according to Nintendo Life’s review. |
| New content | Do not confuse the 1993 monochrome release with DX’s color graphics and exclusive dungeon. | Chamber Dungeons, plus additional convenience features reported by Nintendo Life’s review. |
| Performance | No comparative performance measurement is established by the cited sources. | Nintendo Life’s 2019 review observed slowdown in some busy areas, including Toronbo Shores; this is not a result established for every hardware or play condition. |
Is the Switch version the same game?
It is the same core adventure in a substantially rebuilt presentation, rather than a new story set on Koholint. The strongest changes are the visual and audio treatment, the more flexible controls, added conveniences and the Chamber Dungeons mode. If you mean “the original” strictly, compare Switch with the monochrome 1993 Game Boy release—not with the color-enhanced DX edition.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteQuick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
