Link

Link is the main protagonist of the The Legend of Zelda series created by Nintendo. Over the course of the series, many different incarnations of Link have existed, chosen to protect the land of Hyrule from evil. Each incarnation of him bears the Triforce of Courage, and usually has to fight Ganon and save Hyrule and its ruler, Princess Zelda. Being one of the most popular Nintendo video game characters alongside Mario, Link has had several crossover appearances within and alongside the Mario franchise.

Super Mario Bros. & Friends: When I Grow Up
Link's first appearance in the Mario franchise is the coloring game Super Mario Bros. & Friends: When I Grow Up. He first appears on the "Chef" page, where he is shown waiting for a pasta dish cooked by Mario. He later appears on the "Travel Guide" page, which depicts him owning a traveling agency. Several enemies from The Legend of Zelda series also make appearances in the other career pages.

Club Nintendo
Link also makes several appearances in the Mario-based comics within the German Club Nintendo magazine, his appearance based upon that in the original The Legend of Zelda. He debuts in "Super Mario: Die Bescherung", celebrating a Christmas party in the Mario Bros.' House. His role in this story is minor, though he has a brief speaking part at the end, mistrusting the realness of Santa Claus.

In "Super Mario: Die Verwandlung", Dr. Light constantly mistakes Mario for Link. One of these confusions also implies that Link has undergone an aesthetic surgery by Light.

In "Warios Weihnachtsmärchen", Link appears in the role of the Ghost of Present. Like in the story it is based on, Link takes Wario to see those he had upset earlier.

In "Mario in Mariozilla", he is seen in the Empire State Building, studying a map together with Dr. Light, who lives there. Link's actual role is unknown, though it appears that he works as Light's assistant. He also comments on a "magic cap" Light gave to Mario in order to make him incognito - actually a simple paper bag pulled over his head - in the way that it "becomes" him.

Link, alongside Kirby, is Mario's ally in the comic "Super Mario in Die Nacht des Grauens". During the events of this story, he lives in a Brooklyn skyscraper and fights against Abigor and his demonic fellows who plan to take over the building. He does so by making use of a magic serum which turns him and his allies into aggressive ghostbusters. In this form, he has green skin, black armor and a fire sword.

The Legend of Zelda
Link received his own television show with The Legend of Zelda. It aired under the The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! syndication, with the animated Mario segments running Monday through Thursday, and being replaced by Zelda segments on Fridays. The Zelda segments still received an accompanying live-action Mario and Luigi short. The series revolved around Link and Princess Zelda protecting the Triforce of Wisdom from Ganon.

Captain N: The Game Master
Link and Zelda appear in Captain N: The Game Master, borrowing their appearance and personality from the aforementioned Legend of Zelda cartoon. Jonathan Potts returned to voice Link in the series. Link was also a major character in the Valiant Nintendo Comics System line of Captain N: The Game Master.

Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest / Donkey Kong Land 2
In Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, Link is by default ranked third on a podium at Cranky's Video Game Heroes, with Mario coming in first and Yoshi second. He can be removed from the podium by collecting nineteen DK Coins, which replaces him with Diddy Kong. By doing so, Link's tunic will appear in the trash can next to the "NO HOPERS" sign.

Link also appears in the Video Game Heroes in the ending for Donkey Kong Land 2, where he has the same number of DK Coins collected as before.

In the Game Boy Advance port, Link and Yoshi's positions are swapped; additionally, Link has obtained 50 DK Coins in total. This means that Diddy can only shift Link down to third place, therefore removing Yoshi from the podium.

Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!
In Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!, if the Kongs ask Bazaar who owns the castle in the Northern Kremisphere, Bazaar tells a short story of when Link visited his General Store the week before. Link also asked Bazaar for information regarding the castle even though he had insufficient bear coins, but Bazaar thought him nice enough that he accepted a payment of 500 rupees instead. After being told the information, Link left, grumbling about the seashells being the wrong shape (a nod to the Secret Seashell sidequest in The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening). This dialogue was removed in the Game Boy Advance version, and Bazaar instead discusses what he personally saw at Kastle Kaos.

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
In Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, Link can be found resting at the Rose Town Inn. He does not awaken when spoken to (likely a nod to Link's constant portrayal as a silent protagonist), and a The Legend of Zelda melody for when a secret is uncovered plays instead.

Super Smash Bros. series
Link appears in every Super Smash Bros. game as a default playable character. Most of Link's standard attacks make use of the Master Sword, while his specials are all attacks or items from The Legend of Zelda series.

Super Smash Bros.


In Super Smash Bros., Link is one of the default playable characters. Specifically, he is the "Hero of Time" from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Link is the first character fought in single player mode, on Hyrule Castle.

Link's standard special move in this game is the Boomerang, in which Link tosses a boomerang to damage opponents. His up special move is the Spin Attack, in which he spins around rapidly to deal damage; and his down special is Bomb, in which Link pulls out a bomb to throw. In addition, Link's grab move uses the Hookshot, an item also taking its appearance from Ocarina of Time that can also be used as a wall grapple. Link's up and down aerials are the Jump Thrust and Down Thrust, both of which originated in Zelda II: The Adventure of Link.

Two of Link's alternate colorations in this game are based upon the Goron and Zora Tunics from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, while his final coloration is based upon his outfit after collecting the Blue Ring in the original The Legend of Zelda.

Super Smash Bros. Melee


In Super Smash Bros. Melee, Link returns as a playable character, though some of his moves have been changed. His standard special attack has been replaced with the Bow, which lets Link shoot an arrow that can be charged; the boomerang has instead been made his side special move. His other specials are kept the same, as has the Hookshot. Melee is also the first game to feature Link's ability to use his Hylian Shield to defend himself from projectile attacks while standing still.

In the game's Adventure Mode, Link is fought in the Underground Maze stage. He can be found at fake pedestals for the Master Sword (wearing a different tunic each time) as fighters search for the Triforce to end the level. Young Link, Link's childhood self from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, is also a separate playable character, much in the same manner that Mario and Baby Mario often appear in the same games.

Additionally, a doppelganger of Link, known as Dark Link, appears in Super Smash Bros. Melee as the opponent in Event Match 18: Link's Adventure. In the battle, the player controls a red-clad Link, who has two extra lives. The fighter must defeat Dark Link, who also has two lives. The two swordsmen are fought at the Temple, with no time limit. This Event Match is a reference to the ending of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, where a similar Dark Link served as the game's final boss.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Link was the first character to be announced for Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Unlike in previous installments, this Link is the "Hero of Twilight", the descendant of the Hero of Time and the protagonist of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. This Link's moveset also references Twilight Princess in a number of ways. The bow (now called "Hero's Bow") and bombs have been aesthetically updated to match their Twilight Princess designs, while the boomerang has been replaced with the Gale Boomerang, which generates a whirlwind that can drag in opponents as it returns. The Hookshot has also been replaced with the Clawshot from Twilight Princess, which, when used offstage, can home in on edges and grab them unlike the Hookshot; however, it is now a tether recovery, as opposed to a wall grapple. Dark Link also appears in the game, both as one of Link's alternative colors and as an opponent in an Event Match. The "Hero of Winds" from The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker also appears in the game as a playable character under the name Toon Link, complete with a moveset very similar to Link's.

Dark Link also reappears in this game, where he returns in two Event Matches. The first, Event Match 18: Dark Link Duel, is similar to the match from Melee, but it is fought on the Bridge of Eldin instead, and is a stamina match rather than using lives. The second, Co-Op Event 7: Battle of the Dark Sides, is the same as Dark Link Duel, but with the addition of Samus Aran and Dark Samus assisting Link and Dark Link, respectively.

Versions of Dark Link also appear as palette swaps for both Link and Toon Link. Link's is based on the "interlopers" from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, whereas Toon Link's is based off Shadow Link from The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures.

Role in The Subspace Emissary
While walking through a forest, Links finds the Master Sword. Taking it in hand, he meets up with Yoshi, forming an alliance. They later meet Mario and Pit, though under circumstances where Mario/Link defeats an evil copy of Zelda/Peach, leading to a fight. The two groups come to an understanding (and Kirby joins up as well) and unite as they see King Dedede driving off with Ness, Luigi, and the captured Princess.

They come to Dedede's base, only to find that Bowser has beaten them to it, taking the Princess off in his Koopa Clown Car. The team grows in size as they meet with Ike, Marth, Lucas, the Pokémon Trainer, and the Ice Climbers. The remaining heroes join them as they enter Subspace. Link is among the many that falls to Tabuu's Off Waves, later revived by Kirby. He and Zelda come across Ganondorf's trophy and revive him, forming a temporary alliance as everyone teams up to defeat Tabuu.

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
Link reappears in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U as a playable character along with Toon Link. Due to these games' more vibrant aesthetic, Link has a noticeably brighter color scheme unlike in Brawl and Twilight Princess. Link retains much of his moveset from the previous game, though some of his non-special moves have been altered, such as his down aerial gaining a meteor smash effect and gaining the Jump Slash as his new dash attack. Link's Hylian Shield can also now block projectiles while crouching and walking.

Link retains all of his alternate costumes from Super Smash Bros. Brawl, while gaining two more: one based on the clothes worn by the "Hero of the Skies" during the beginning of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, and another based on Fierce Deity Link, a transformation Link can obtain at the end of The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Link returns as a playable character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, alongside Young Link and Toon Link. This time, the Hero of Twilight has been succeeded by the "Hero of the Wild", the protagonist of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. For the first time in the series, Link joins Mario himself as one of the co-mascots of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, as the two are frequently marketed and paired together to advertise and showcase the game.

Compared to his predecessors, Link takes on many different stances during battle. While this is purely aesthetic in some instances, he also leans further when performing attacks, giving them greater range, yet making his hurtbox more vulnerable to attacks. On a related note, the blade of his Master Sword is longer, increasing the range in his attacks, and his forward smash's first hit is capable of firing a Sword Beam while his damage is at 0%. Like his fellow The Legend of Zelda fighters, Link's victory theme has been changed to a new arrangement of their home series' main theme.

The Hero of the Wild set of clothes from Breath of the Wild, which resembles Link's classic design, also appears an alternate costume. Although Link uses a regular Boomerang like he does in Super Smash Bros. and Melee, his other special moves noticeably deviate from his predecessors': his bow is capable of firing two arrows at once, he uses the Remote Bomb Rune instead of his Bombs as his down special, and his Final Smash uses an Ancient Bow to fire an Ancient Arrow.

Some of Link's normal moves are also different compared to his predecessors. Due to neither the Hookshot nor the Clawshot appearing in Breath of the Wild, Link's grab consists of him quickly putting his Hylian Shield on his back in order to reach out with his left hand. Although this makes his grab much faster overall, it also results in his grab having much shorter range and lacking a tether recovery compared to his predecessors. As another reference to Breath of the Wild, the first hit of Link's forward smash is capable of firing a Sword Beam while his damage is at 0%, granting him yet another projectile (aforementioned above).

Compared to his predecessors, Link sports better mobility, higher jumps, faster short hop timing, less landing lag for his aerials, and a higher overall damage output. The reintroduction of the directional air dodge, the ability to use aerials on ladders, and the improved dash cancel mechanic also indirectly benefit Link to varying degrees. Link's dash attack, up aerial, and down aerials are now referred to their names in-game, while his forward smash is now called Sword Slice.

Classic Mode route
By completing Link's Classic Mode route, it is possible to unlock King K. Rool, the Ice Climbers, Simon, Meta Knight, Snake, Young Link, Richter, or Toon Link. Link's Classic Mode route pits him against characters that are in some way associated with darkness, with the fight against the dark-costumed Link being a reference to Dark Link.

Boomerang


The Boomerang is a recurring item throughout The Legend of Zelda series that appears as Link's standard special move in Super Smash Bros., and as his side special move in Super Smash Bros. Melee and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Originally designed after the Boomerang in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, in Super Smash Bros. Melee, the move is also used by Young Link, who uses the same Boomerang. In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Link's Boomerang is the same one from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. When the move is used, the player throws a Boomerang at opponents that can damage them, automatically returning to the player once it hits an opponent or wall. The player can hold the control stick to make it fly farther, and can also be thrown diagonally. The Boomerang can also fly up or down while it is active by tilting the control stick just before throwing it. In later games, the move is used by Toon Link, whose design of the Boomerang is based on that in The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.


 * Names in other languages

Hero's Bow


The Hero's Bow (simply referred to as Bow in Super Smash Bros. Melee ) is Link's standard special move from Super Smash Bros. Melee through Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U, replacing the Boomerang from Super Smash Bros. The move is based on the recurring Bow item in The Legend of Zelda series. In Super Smash Bros. Melee, Link's Bow is based on the Fairy Bow in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time; in the later games, Link's Hero's Bow takes its design from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. When used, Link fires an arrow from the bow at opponents to damage them. The player can charge the attack to increase the distance the arrow travels and its damage output by holding down the special move button.

In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Link's first custom variant for this move is the Power Bow, which has less range than normal but increases the power of the arrow. His second is the Quickfire Bow (parsed Quick-Fire Bow in the British English version), which allows Link to fire arrows more quickly that can travel through opponents.


 * Names in other languages

Bow and Arrows
The Bow and Arrows are Link's standard special move in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, replacing the Hero's Bow from previous games. For this move, he uses the Traveler's Bow from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild instead, which functions the same as the Hero's Bow, except this time, after an arrow is fired and it lands on the ground, it lingers rather than disappear after a period of time. Link can then pick it up and throw it at opponents, or press the special move button again to draw two arrows at once, which deal double damage.
 * Names in other languages

Gale Boomerang


The Gale Boomerang is Link's side special move in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, based on the Gale Boomerang item from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and replacing the Boomerang from the previous games. When used, the Gale Boomerang generates a whirlwind; the attack hurts opponents when thrown, and the whirlwind draws opponents and small items in as it returns, though it deals no damage. Like the previous Boomerang, it returns to Link automatically once it hits an opponent or a wall, and the Gale Boomerang can also be thrown at an angle.

In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Link's first custom variant for this move is Boomerang, which gives it similar properties to Link's previous Boomerang move, meaning that it does not pull in opponents. The second is Ripping Boomerang, which makes the attack slower and gives it a shorter range, but allows it to pass through opponents as it flies out and deals multiple hits rather than having the whirlwind property.
 * Names in other languages

Spin Attack


The Spin Attack is Link's up special move in every installment of the Super Smash Bros. series. The move is based on the Spin Attack move recurring throughout The Legend of Zelda series. When used, Link spins around rapidly with his sword to deal damage. When used in the air, the move also gives Link some vertical and horizontal distance. In Super Smash Bros. Brawl onward, the move can be charged by holding down the special attack button when used on the ground to deal more damage.

In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Link's first custom variant for this move is Shocking Spin, which gives the attack more power and an electric effect, but it covers less distance than Spin Attack, and its ending lag is longer as well. Link's second variant is Whirling Leap, which greatly improves Link's recovery by giving him more vertical height, and his horizontal mobility is increased drastically during the move's duration as well. However, the move does not deal any damage, nor can it be charged, so its only use is for recovery. When used on the ground, Link leaps up to perform the move.
 * Names in other languages

Bomb


The Bomb is Link's down special move throughout the Super Smash Bros. series prior to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and is based on the item recurring throughout The Legend of Zelda series. When used, Link pulls a Bomb out that can then be thrown at other characters to do damage, exploding on impact. Like other explosives, the Bombs also deal damage to the holder; it can also be caught and thrown by opponents, or detonate in the player's hands. The player cannot use the move while holding another item, as the Bombs count as an item.

In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, the first custom variant for this move is Giant Bomb, which gives Link a larger Bomb that deals more damage and has a larger blast radius, but does not automatically explode upon impact. The second is Meteor Bomb, which lessens the time that the Bomb will explode and weakens it, but gives it a meteor smash property.

In Super Smash Bros. and Super Smash Bros. Melee, the Bombs used by Link and Young Link are based on the ones from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, however, the Bombs used by Link are based on the ones from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. In all Super Smash Bros. games since Brawl, Toon Link's Bombs are based on the ones from The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker.
 * Names in other languages

Remote Bomb
The Remote Bomb is Link's down special move in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, based on the Remote Bomb Rune from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and replacing the Bomb from previous Super Smash Bros. games. When first used, Link produces a spherical Remote Bomb, which can then be thrown. After doing so, it can then be picked up again by Link or other fighters like an item, or knocked around with attacks. If the player activates the move again, Link detonates the Remote Bomb with his Sheikah Slate, damaging any fighters caught within the blast radius. Only one Remote Bomb can appear at a time.


 * Names in other languages

Triforce Slash


Triforce Slash is Link's Final Smash in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, as well as Toon Link's since Brawl and Young Link's in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. When activated, Link's Triforce on his hand glows and he fires a beam of light directly in front of him. If an opponent is in the line of fire, they will be trapped between two Triforces as Link rushes forward to deliver several sword blows. After fifteen slashes, the character rushes through the trapped opponent, launching them. If the beam of light does not reach an opponent, the attack fails.


 * Names in other languages

Ancient Bow and Arrow


The Ancient Bow and Arrow are Link's Final Smash in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, replacing the Triforce Slash. When activated, Link draws an Ancient Bow with an Ancient Arrow, which launches any opponents in front of him away; the Ancient Bow functions very similarly to Zelda's and Sheik's Light Arrow Final Smash in previous games.
 * Names in other languages

Mario Golf series
In Mario Golf for the Nintendo 64 and Mario Golf for the Game Boy Color, Link's name appears on the scorechart.

Game & Watch Gallery 4
In Game & Watch Gallery 4, Link appears in the Zelda Game & Watch game, which is playable in the Museum after unlocking enough stars.

WarioWare series
Link appears in several WarioWare games. He usually is a playable character in 9-Volt's and 18-Volt's microgames.

In WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!, Link appears in the Legend of Zelda microgame, based on the original The Legend of Zelda game, in which the player must guide Link into a cave.

In WarioWare: Twisted!, Link appears in another microgame also titled The Legend of Zelda, once again based on the original game. The object is to rotate the handheld to deflect projectiles by red Octoroks with the shield.

In WarioWare: Smooth Moves, three incarnations of Link appear. In the Ocarina of Time microgame, Young Link must draw his sword from its pedestal. This turns him into Adult Link on Level 1, old Link (with a gray beard) on Level 2, and a Cucco on Level 3. In addition, in the microgame The Wind Waker, Toon Link must glide over the sea to a safe landing point with the Deku Leaf. Finally, in the microgame Opening Night, his 8-bit sprite from the original game can be seen playing the violin with the rest of the characters in the orchestra.

In WarioWare: D.I.Y., Link is the main character in the Zelda microgame, appearing in his The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass incarnation. The object is to defeat Chuchus with the sword by tapping them.

In WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase, Link is in the Zelda 2 microgame, based on Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, in which Link must deflect a Goriya's boomerangs with the shield.

In WarioWare Gold, some of the previous microgames in which Link appears return, specifically The Legend of Zelda from Mega Microgame$!, and Ocarina of Time and The Wind Waker, both from Smooth Moves. In addition to those, a new microgame called Phantom Hourglass appears, which is also based on The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass. The object is to hit a switch with Link's boomerang by tracing a line for it to follow.

In WarioWare: Get It Together!, Link is seen in a new microgame titled The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which is based on the The Legend of Zelda game of the same name.

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
In Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, Link was meant to appear at Starbeans Cafe along with other non-Mario character cameos. He would have given Mario and Luigi the Triforce. In the final game, all of the Nintendo cameos are replaced with Professor E. Gadd, and the Triforce is replace with the Great Force.

Nintendo Monopoly
Link appears in Nintendo Monopoly and takes the place of Pennsylvania Avenue, costing $320.

Captain Rainbow
Though Link himself does not make a direct appearance in Captain Rainbow, there is a cameo of Link in the form of a portrait of him above Tracy's throne, next to a portrait of Mario. The Link picture depicts his artwork from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.

Super Mario 3D World / Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
In Super Mario 3D World and its Nintendo Switch port, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, before the second Green Star in, Rainbow Run, there is a secret area where if the playable characters walk on all the panels, an 8-bit image of Link, which is an enlargement of one of his The Legend of Zelda sprites, is uncovered. After doing so, an arrangement of the main theme of The Legend of Zelda starts to play until the characters leave the area.

Super Mario Maker
Link appears as a Mystery Mushroom costume in Super Mario Maker. Link, Toon Link and Wolf Link's costumes can be unlocked by scanning their respective amiibo, or randomly by completing the 100 Mario Challenge. The Link Costume is based on his sprites from The Legend of Zelda. The Wolf Link Costume also includes Midna riding on top of Wolf Link.

A special Event Course titled "Tri Force Heroes" allows the player to play as, and unlock, a special Costume Mario called Totem Link, based off of The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes. As Totem Link, players play as all three Links from the game (red, blue and green), stacked up on top of each other. Additionally, there is also an Event Course titled "Twilight Princess HD", which is based off The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD, where players can unlock Wolf Link.

Super Mario Odyssey
A data-mine of Super Mario Odyssey revealed that a Link costume for Mario was planned to be part of the game, but files pertaining to it have since been removed as of the Balloon World update.

Super Mario Maker 2
In version 2.0 of Super Mario Maker 2, the player transforms into Link upon collecting the Master Sword power-up. His appearance is based on his sprite from the original The Legend of Zelda, albeit with the shield redesigned to be based on the Hylian Shield. While in this form, Link can attack enemies with his sword, block projectiles with his shield, perform a Dash Attack to charge through enemies, perform a Down Thrust to attack enemies from above, aim and fire an arrow in three directions to obtain distant items, and use a bomb to destroy breakable blocks. Link can also drop bombs beneath him while riding a Koopa Clown Car. In multiplayer, if all four players obtain a Master Sword, they become the green, red, blue, and purple Links from The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords.

While wearing a Goomba's Shoe, Link cannot block Bullet Bills. However, he can do it underwater.

Mario Kart 8 / Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
In Mario Kart 8, Link appears as a downloadable playable character in the The Legend of Zelda × Mario Kart 8 downloadable content pack. This marks his first playable appearance of any kind in the Mario series. Link is one of the lighter heavyweight racers, befitting his much taller size, and he shares his stats with Rosalina, Donkey Kong, Waluigi, and Roy Koopa. Although this Link is the Hero of the Skies from The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, his proportions have been altered slightly to fit the Mario franchise aesthetic: he has a slightly larger head and eyes, and is left-handed as opposed to right-handed like in Skyward Sword.

The Master Cycle, a bike based on Link's Master Sword and his horse Epona, appears as one of four additional vehicle bodies, along with a Zelda-themed set of tires, the Triforce Tires, and a Zelda-themed glider, the Hylian Kite. A Zelda-themed course called Hyrule Circuit also appears as part of the Triforce Cup. His kart symbol is the Royal Crest. During his tricks, he wields the Master Sword and shows off the Triforce.

Link reappears in the Nintendo Switch game Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, available as part of the core game. He is available from the start, and shares his stats with only Rosalina and King Boo. Deluxe's July 19, 2018 update also added the Hero of the Wild from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, alongside the Master Cycle Zero, Ancient Tires, and Paraglider parts. Upon being added, the Hero of the Wild became the default Link, while the Hero of the Skies was relegated to being an alternate character. Like the Hero of the Skies, the Hero of the Wild is left-handed despite being right-handed in his respective game; however, they also share the same voice actor.

Despite sharing some of the same part colors for items that change, the two Links have some noticeable differences. In regard to the Hero of the Wild, his kart symbol is the Crest of the Sheikah as it appears on the Sheikah Slate instead of the Royal Crest, and he uses a Guardian Sword++ instead of the Master Sword when performing tricks. Due to being two distinct incarnations of Link, the Hero of the Skies can also appear in a race if Hero of the Wild has already been selected and vice versa, while both can appear in a race if neither has been selected as well.

Portrayals
Canadian actor voiced Link in the DiC cartoons, marking the first time the character was given an official voice.

In terms of the video games, Link's voice actor usually matches the incarnation he is based off of. In the original Super Smash Bros. and Melee, Link was voiced by (who would later voice Topper in Super Mario Odyssey), using his voice clips from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, but was replaced in Super Smash Bros. Brawl and for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U by Akira Sasanuma, his voice actor from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. later voiced Link in Mario Kart 8, reprising his role from The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. While the Champion's Tunic Link in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe reused Ōhara's portrayal from the Wii U version (making it the only exception to this tradition), Super Smash Bros. Ultimate later featured Kengo Takanashi, matching Link's appearance in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

Mario Kart 8

 * Weight Class: Heavy
 * Stats
 * Speed
 * Ground: 4.25
 * Water: 4.75
 * Air: 4.25
 * Anti-Gravity: 4.5
 * Acceleration: 2.25
 * Weight: 4.25
 * Handling
 * Ground: 2.75
 * Water: 2.75
 * Air: 2.5
 * Anti-Gravity: 3
 * Traction: 3.5
 * Mini-Turbo: 2


 * Staff ghost time

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

 * Weight Class: Heavy
 * Vehicle Size: Big
 * Stats
 * Speed
 * Ground: 4
 * Water: 4.25
 * Air: 4.5
 * Anti-Gravity: 3.75
 * Acceleration: 3.25
 * Weight: 3.75
 * Handling
 * Ground: 3.25
 * Water: 2.75
 * Air: 3.25
 * Anti-Gravity: 3.25
 * Traction: 3.75
 * Mini-Turbo: 3.25


 * 150cc staff ghost time


 * 200cc staff ghost time

Super Smash Bros.

 * Bio: Link is the valiant boy hero of "The Legend of Zelda" series in which he fights against the evil Ganon to recover the Triforce. Though his tools may change with each adventure, his strength and righteousness remain constant. With his trusty sword and a variety of weapons, he takes adventure head on!

Bio
A sword-wielding hero who also boasts long-range attacks.

Bios

 * Instruction booklet: A warrior from distant Hyrule. His sword and projectiles make him a versatile fighter.
 * Website: The hero of The Legend of Zelda series.
 * The design of this particular Link comes from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.


 * Link wields the Master Sword and a diverse arsenal of equipment.'
 * Use all of his weapons to adapt to the ebb and flow of battle.

Snake's codec

 * Snake: Otacon, who's the guy with the sword?
 * Otacon: That's Link. He's the hero of Hyrule. That blade in his hand is called the Master Sword, also known as the "Blade of Evil's Bane." He also has a whole arsenal of items at his disposal--bombs and arrows, a shield, a boomerang, and a Clawshot. He's a force to be reckoned with.
 * Snake: Gear is only useful when it's used at the right time and place. Just lugging a ton of it around doesn't do you any good.
 * Otacon: ...I, uh... I wouldn't be talking if I were you, Snake.
 * Snake: What's that supposed to mean?
 * Otacon: You tell me, Mr. Utility Belt.
 * Snake: ...

Trophies
Red indicates the Trophy or description is exclusive to the Nintendo 3DS version. Blue indicates the Trophy or description is exclusive to the Wii U version.

Palutena's Guidance

 * Pit: Of all the fighters, Link is the one I most want to take down!
 * Palutena: Oh? Why's that?
 * Pit: We were born around the same time, and we both use a bow. He's totally ripping off my style.
 * Viridi: Puh-lease! Comparing Link to you is like comparing a star to a campfire.
 * Pit: What?!
 * Viridi: Just look at those chiseled features! His cheekbones could seriously cut glass.
 * Pit: Uh, earth to Viridi!
 * Viridi: Oh, I'm only kidding. The goddess of nature would never be interested in some hairless monkey!
 * Palutena: Oh, humans aren't all that bad. I could introduce you to him, if you'd like.
 * Viridi: Hmph. If you insist.
 * Palutena: Back to the fight at hand. Pit, you can reflect Link's projectile attacks using your Guardian Orbitars.
 * Viridi: Just watch out for his dreamy Clawshot!

amiibo

 * Link is the main character in The Legend of Zelda games. A young boy living in Hyrule, Link is often given the task of rescuing Princess Zelda and Hyrule from the Gerudo thief Ganondorf. Humble to the end, Link is known not merely as a hero but as a symbol of courage, strength and wisdom as well.

Snake's codec
(NOTE: Due to the aforementioned changes to Link's grab, Otacon's mention of the Clawshot was removed.)
 * Snake: Otacon, who's the guy with the sword?
 * Otacon: That's Link. He's the hero of Hyrule. That blade in his hand is called the Master Sword, also known as the "Blade of Evil's Bane." He also has a whole arsenal of items at his disposal--bombs and arrows, a shield, a boomerang... He's a force to be reckoned with.
 * Snake: Gear is only useful when it's used at the right time and place. Just lugging a ton of it around doesn't do you any good.
 * Otacon: ...I, uh... I wouldn't be talking if I were you, Snake.
 * Snake: What's that supposed to mean?
 * Otacon: You tell me, Mr. Utility Belt.
 * Snake: ...

Palutena's Guidance

 * Pit: I can't put my finger on it, but Link seems...different somehow.
 * Palutena: Well, this Link is technically a different person from the Link you fought before. This incarnation is known as the Hero of the Wild. He was once Hyrule's Champion, but he fell into a 100-year slumber after using all his strength to fight the Calamity.
 * Pit: 100 years might not be a long time to a goddess like you, Lady Palutena, but that's more than enough time for an entire world to change.
 * Palutena: You're right, Pit. When Link woke from the slumber of restoration, not only was his world unrecognizable, he also lost his memory.
 * Pit: I can't even imagine what that would be like. Lady Palutena, isn't there something the gods can do to help him restore his memory?
 * Palutena: Meddling in the affairs of another world is never a good idea. Although I do like Link, and his swordsmanship is quite impressive. The Master Sword, also known as the sword that seals the darkness, reveals its true strength in the presence of the Calamity.
 * Pit: Cool! Does that mean it's OP against Ganondorf?
 * Palutena: No, Ganondorf is from a different game. You should really do more research before you jump into a fight. If you expect to win, you need to know your opponent's backstory and abilities. Link has a lot of different weapons at his disposal.

Super Smash Blog bio
"Link has been redesigned to match his appearance in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. He can now pick up arrows he's fired, and his bombs have been upgraded to remote bombs, so you can set them off when the timing is just right!"

Super Mario Maker 2

 * Play Nintendo: "Transforming into Link using the Master Sword opens up a whole new world of design possibilities for creators. Using his arrows, Link can shoot far off switches that Mario would normally not be able to hit. His new down thrust move with the sword will defeat usually protected enemies like spike-covered Spinies. And with bombs, some walls that would normally be impassable by Mario and friends can easily be blown up."

Trivia

 * Out of all the dark characters in the Super Smash Bros. series, Dark Link is the only one who has yet to receive a playable appearance separate from his character of origin.
 * According to an interview in 2009, Charles Martinet, Mario's voice actor, told Shigeru Miyamoto that he wanted to voice Link in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, though Miyamoto told him that he would remain without a speaking voice. In the final game, his grunts and yells were portrayed by Nobuyuki Hiyama.