I remember walking into a Funcoland (Imagine Gamestop but more colorful) when I was a boy. I saw they have an endcap with toys. These weren’t any toys; these were toys from my favorite video games. At this point, I had seen toys from movies and TV shows, but games!? I was so blown away by the idea that I could own a toy from my favorite video game that I became obsessed with collecting toys from video games.
Especially those from the franchises I grew up with. Of all the gaming franchises, very few have meant as much to me as the Legend of Zelda. So owning a toy from the franchise has always felt like owning a piece of the game’s world.
For me finding a good Legend of Zelda toy is about finding one that is a good representation of the game world. If I’m holding a Link figure, I want to feel like I’m holding a very tiny link in the palm of my hand. Maybe I’ve secretly always wanted to be a giant; who knows. But I know what I’m looking for in a good toy, which is significant and a source of pride as a collector.
I’m not a kid, so I don’t sit and play with action figures (as often) as I did as a child. But with age comes an appreciation for craftsmanship, detail, and paint jobs. There’s nothing like a good PJ. It’s about telling a story with the toy, posing them, and pairing them with other figures to create epic scenes. And today, I want to share that with you in this ultimate guide for Zelda toys.
Bottom Line Upfront
Let’s start with what I consider to be a “toy.” I include plushies, playsets, action figures, and dolls. I won’t be including replicas or statues. What is the difference between a statue and an action figure or doll? Point of articulation. They’ll need to have at least 4 points of articulation, specifically at the knees and elbows.
But who’s going to want to buy these? That depends on multiple factors. The cost of the toy, the age of the person the toy is for, and personal choice. These toys can range anywhere from $20 to $200. I’m not saying you shouldn’t play with a $200 figure or buy one for your child whose motor skills have not developed.
I’m just saying it’s a risky investment. But in all seriousness, the more expensive toys are more appropriate for having on display while the less expensive ones are good to play with.
One of my favorite brands for not only Zelda toys but for just Nintendo-related toys, in general, is “World of Nintendo” by Jakks Pacific… They have playsets, figures, plushies, and more. With an excellent price range, their figures can go from $6.99 for their 2.5” figures to about $40 for their playset.
The price and the fact that they’re still sold in traditional brick-and-mortar stores make them very accessible. My biggest issue with this brand is that there’s little to no official information about them. They don’t even have much in the way of an official site. So, it can be hard to track new releases.
Also, some figures are rarer than others, so you can’t track re-releases if you miss a release. And if you go online to find those figures, I’ve seen them priced 2, 3, and even four times higher than their original cost. But luckily, there is Reddit that does an excellent job of keeping track of new releases.
So if you’re looking for a place to start collecting Legend of Zelda toys, World of Nintendo is a great place to start.
My Top Picks at a Glance
1. World of Nintendo The Legend of Zelda Skull Kid Action Figure with Mask, 4 Inches: One of the only Skullkid actions figures
2. World of Nintendo Legend of Zelda Windwaker Micro Land Deluxe Pack King of Red Lions: A deluxe modular playset that can be connected to other sets.
3. World of Nintendo 6-Inch The Legend of Zelda Windwaker HD Ganon Action Figure: A lovely Ganon figure that’s tall and sturdy.
4. World of Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Link 4” figure: A small yet detailed ocarina of time figured.
5. The Legend of Zelda Figma (Link Between Worlds) DX Edition: Don’t be fooled by this figure’s size. It’s highly detailed and comes with amazing accessories.
6. Good Smile Company Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess Link Figma DX Action Figure: A Link figure with an abundance of small details makes for a fantastic figure.
7. Good Smile Company The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess Zelda Figma Action Figure: It may lack the accessories of the other Figma figures, but it captures Zelda’s beauty.
8. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Figma Link: It lacks the smaller details of its Twilight Princess counterpart, but it makes up for it with the details that it does have
9. Club Mocchi- Mocchi- The Legend of Zelda Korok Mega Plush Toy, 15 inches: A very soft plushie that won’t give you poop.
10. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Real Action Heroes Link: My favorite Legend of Zelda action figure – it has everything, high-level detail, an abundance of accessories, and breathtaking craftsmanship.
What to Look For in a Legend of Zelda Toy
A good toy is about capturing a fantasy. Either by replicating a specific scene from the game or creating your own.
What makes a good toy also depends on the toy you’re getting. If you’re getting an action figure, you’re looking for an accurate sculpt. “Sculpt’ as in how accurate the toy is to the character it’s supposed to be replicating. The next thing you’re looking for is points of articulation.
The more points, the easier it is to create the poses you want. You also want to look for toys with accessories. This is important for any action figure but especially a Legend of Zelda figure. Link and other characters are known for their items. You wouldn’t want a Link figure without his sword and shield or Zelda without her Bow.
A well-thought-out accessory helps capture the fantasy you’re trying to create. So make sure the toy comes with the accessories you think the character would have. And lastly, the paint job. A good paint job is arguably more important than the sculpt. I’ve seen some bad sculpts saved by a good paint job, and a good sculpt ruined by a bad paint job.
You want the paint to be durable (resistant to scuffing and chipping) while also being vibrant. A good paint job should help sell the fantasy of your toy. If Link’s sword and shield aren’t made from metal, a good paint job should make it look like they are.
Of course, all these things are relative to the figure’s price. So naturally, a $200 action figure will have more bells and whistles than a $20 action figure. But you should still be on the lookout for everything I mentioned but on a lesser scale to match the price.
Then there are plushies. Plushies aren’t about recreating the character 1/1. It’s about them looking as cute as possible. So you should be on the lookout for a plushie made with quality fabric, so it’s easier to clean, doesn’t stain easily, and is durable. And, of course, most importantly, it has to be soft. Because life is hard and sometimes is once just to be able to hug something.
How Much Should You Pay for a Legend of Zelda Toy?
It’s also important to note that the price of toys tends to fluctuate depending on a few factors. The main ones are if the toy is still actively being manufactured and how rare it is. A toy no longer in print can be up to 5 times its original cost.
As you’ll read later on, something that initially costs $300 can be priced up to $1000. Is that a bit greedy? Of course, it is. Are people still going to pay those inflated prices? Yes, they are. So if you’re going to buy these toys to play with or collect, it’s essential to keep track of new releases and their prices to ensure you’re getting the best value.
If a toy isn’t in print, you can still get it, but it will take some internet sleuthing to find them. eBay and Amazon are good places to start if you’re looking to find a specific toy. Some of the toys below are out of print, but they’re the best of the best.
Difference Between Officially Licensed, Bootleg, and Unlicensed
Officially licensed toys like all the ones in this article are the toys that have been officially licensed by and have Nintendo’s permission to use their characters and names. And as such, Nintendo makes sure these toys are of a certain quality.
Bootleg toys are toys that commit copyright infringement by attempting to replicate an officially licensed toy illegally. These are usually a lot cheaper in quality and price. Typically bootlegs are easy to spot due to their low quality and MUCH lower price. Unlicensed toys are of varying quality. Admittedly, some of them are of good quality.
But they’re not licensed by Nintendo, so you won’t see iconographies like the tri-force or logos from Nintendo or the game. They also omit character names, names of places, and items to skirt legality.
I personally only buy officially licensed toys. This is because they typically have better quality, and you can usually get better support if you run into any issues. The best way to get licensed toys is to make sure you’re buying from trusted sellers and look for things like the Nintendo seal of approval, official logos, and characters’ names.
1. World of Nintendo The Legend of Zelda Skull Kid Action Figure with Mask, 4 Inches
Pros
This is your only option if you’re looking for a skull kid figure with Majora’s mask accessory. The figure is highly detailed, with over 15 points of articulation.
Cons
Joints are a bit loose, and the figure is molded from one particular pose, so posing it can be difficult. The price for the items is high, so you’re paying for how rare the figure is instead of the quality.
The Details
Our first item is World of Nintendo’s Skullkid figure from the Legend of Zelda Majora’s Mask. This is a rarer release for World of Nintendo, so it’s priced higher than what you would typically spend for a 4” figure.
But despite the price, I think this is a must-have for collects because of its rarity, and it’s the only licensed Skullkid with Mojoras maks toy out there today. Apart from the joints feeling a bit loose, the craftsmanship isn’t bad. In addition, I was impressed by the details, making it an excellent addition to your Legend of Zelda collection.
2. World of Nintendo Legend of Zelda Windwaker Micro Land Deluxe Pack King of Red Lions
Pros
Great colors and paint job makes it, so it doesn’t easily get lost amongst other collectibles. It’s perfect for you if you’re looking for something to play with or looking to create your scene on a shelf.
Cons
Once again priced for how rare the item is. Each tile is 2 inches x 2 inches (5.08cm x 5.08cm) Link figure is 1 inch (2.54cm) tall, so the set may be smaller than what you’re expecting.
The Details
It’s Link and the King of Red Lion’s ship. The colors pop out at you, and it has a pretty solid paint job. Because of the modular nature of the tiles, they can be connected to other World of Nintendo Winder Waker Deluxe sets. For example, there’s a Tetra on the open ocean set and a Link on Outset island set that can all be connected.
However, some buyers might be put off because the sets that include Link have the same figures. It would have been nice to have a different pose or, at the very least, a different facial expression. The Outset and Open Ocean deluxe sets are currently $9.99 and $12.20.
3. World of Nintendo 6-Inch The Legend of Zelda Windwaker HD Ganon Action Figure
Pros
The sculpt for this toy is fantastic, and the paint details are beautiful.
Cons
One of the few World of Nintendo figures 4” or taller that doesn’t come with an accessory.
The Details
This figure is beautiful, and despite most of it being black, it remains vibrant and full of character because of a fantastic face sculpt. If you were looking to crab this figure to pair it with other Wind Waker characters, this is the only World of Nintendo figure at this scale.
The only other figure is 2.5” or the 1” figures from the deluxe playsets. Hopefully, World of Nintendo will release a 4” Wind Waker Link or Zelda to go with this figure.
4. World of Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Link 4” Figure
Pros
A drastic increase in quality over the Skyward Sword 4” Link figure comes with sword and shield accessories. The face sculpt is surprisingly well done for a 4” figure, and despite the weight of the shield and sword, I didn’t have an issue standing it up and posing it.
Cons
Another World of Nintendo figure you’ll be paying for how rare it is rather than the overall quality of the product.
The Details
The last World of Nintendo item on this list was initially released around 2016, this is a rare figure, but it’s a must-have if you’re collecting them. It feels far sturdier than its Skyward Sword counterpart. This is due to thicker limbs and sturdier joints. The face sculpt is pretty spot-on, in my opinion.
5. The Legend of Zelda Figma (Link Between Worlds) DX Edition
Pros
Its smooth and sturdy joints make it highly poseable and include multiple accessories. And The paint job is detailed and colorful, which compliments a highly detailed sculpt that makes this figure come to life.
Cons
At 4.25” is one of the smaller Figma figures, which may make it hard to justify the price for some buyers.
The Details
This is a fantastic piece, so I struggled to find any cons with this figure. It has a long list of accessories, including two faceplates, a Master sword, a Hylian shield, Illustrated sheet of the wall merged Link, a Tornado Rod, a Hookshot, a bomb, and Baby Maiamai, a rupee, and a pot.
To make this figure even easier to pose, it also comes with a Figma posing stand so you can create just about any pose you want.
This figure is a beauty to behold and looks like a piece of concept art come to life. Everything from Link’s boots to the tip of his hat is sculpted to perfection. The quality of this figure alone justifies the $72.00 – $90.00 price tag but combine that with the laundry list of accessories, and I think this figure is a relatively good deal.
6. Good Smile Company Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess Link Figma DX Action Figure
Pros
There’s a high level of detail on this figure and its accessories that accompanies a high level of articulation which will support a wide variety of poses. Like the Link to the Past figure, it has a lot of accessories.
Cons
$144 to $180 is a price point that all but the most avid collectors would have trouble justifying, even with the fantastic quality. Though the sculpt is impressive, the face seems off. It’s still a good quality; it just doesn’t look like the Twilight Princess version of Link.
The Details
Because Twilight Princess is a game that tried to achieve a more realistic look, this figure has more finner details. Everything here is perfectly realized as all the little details from the stitching on Links tunic to chainmail peeking out from under his shirt come together to make a fantastic figure.
The list of accessories is impressive as well. They include three face plates, multiple hands for gripping, Master Sword, Ordon Sword, Hylian Shield, Hero’s Bow & Arrow, Ball & Chain, Hawkeye, and Clawshot. And each of these accessories comes with its own high level of detail. The impressive paint job allows the plastic chainmail, shield, and weapons to look like actual metal.
As mentioned above, I’m not a fan of the faceplates. Especially those with more exaggerated facial expressions, but it’s a minor gripe for an otherwise fantastic figure.
7. Good Smile Company The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess Zelda Figma Action Figure
Pros
A high level of detail and articulation and an impressive paint job helps brings this figure to life.
Cons
Not as many accessories as the other Figma figures and a price tag of over $200 is enough to make even me sweat.
The details
Zelda is a beautiful character, and this figure brings her to life. I’m in love with the details in the dress. The embroidering at the bottom looks like actual fabric, and the paint job on this figure is very impressive. Sadly, the figure lacks accessories yet still carries such a high price tag.
However, what the figure lacks in accessories, they seem to have tried to make up for it with the details on the dress. Do they succeed? That’s really up to the person buying it because $200 is a significant investment for a toy.
The figure comes with two face plates for expressions, a Sword, a Bow of Light, and an articulated Figma stand.
8. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Figma Link
Pros
The colorful paint job brings the game’s cel-shading to the real world. A firm and poseable joint make posing fun and easy. As of this writing, this figure has been re-released, so it’s less expensive than the other figures that are no longer in production.
Cons
Like the Twilight Princess figure, the faces on this still look a bit derpy though admittedly less so.
The Details
Though it doesn’t feature as many fine details as the Twilight Princess Figma figure to better mimic the game’s cartoony style, it is still a beautiful piece worthy of any collection.
While the other Zelda Figma figures sported a lot of fine details that come together to make a fantastic figure, this figure focuses mainly on perfecting the bigger features as much as possible. For example, the folds in Links clothes look incredible, and though I’m not 100% sold on the faces, I must admit they’re painted to perfection.
This figure’s accessories include the Master Sword, Hylian Shield, Figma stand, and two faceplates.
9. Club Mocchi- Mocchi- The Legend of Zelda Korok Mega Plush Toy, 15 inches
Pros
It’s soft while also being durable. It also won’t force you to look for it and reward you with poop.
Cons
It’s cute. There are no downsides.
The Details
If you played Breath of the Wild and wanted to hug korok, this is the toy for you. It’s soft and huggable. It’s pretty durable, so it won’t fall apart if you decide to sleep with it.
10. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Real Action Heroes Link
Pros
The clothes fit the figure well on this highly poseable figure that comes with TONS of accessories. The face sculpt is terrific and features moveable eyes,
Cons
This figure is hard to find, originally priced at $334.99, but if you do find it, this figure can go for upwards of $1000.
The Details
The figure is 11” tall with high-quality fabric clothes. It comes with 2 faceplates with movable eyes, 3 pairs of interchangeable hands, Sword, Shield, Bow, 5 Arrows, 1 guardian arrow, Quiver, Sheikah Slate, 2 belt hooks, Cape, and a stand for posing. There’s a reason why I think this is the best figure on this list.
It’s beautiful. It combines the best aspects of both a statue and an action figure. Many figures attempt to hide the joints in an effort to maintain the illusion, whereas statues are beautiful but aren’t poseable. The clothing contours to the figure’s body, hiding the joints allowing you to perfectly recreate any of Links’s iconic poses from the game.
Is this figure worth the $300 from its original release? Yes, without a doubt. Is it worth the $1000 it’s being sold for on eBay and Amazon? That is a bit more complicated to answer. I believe this is the best Legend of Zelda figure money can buy. It has an insane amount of quality and detail, and as such, this isn’t made for the average consumer.
It’s made for those who love Zelda and who will appreciate this figure’s quality. So whether it’s worth it or not depends on your level of dedication and your financial situation.
FAQ
Question: Where’s the Best Place to Buy Zelda Toys?
Answer: Websites like Big Bad Toy Store and Zavvi are a great place to start. And of course, there’s Amazon and eBay if the figure is no longer being manufactured and you’re looking to compare prices. And don’t forget traditional brick-and-mortar stores like Target and Walmart.
Question: How do I Avoid Buying Bootleg Legend of Zelda Toys?
Answer: Once again, websites like Big Bad Toy Store and Zavvi are safe places to avoid bootlegs. Also, buying off the manufacturer’s official site is always a safe bet. If you must use something like Amazon or eBay, keep a few things in mind. First, check a trusted site like Zavvi or the manufacturer’s official site to see the original MSRP value. If you’re buying a figure that’s less than the original price, it’s most likely a scam. If it’s on Amazon, make sure it’s Prime and check the return policy before buying. If you’re buying on eBay, check the seller’s reviews and ensure they’re in good standings before purchasing. Bootlegs are usually a much lower quality than the official product so check images and make sure they match official photos from the manufacturer.
Question: Will These Toys Ever get Re-Released?
Answer:Â That depends on how popular the toy was. The Skyward Sword Link figure is getting a re-release because Nintendo launched Skyword Sword HD. So typically, if there’s interest in the figure, they’ll release it again.
Conclusion
The toy you get is all about how you choose to express your love for the Legend of Zelda series. So it doesn’t matter if you get the most expensive or least expensive toy. All that matters is you’re enjoying yourself.