The Nintendo Switch Online service now has a new game inspired by The Legend of Zelda series for subscribers to enjoy, called D-Hopper. The Zelda series is one of Nintendo’s tentpole franchises alongside Super Mario and Pokemon.
Originally released in February 1986 on the Famicom, The Legend of Zelda presented the first of many adventures taking place across the land of Hyrule. Most Zelda titles that have followed have usually featured Link and the titular Princess Zelda working together to stop the villainous Ganon from taking over Hyrule. Nintendo observed the 40th anniversary of the Zelda franchise by announcing in June that a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time would arrive exclusively on Switch 2 sometime in 2026.
Virtual Boy Game Dragon Hopper Should Satisfy Some Zelda Fans
However, some Nintendo fans will not have to wait to experience a new Zelda-like adventure for the first time. Nintendo released two canceled Virtual Boy games on August 4 as part of the Nintendo Switch Online service, one of which is called D-Hopper, originally developed as Dragon Hopper. Initially planned to launch in 1996, Dragon Hopper was canceled following the commercial failure of the Virtual Boy system. Developed by Intelligent Systems, Dragon Hopper is a top-down 2D action-action adventure game that tells the story of the draconic prince Dorin as he seeks to free his family from the clutches of a dastardly prime minister named Lexer. The hero can jump between different floors and on top of enemies he encounters along his journey to free four spirits. He can also transform into different dragons to overcome various obstacles. Just as Link is sometimes accompanied by fairy companions such as Na’vi, Dorin has assistance from a fairy called Selene.
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Image via Nintendo -
Image via Nintendo -
Image via Nintendo
With the August 4 Nintendo Switch Online update, D-Hopper was officially released alongside Zero Racers for the first time. However, Nintendo fans interested in playing the game have two caveats to consider. First, an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription with the Expansion Pack upgrade is required to use most Nintendo Classics apps, including the Virtual Boy. Second, a physical Virtual Boy peripheral for Switch consoles is needed to play any VB titles on the system without difficulty. The Virtual Boy accessory costs $99.99, though a cheaper cardboard model is also available for $24.99. Both versions peripherals are exclusively available for purchase by Nintendo Switch Online subscribers while supplies last.
The arrival of D-Hopper comes at a good time for Zelda fans looking to scratch their adventuring itch. Additionally, an indie title called Isles of Reveries will launch on September 4 on all current-gen platforms. Isles of Reveries draws heavy inspiration from past Legend of Zelda titles such as Link’s Awakening and the Oracle of Ages and Seasons duology first released on the Game Boy and Game Boy Color. The game will have support for local, two-player co-op.
As for the Zelda series itself, a precise release date for Ocarina of Time has not been revealed by Nintendo as of this writing. However, evidence from a Nintendo financial report indicated that the upcoming Zelda title could launch sometime in November. It remains to be seen if that will be the case.