Nintendo. (2024). The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom [Video game]. Nintendo Switch.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a 2024 action-adventure game developed by Nintendo and Grezzo for the Nintendo Switch. Notably, it is the first mainline entry in the series to feature Princess Zelda as the primary playable character. The game's visual style mirrors that of the 2019 remake of Link's Awakening, also developed by Grezzo.

In this installment, players guide Princess Zelda on a quest to rescue Link and save Hyrule. Armed with the Tri Rod, a magical artifact bestowed by the fairy Tri, Zelda can create "echoes"—imitations of objects and monsters—to solve puzzles and combat enemies. The number of echoes she can summon is limited, with each having a specific cost indicated by the triangles behind Tri. Additionally, Zelda possesses abilities like "Bond," which allows her to move objects in tandem with her movements, and "Reverse Bond," enabling synchronized movement with objects. She can also transform into a Swordfighter form, resembling Link, to engage enemies directly; however, this form is time-restricted and requires energy replenishment through orbs found in the Still World.

The game's setting expands beyond Hyrule to include the Still World, a realm where time is frozen. Players navigate various terrains, including the Gerudo Desert, Jabul's waters, the Faron Wetlands, and Eldin Volcano. Travel options encompass on foot, horseback, and fast travel via Waypoints. Customization features allow Zelda to change outfits and equipment, and players can combine ingredients to create smoothies that enhance abilities.

Upon its release, Echoes of Wisdom received generally favorable reviews, with critics praising its innovative gameplay mechanics and the fresh perspective of having Zelda as the protagonist. Some criticism was directed at performance issues, such as variable frame rates on the Switch, and the menu system for selecting echoes during gameplay. Despite these critiques, the game sold over 2.58 million copies worldwide by November 2024, reflecting its commercial success and positive reception among players.