Zelda: Link's Awakening DX HD (PC) Windows Linux MacOS Android

Port Credits:

Released by: linksawakeningdxhd, BigheadSMZ
Status: Completed and receiving new improvement updates
Initial Release Date: 13 Dec 2023
Patch Version: v1.8.8
Patch Date: 30 May 2026

Source and details: https://archive.org/details/links-awakening-dx-hd (original itch.io download taken down by Big N)
Patch source and details: https://github.com/BigheadSMZ/Zelda-LA-DX-HD-Updated

Original description from itch.io:

Dive into the enchanting world of The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX as you’ve never experienced it before, with this meticulously crafted PC version that breathes new life into this classic adventure. Immerse yourself in the nostalgia of Koholint Island with enhanced graphics and widescreen support, bringing the charming landscapes and characters to vivid detail on your modern PC display.

But that’s not all – we’ve turbocharged the gameplay with high framerate support, ensuring that every sword swing, puzzle solve, and enemy encounter feels smoother and more responsive than ever. Rediscover the magic of this timeless Zelda title with improved performance, letting you explore dungeons, uncover secrets, and engage in epic battles with unparalleled fluidity.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of Link’s Awakening or a newcomer to the series, this PC version offers a fresh take on the beloved classic, combining the essence of the original with cutting-edge enhancements. Embark on a journey across the mysterious island, solve puzzles, meet quirky characters, and relive the adventure with a level of polish and finesse that pays homage to the legendary legacy of The Legend of Zelda.

Besides creating ports for additional systems, the updates done by BigheadSMZ has produced a lot of changes and improvements. Since it's a bit too much to list here check out the changelog. (this file is also included in the download archive)

Main Features:

• Ultra-Widescreen Support: The game is expanded to fit modern displays, allowing you to see much more of the map at once.
• Zoom Features: You can zoom the camera all the way out to see the entire active world map, or zoom in closer.
• High Frame Rate: Supports up to 120 fps for smooth scrolling and gameplay.
• Seamless Transitions: Unlike the original, which used screen-by-screen transitions, this version features a continuous, scrolling overworld.
• Improved Legibility: Features HD text with an optional alternate font and menus that are easier to read on high-resolution screens.
• Multi-Language Support: Includes support for various languages beyond the original release.
• Modern Lighting: Includes a new lighting engine for dungeons and visual effects like enemy electrocution.
• Post-processing Effects: Shadow outlines on enemies and characters along with fog effects.
• Expanded Item Slots: Adds extra item slots (mapped to 4 buttons), significantly reducing the need to constantly pause and swap items.
• Customizable Redux and Modifier Settings: Change various properties of the game to suit your preferred playstyle.
• Setting Presets: Easy and quick presets based on Modern, Classic, or Hybrid styles.
• Touch-Screen Controls: Android port has on-screen controls via an overlay but can be played with a controller as well.
• Probably some more I've not thought off

Forget the Switch remake, this here is the definitive experience for the game. It's probably the best way to play the best retro feeling game in the series, offering a stellar retro Zelda experience. Words honestly can't describe how amazing this port is tbh. It's a definite must play for any Zelda fan.

Thanks to BigheadSMZ this can now be played on all the main systems people use these days. So there's no excuse not to play it at this point lol

Now included (as of 05-18-2026) is all the currently available mods for this port. Mods were sourced from here and additional info (although the info below should be sufficient enough) on them can be found here.

Mod Info:

Canonical Rupee Colors v1.1 by Mandras2 - Replaces the rupees with canonical colors found in other Zelda games.

Classic Grass v1.2 by Dittron - Replaces the grass with the original style since the updated grass has unwanted bleeding pixels that carry over to the next tiles (check the GIF on the discussions page for an example)

Female Player Dialog v1.1 by Dittron - Alters the NPC dialogue to reflect having a female protagonist in place of Link. Meant to be used with mods that change Link's sprite to a female design if the mod being used doesn't also accommodate the script change. Currently supports English and Spanish only.

Unique Level 2 Sword Animation v1.0 by Dittron - This mod gives the L-2 Sword unique visuals, and by unique visuals I mean it's been recolored from blue to green! Simple but effective. There's also an optional addendum patch that adds the L-2 Sword to the file select screen. (The file select patch only works with Link as the protagonist and not Linkle/Saria)

LCD Colors v1.2.1 by GLEclipseGaming - Makes the game look less saturated by replacing all the textures with LCD colors (Similar to how Oracle of Ages/Seasons looks on a GBA)

Game Boy Color Mod v2.0 by AchillesPDX - Changes the color palette to match the Game Boy Color's LCD colors.

Link's Awakening HD DMG Colors (Green) v2.1 by BigheadSMZ - Replicates the original four shades of green of the original DMG Game Boy.

Link's Awakening HD DMG Colors (B&W) v2.1 by Calico_Stonewolf - Makes the game black and white like the original Game Boy version.

Link's Awakening HD v2.2 by BigheadSMZ - Essentially makes the port be Link's Awakening HD instead by removing all of the DX additions and alterations to the base game Nintendo had done for the GBC one. Pair this mod with one of the monochrome ones for maximum effect since it removes the DX changes but retains the colorization from DX.

Saria Over Link v3.4 by Dittron - Replaces Link's sprite with Saria's (Link's childhood friend from the Kokiri Forest in Ocarina of Time) and alters some dialogue to reflect the gender change (English script only).

Linkle's Awakening v1.2 by stuff.by.jesh (Ported to DX HD by GLEclipseGaming) - This mod was originally a romhack for the GBC rom and was ported over to DX HD. It replaces Link with Linkle from Hyrule Warriors, changes the sprites, intro, and ending scenes, and some dialogue to reflect gender change (English script only).

Linkle's Awakening (LCD Version) v1.2 by GLEclipseGaming - The above mod but with colors like the LCD colors mod.

Note about modding: The mods can be created, applied, or removed using the Launcher app. More info can be found here. As for mods in the Android version you need to create an apk from an already modded version using the Patcher.exe on your modded copy by picking Android as the output, and checking the box labeled "Pack Mods Folder Into APK".

Original Release Trailer:

Some details about the update patch:

Note: The bottommost link is the original v1.0.0 version which is Windows DirectX based. It can be used with the Patcher.exe from Github to create cleanly patched versions for each system.