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

[CSmith327]

Game Description:​

Port Credits:​

Released by: linksawakeningdxhd, BigheadSMZ
Status: Completed and receiving new improvement updates
Initial Release Date: 13 Dec 2023
Patch Version: v1.7.0
Patch Date: 29 March 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 changelogs mentioned on the releases page.

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

Original Release Trailer:

Some details about the update patch:

Download Links​

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

 

[Ikagura]

Install one of the two mods that change it to monochrome to make it greyscale. The (Green) one will make it have the pea soup green palette that original DMG model Game Boy had and the (B&W) one will make it black and white like regular greyscale similar to playing on a Game Boy Pocket or GBC/GBA with the palette option you can toggle from the boot screen that turns it that color. I tried all the different color changing mods and they all work pretty good. The Game Boy Color Mod one makes it try to be accurate to the original GBC screen colors. It's very similar to if you play the GBC rom in the Gambatte emulator with color correction turned on or playing it on Switch through the official Game Boy Classics app. I explained what each mod does in the description under Mod Info: You can install or remove mods using the Launcher exe (plus create your own using it too) The mods are all in the .7z file found in the download links of the post
edit: there is a way to change the sword swinging from the settings but I dunno about making it like the Switch remake. I think it just made it hit multiple objects/enemies instead of only hitting one hitbox at a time like in the original

Yes, there is a greyscale mod.

It looks easy to include the Switch OST, just place the music in ogg format and rename accordingly this guide. But to make it better, it needs some dedication to use loop points. As of today I don't think anyone made a music mod.

Thank you two.

I appreciate seeing mod support for this game but I think it's neat to see some features built-in without requiring extra download, I'll still try installing both mods. I hope there will be an option for the screen effect on the og Gameboy.

 

[Nihon]

Can anyone idiot-splain this to me when it comes to the Android port adding mods to it?

 

[HazeX2 HazeX2]

I was just about to say someone should do a Linkle mod for this, only to immediately see it already exists. Awesome

 

[CSmith327]

dang just when I thought I could safely upgrade, there's a new update

Ah geez don't scare me like that. I thought 1.8.4 just came out and was like damn BigheadSMZ give me break. Dude makes a new build like 3 times a week almost. The one in the download here is still the latest thank god. If you got the previous modpack from when I added them last month you'll have to get the new pack from last night since the old mod files are no longer compatible with versions after 1.8.1

 

[drizzes]

dang just when I thought I could safely upgrade, there's a new update

 

[parse]

Probably. Is there a greyscale option for the game btw?

Also I'd love to see if there's a way to include the Switch OST as well as adding the diagonal sword swinging from the remake.

Yes, there is a greyscale mod.

It looks easy to include the Switch OST, just place the music in ogg format and rename accordingly this guide. But to make it better, it needs some dedication to use loop points. As of today I don't think anyone made a music mod.

the screen warping glitch doesn't work on DX GBC port and is one of the main reasons people play the B&W original version, especially speedrunners

Did you try the non DX mod? Does this mod have this glitches as the original?

 

[CSmith327]

Probably. Is there a greyscale option for the game btw?

Also I'd love to see if there's a way to include the Switch OST as well as adding the diagonal sword swinging from the remake.

Install one of the two mods that change it to monochrome to make it greyscale. The (Green) one will make it have the pea soup green palette that original DMG model Game Boy had and the (B&W) one will make it black and white like regular greyscale similar to playing on a Game Boy Pocket or GBC/GBA with the palette option you can toggle from the boot screen that turns it that color. I tried all the different color changing mods and they all work pretty good. The Game Boy Color Mod one makes it try to be accurate to the original GBC screen colors. It's very similar to if you play the GBC rom in the Gambatte emulator with color correction turned on or playing it on Switch through the official Game Boy Classics app. I explained what each mod does in the description under Mod Info: You can install or remove mods using the Launcher exe (plus create your own using it too) The mods are all in the .7z file found in the download links of the post
edit: there is a way to change the sword swinging from the settings but I dunno about making it like the Switch remake. I think it just made it hit multiple objects/enemies instead of only hitting one hitbox at a time like in the original

 

[RubyEye]

My first video games were this, missile command and Tetris on my OG Gameboy.

 

[Ikagura]

@Ikagura I promise you that if you play this port you'll have a really tough time going back to the other versions

Probably. Is there a greyscale option for the game btw?

Also I'd love to see if there's a way to include the Switch OST as well as adding the diagonal sword swinging from the remake.

 

[JustLooking456]

@Ikagura I promise you that if you play this port you'll have a really tough time going back to the other versions

 

[Ikagura]

the screen warping glitch doesn't work on DX GBC port and is one of the main reasons people play the B&W original version, especially speedrunners

I see. Maybe Nintendo knew that glitch or the engine got slightly updated.

Not that I care to be honest because I play the game normally.

I've done every versions of the game from the original GB to the Switch remake but I appreciate this PC port.

 

[Rocket2049]

Was that glitch fixed in the DX port?

the screen warping glitch doesn't work on DX GBC port and is one of the main reasons people play the B&W original version, especially speedrunners

 

[CSmith327]

This has now been updated to the current version along with all the mods at their latest versions (in the mod pack .7z) It has reached the peak perfection as of this moment. Since it's such a pain in the ass to maintain updating this every 2 or 3 days with the schedule BigheadSMZ has, expect the next change to this post to be whenever something notable happens in the development (like an overhaul of something or v1.9.0) This one is perfect (as far I know) and all the mods should work with it.

 

[Ikagura]

i mean it's a DIFFERENT port, much different, no "pixels" at all kinda port, from the ground up for better or worse.
and a fun bird glitch that i left my switch port unpatched for (walking on basically any wall in game)

but yeah this PC port CONTINUES to improve, wouldn't be surprised one day it'll have the Switch graphics/sounds as an option lol
the sound part can already be done actually with this PC ports tools, but i'm lazy lol

btw is there an "easy" way to walk through walls on this PC port? honestly the only real "missing" thing is all the glitches, GB original screen warp glitch, switches walk on walls with bird glitch, i mean.

Was that glitch fixed in the DX port?

 

[Rocket2049]

I almost wasted $60 on the Switch version lol

i mean it's a DIFFERENT port, much different, no "pixels" at all kinda port, from the ground up for better or worse.
and a fun bird glitch that i left my switch port unpatched for (walking on basically any wall in game)

but yeah this PC port CONTINUES to improve, wouldn't be surprised one day it'll have the Switch graphics/sounds as an option lol
the sound part can already be done actually with this PC ports tools, but i'm lazy lol

btw is there an "easy" way to walk through walls on this PC port? honestly the only real "missing" thing is all the glitches, GB original screen warp glitch, switches walk on walls with bird glitch, i mean

Post automatically merged: May 18, 2026

I have dreams that the original Ecco the Dolphin game on Mega Drive / Mega CD gets this HD treatment.

sega's already working on it, a full remake of the first 2, the dreamcast game, and the new one coming out

 

[CSmith327]

The 1.8.3 got released today.

We'll see about updating it soon. The past several updates have been pretty major changes. Mainly to the modding system but also a lot of changes to the game itself too. New graphical effects and quality of life things here and there.

 

[Ikagura]

The 1.8.3 got released today.

 

[Vortex]

Damn, that's insane.
I hope they do the "Oracle" games next.

Post automatically merged: May 12, 2026

This is fun and novel but there is something wrong with people who insist that having half the entire game map on one screen or on an ultrawide display is fun for the whole playthrough.

Nothing wrong with it if that's how they prefer it.
You can still switch it to the original behavior in the options if that's your cup of tea.

Post automatically merged: May 12, 2026

Just having 2 extra item-slots is such a welcome QoL-addition.
The smoothness of everything and being able to skip tutorial-messages is awesome too.

 

[roundtree]

I have dreams that the original Ecco the Dolphin game on Mega Drive / Mega CD gets this HD treatment.

That sounds nice and it would probably be a lot better at 60 frames per second. Because of how fast Ecco moves.

 

[yuzura]

Update 1.8.0 please

 

[RetroProf]

I have dreams that the original Ecco the Dolphin game on Mega Drive / Mega CD gets this HD treatment.

 

[roundtree]

Just for the record I've tested this on both Android 8 and 12 and it works perfect on each. That's just because I have these 2 old phones that I play games on.

 

[CSmith327]

I almost wasted $60 on the Switch version lol

Echoes of Wisdom would be a better investment imo. Both games were developed by Grezzo and I'm pretty sure somehow Echoes reuses the engine and source code from the Link's Awakening remake (but I could be wrong) It was nice playing as Zelda and overall it was the most fun I've had playing a Zelda game in many years. The amount of possibilities to how you can play the game and solve puzzles due to the Echoes in the game made it always stay fresh and engaging. Seeing Zelda don Link's outfit and use his sword, shield, and bow when going into that hero mode kinda thing was also really cool. I just beat it 100% all items, echoes, and quests last week. I think it was money well spent. I'd rate the game 8.5 or 9 out of 10 easily

 

[roundtree]

As far as link's awakening DX HD is concerned, I was able to make windows Linux and Android executables with the patcher. I don't know if it makes a difference but every single time I would just drop the patcher inside a folder with a fresh copy of the 1.0 files. Its probably not necessary to keep deleting the files.

 

[0Ni_Link]

I almost wasted $60 on the Switch version lol