[Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda](https://i.imgur.com/KF6uSxg.jpg)
I was pretty skeptical about the two Game and Watch systems that have been released. I wasn’t sold on the Mario one at all. However, much to my fanboy shame, I have never finished the OG LoZ or played *Adventures of Link* at all. *Link’s Awakening* is also one of my all-time favorites, so this was a much easier purchase to justify.
Everything about this thing is exactly what I hoped it would be and more. You can instantly switch between games with automatic save-states integrated flawlessly. This makes the learning curve of the NES titles much more bearable- when you get frustrated with one game, you just switch to the other one and pick up where you left off.
The tiny little screen is surprisingly vibrant. [Size comparison with Switch.](https://i.imgur.com/jUWltRg.jpg) It has brightness, volume, and auto-sleep settings. The speaker is fine for what it is. I was worried about the comfort of playing this, as I have pretty big hands and handheld systems can be hit or miss for me. So far I’ve been able to play it for multiple hours without any cramping. It charges with a USB C port, with a ~1-foot USB A to C cable included. There is no option for headphones.
Finally, the feature that I didn’t expect to love: the packaging it comes in can be folded into a stand to make it a desk clock. This feature shows Link fighting enemies in ~~randomly generated~~ (after watching more closely, they are actual rooms from LoZ) rooms with the time displayed in the form of various terrain blocks/rupees/bushes/etc. If you just let it sit there, Link will automatically clear the room himself and a new one will appear after a few minutes. At certain times of day, you will see special enemies and easter eggs. For example: >!Do you have the patience to watch until Gannon appears?!<
When you see an interesting room, you can take control and clear the room yourself. When you get bored, just set it down and Link will start playing on his own again. I never imagined using this thing as a clock, but it now sits on my bedside table, glowing dimly all night long, ready to play whenever I have an idle moment. There are quite a few other easter eggs including >!hidden artwork and cheat codes.!<
Finally, all three main games are a blast. The NES titles are punishing, but rewarding. If you go into AoL expecting a classic platformer rather than a traditional Zelda game, you won’t be disappointed. LA took me right back to the backseat of my parents’ car with my OG, brick-sized Gameboy. Except now the screen is nice and bright, so I don’t have to wait for a street light to dash to the next room. There’s a reason they keep re-releasing this game. It’s a must-play. There is also a Whack-A-Mole style game called *Vermin* and a timer feature.
Overall I am very happy with this thing. Here’s some more info and pictures:
[Fandom page with pictures](https://zelda.fandom.com/wiki/Game_%26_Watch:_The_Legend_of_Zelda)
[Engadget review](https://www.engadget.com/legend-of-zelda-game-and-watch-review-173041656.html)
[Easter egg guide](https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/2021/game-and-watch-the-legend-of-zelda-secret-series-part-1/)