Best Zelda Games After Phantom Hourglass & Spirit Tracks

If you finished Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks and want more of that top-down, touch-controlled, puzzle-heavy Zelda magic, the best pick is The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (3DS). It keeps the same portable, pick-up-and-play structure but tightens the puzzles, adds a clever item-rental system, and gives you a huge world to explore at your own pace. It’s the closest spiritual successor to the DS games while being a better game in nearly every way.

What to Look For

When choosing your next Zelda after the DS duology, focus on these criteria:

• Perspective and control style: Both DS games are top-down with stylus controls. If you loved that, look for 2D Zeldas; if you’re open to change, 3D Zeldas offer a different but rewarding experience.
• Puzzle and dungeon design: The DS games shine in clever, compact dungeons. Seek games with strong puzzle density, not just combat.
• Portability: If you played on DS because you travel or prefer short sessions, stick to handheld titles. Home-console games require longer sittings.
• Story and tone: Spirit Tracks had a charming train-adventure story. If that mattered, prioritize games with a strong narrative.
• Difficulty and accessibility: The DS games are on the easier side. Decide if you want more challenge (e.g., Majora’s Mask) or more of the same gentle curve.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (3DS)

Strengths: This is the direct successor to A Link to the Past, but it plays like a modern evolution of the DS Zeldas. The top-down view, item-based puzzles, and compact dungeons feel familiar. The unique mechanic lets you merge into walls as a painting, which adds a fresh twist to exploration and puzzle-solving. The rental system means you get all items early, so you can tackle dungeons in any order—great for players who liked the freedom of the DS games’ segmented map.

Trade-offs: The story is lighter than Spirit Tracks, and the soundtrack isn’t as memorable. It’s also 3DS-only, so you’ll need that hardware or a 2DS.

Who it suits: Anyone who wants the most similar experience to Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks, but with better design and less hand-holding.

The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (GBA / Wii U Virtual Console)

Strengths: This is a top-down Zelda with a charming, miniature gimmick (you shrink to the size of a Minish). It has a strong focus on puzzles and side-quests, and the kinstone fusion system adds a collectathon element that rewards exploration. It’s portable, like your DS games, and the pixel art is gorgeous.

Trade-offs: The game is older (2004) and can feel a bit dated in terms of inventory management. It’s not available on Switch natively—you’ll need a Wii U or a GBA emulator (which isn’t legal advice, just a reality).

Who it suits: Players who loved the top-down perspective and want a classic, story-driven adventure with a unique twist.

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (Switch)

Strengths: The 2019 remake of the Game Boy classic is a perfect follow-up. It’s top-down, portable (Switch handheld mode), and has a dreamlike story that’s more character-driven than the DS games. The dungeons are compact and puzzle-heavy, and the toy-like art style is adorable. It also adds a dungeon-creator mode for extra replayability.

Trade-offs: The framerate can dip in certain areas, and the game is shorter than most Zeldas (about 15 hours). Some puzzles require backtracking, which might frustrate if you’re used to the more linear DS pacing.

Who it suits: Switch owners who want a modern, polished top-down Zelda with a quirky sense of humor.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (GameCube / Wii / Wii U)

Strengths: If you’re ready to move to 3D, Twilight Princess is the most similar in tone to Spirit Tracks—it has a darker story, a companion character (Midna) who is as memorable as Linebeck, and a slower, more methodical pacing. The dungeons are some of the best in the series, with clever puzzles that reward observation. The Wii U HD version adds quality-of-life improvements.

Trade-offs: It’s a long game (30+ hours) and the opening hours are notoriously slow. The combat is more realistic and less whimsical than the DS games.

Who it suits: Players who want a deeper story and are willing to invest in a longer, more immersive 3D adventure.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES / Various Virtual Consoles)

Strengths: The classic that started the top-down formula. It’s available on almost every Nintendo platform (SNES, GBA, Wii, Wii U, 3DS, Switch Online). The dungeon design is timeless, and the light/dark world mechanic is a brilliant twist. It’s harder than the DS games, but that’s a good challenge.

Trade-offs: The controls are dated (no touch screen), and the story is minimal. The inventory is also clunky by modern standards.

Who it suits: Purists who want to see where the formula began and don’t mind retro graphics.

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D (3DS)

Strengths: If you want a challenge and a unique structure, this is it. The three-day time loop is a puzzle in itself, and the side-quests are the best in the series. It’s on 3DS, so it’s portable like your DS games. The dark, emotional story is unlike any other Zelda.

Trade-offs: The time mechanic can be stressful, and the game expects you to remember schedules and events. It’s much harder than Phantom Hourglass or Spirit Tracks.

Who it suits: Experienced players who want a deep, rewarding, and slightly weird adventure.

How to Choose

Budget: If you already own a 3DS, A Link Between Worlds is the cheapest and most logical next step. If you have a Switch Online subscription, A Link to the Past is included at no extra cost. For Link’s Awakening, you’ll need to buy the remake (about $60), but it’s worth it. Twilight Princess HD is expensive if you buy physical; consider the Wii U eShop if you have that console (though it’s closing).

Use case: For short commutes or quick sessions, stick to handhelds (3DS or Switch). For long weekend binges, a home console game like Twilight Princess works better.

Trade-offs: The biggest trade-off is 2D vs. 3D. If you loved the stylus controls, you’ll miss them in any non-DS game. If you’re open to change, the 3D games offer a richer story and more immersive world. Also, consider difficulty: the DS games are gentle, so if you want a similar difficulty, stick to A Link Between Worlds or Link’s Awakening; if you want a challenge, Majora’s Mask.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play A Link Between Worlds without playing A Link to the Past?

Yes, it’s a standalone story, though you’ll appreciate some callbacks if you’ve played the SNES classic.

Are there any other DS Zelda games I should try?

No, Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks are the only DS Zeldas, but you could try the Four Swords games if you have friends to play with.

Is Link’s Awakening worth the price on Switch?

If you like top-down Zeldas, yes. It’s a polished, charming adventure, but it’s short, so consider a sale.

Which game has the best puzzles after the DS games?

A Link Between Worlds has the most similar puzzle style (item-based, compact dungeons). Majora’s Mask has more complex, time-based puzzles.

I’m new to 3D Zeldas. Should I start with Twilight Princess or Ocarina of Time?

Twilight Princess is more linear and has better tutorials, so it’s easier for newcomers. Ocarina of Time is a classic but feels older.

Can I play these on Switch?

Link’s Awakening is on Switch, and A Link to the Past is on Switch Online. The others are not natively available on Switch.

Bottom Line

For the smoothest transition from the DS duology, pick A Link Between Worlds. It’s the perfect blend of familiar top-down gameplay, clever puzzles, and modern convenience. If you want a more whimsical and portable option, Link’s Awakening is a close second. And if you’re ready to jump into 3D, Twilight Princess will give you the story depth you might be craving. Whichever you choose, you’re in good hands—these are all excellent Zelda games.

Related

• Deleted Downloads Folder Data Recovery
• Phone Turned Off But Callers Hear Ringing: What It Means
• Clean Up Emails by Sender: A Step-by-Step Guide