Nintendo has finally delivered something official for fans of its long-running Zelda franchise, though it may not be what many were expecting. In a quiet but notable update, the company has added the complete soundtrack of The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds to its Nintendo Music app. While this is not the long-rumored remake or remaster, it still marks a meaningful return for one of the most beloved entries in the series, particularly for fans of classic top-down Zelda gameplay.
The update gives players a new way to revisit the world of Hyrule, this time through its music rather than gameplay. The soundtrack includes over 100 tracks and runs for more than two hours. The tracks are neatly categorized into overworld themes, dungeon music, and battle tracks, allowing listeners to tailor their experience based on mood. For longtime fans, this structured playlist system adds an extra layer of immersion, making it feel like revisiting the game in a different format.
A Nostalgic Return Without a Full Comeback
Despite the excitement around this release, it also highlights a lingering frustration within the Zelda community. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds remains locked to the Nintendo 3DS, with no official port or remaster announced for modern consoles. This has been a recurring concern among fans who consider the title one of the strongest entries in the franchise’s history, thanks to its innovative wall-merging mechanic and refined dungeon design.
ScreenRant described the release as “a fun and nostalgic way to remember one of the best Zelda games of all time,” capturing the sentiment shared by much of the fanbase. However, the same coverage also points out that this soundtrack drop may be the closest fans get to a modern revival in the near future. That reality has led to mixed reactions, with appreciation for the music release tempered by disappointment over the lack of a playable version on current hardware.
What This Means for Zelda’s 40th Anniversary
The timing of this release is particularly interesting, as 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of the Zelda franchise. Many expected Nintendo to celebrate the milestone with major announcements, including remakes or new titles. So far, however, the company has remained largely focused on updates related to its upcoming Zelda movie, leaving the gaming side of the franchise relatively quiet.
Rumors about potential projects, including an The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, continue to circulate, but nothing has been officially confirmed. In that context, the addition of A Link Between Worlds’ soundtrack feels like a smaller, more subdued way of acknowledging the series’ legacy. It serves as a reminder of the franchise’s rich history while also raising questions about what Nintendo has planned next.
How Fans Can Access the Soundtrack
The soundtrack is available through Nintendo Music, which can be downloaded on both iOS and Android devices. However, access requires an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription, meaning it is not entirely free despite the app itself being downloadable at no cost. Once inside, users can explore the full library of tracks and create playlists based on different themes from the game.
For fans who have been waiting years to revisit A Link Between Worlds, this offers at least a partial solution. While it does not replace the experience of playing the game, it allows players to reconnect with its atmosphere and emotional tone. The music, after all, has always been a defining element of the Zelda series.
