A new version of the original Legend of Zelda game, first released in 1987, has made a surprise appearance on the Nintendo Switch.
The classic game has popped up on the list of older game titles from the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) era accessible to gamers who subscribe to the Switch Online service.
The surprise addition, which appeared alongside expected launches including Super Dodgeball and NES Open, is also a “souped up” version of the game that hands players a range of powerful upgrades and in-game currency from launch.
As a result, this new version of the game is entitled The Legend of Zelda: Living the life of luxury!, though a harder version of the game is unlocked once players complete it with all the free extra equipment.
Switch: The Legend of Zelda – Living the life of luxury! This is practically easy mode for those who have not finished the original NES version.
— Juice @ Unknown (@TheJuice48) October 10, 2018
The move by Nintendo shows the gaming giant is trying to diversify the type of games it offers on Switch Online, the subscription service that rolled out last month.
But not everyone was convinced by its inclusion.
Also tried the 'Special Edition' of Zelda … it reminds me of that bit in Family Guy where the clerk's trying to sell him a partially-completed activity book I mean I get it… but we sure did not have this back in 1987! (although I did hear there's a harder take on (cont.)
— Joe (@DarkTetsuya) October 10, 2018
"The Legend of Zelda Living the life of luxury!" is probably one of the strangest releases Nintendo's ever done. It's not even a rom hack; it's an official release of a save state that acquired these starting items through in-game means.
— Komma (@KommaChameleon) October 10, 2018
Still, if it is yet to be ticked off your gaming bucket list, this might be the best chance to do so.
