Summary
Majora’s Mask may have been released all the way back in 1997, but just like many otherLegend of Zeldagames, it continues to capture the imagination of players today. Because games arenot generally well preserved and accessible, it can be tricky for those who have never had a chance to play this classic to experience it today.
Regardless of their beloved status or popularity, many video games (Nintendo games in particular) do not always get re-released, even digitally, and although there are second-hand copies out there for purchase, it is hard to tell which one offers the best experience for the price.
5The Wii / WiiU Virtual Console Port
Two Outdated And Problematic Ports
The WiiU port ofMajora’s Maskis generally considered among the worst versions of Majora’s Mask by fans, who were disgruntled by the missed opportunity of scaling the game up to high definition. There is a serious input lag issue with this version that can make the high-intensity moments of the game frustrating, to say the least. The Wii version is better, but there is a lack of rumble functionality without a GameCube controller.
Because the game was not designed around one, playing with a Wii controller can be challenging. However, as the WiiU store andWii Shop Channel have long since closed, playingMajora’s Maskon either console is impossible for all but existing owners. It may be possible to buy a Wii or WiiU with a virtual copy of the game pre-installed, but the odds of finding one are particularly thin.
4GameCube Collector’s Edition
A Bountiful But Buggy Zelda Bundle
The Majora’s Mask found on the GameCubeLegend Of Zelda: Collector’s Editionis a straight port from the previous Nintendo console, the N64. It takes advantage of the GameCube controller’s built-in rumble functionality, and this version’s video output was scaled from 240p to 480p. However, playing the game without the rumble functionality switched on may be preferable as, due to a bug, rumble lowers the game’s performance.
Rumble or no rumble, the Collector’s Edition comes with a few noticeable graphical and audio glitches, but worst of all, this version has the highest crash rate, a serious downside giventhe odd nature of savinginMajora’s Mask. Technical issues aside, theCollector’s Editionalso contains a port of the originalLegend of Zelda,The Legend of Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link, andOcarina of Time(the latter, unfortunately, suffering from the same problems described above).
3The Switch Online Version
The Best Option To Play Majora’s Mask In The Short-Term
This is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to playMajora’s Masktoday, at least in the short term. However, there are two major issues with the Switch version. First,Majora’s Maskis only accessible by paying for the Switch Online service, which requires a monthly fee. Second, as this is an online service, there is no telling how long the offer will last, and there are plenty of examples ofSwitch Online games getting delistedeach year.
After paying the subscription for months or years, the game may one day vanish along with the offer, as was the case with the WiiU or 3DS store. However, those who are not interested in actually owning the game and simply wish to pay the fee will be delighted at the quality of the emulation. It is a port of the Nintendo 64 game without any of the issues of the Collector’s Edition or Wii ports.
2Majora’s Mask 3D - The 3DS Remake
A Beautiful If Slightly Flawed Reimagining
There is hardly anotherNintendo game more worthy of a remake, and in 2015, the fans got what they were asking for. Although the 3DS store is no longer supported, the 3DS remake is one of the more affordable ways to play and ownMajora’s Masktoday. Besides the 3D functionality, it is a remake from the ground up, meaning beautified textures, models, and modern functionality (including gyro aim for shooting arrows or Deku bubbles and better save points).
While it is a worthy remake, there are a couple of questionable design decisions about theLegend Of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3Dthat leave fans divided. For one, some of the uncanny, eerie atmosphere was lost in translation from the original. A major complaint is that the Zora mask depletes magic power when swimming. The dungeon boss overhaul was somewhat divisive in the fanbase. However, the 3DS version does add an Ocarina of Time-style fishing minigame, and3D / N64 Remake differences aside, there is plenty to love about this remake.
1The Original Nintendo 64 Version
The Hardest Version To Find But The Definitive One
Despite the many re-releases of the game, Nintendo nailed it the first time. Saving up the rupees to get the cartridge, Nintendo 64 console, and the 4MB Expansion Pak is definitely arduous, which is a major downside. However, those lucky enough to have all three can experienceMajora’s Maskas it was intended. As with all the other games from this era, it isbest played on a CRT television(the ones with the tube in the back) due to its low resolution.
Despite its slightly lesser resolution (which can be improved via an N64 hardware mod), Majora’s Mask on the N64 beats out the competition due to the fact that its visuals are produced as intended (unlike later ports), its native controller set-up feels the most natural, and, despite its high-cost today, it is possible to physically own the hardware.
