Finding a way to play The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords on DS/3DS is tricky because it was a limited-time digital release that is no longer officially available for download. This guide explains the game's history, current status, and where to look for it now. Zelda Wiki 1. What is "Zelda Four Swords DS"? The game you are likely looking for is The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition Original Version:
It started as a multiplayer-only bonus game on the Game Boy Advance (GBA) cartridge for A Link to the Past Anniversary Remaster:
In 2011, Nintendo released an enhanced "Anniversary Edition" for the DSi and 3DS as a free DSiWare download. Key Features: This version added a Single Player mode
, new stages (Realm of Memories and Hero's Trial), and the ability to control two Links simultaneously. 2. Current Availability Currently, the game is
and cannot be officially downloaded from the Nintendo eShop or DSi Shop. Zelda Wiki Original Release: Free from September 28, 2011, to February 20, 2012. Short Return:
It briefly returned for free from January 30 to February 2, 2014, in North America. Status Today:
There is no official way to purchase or download it on modern systems. Zelda Wiki 3. How to Play Today
Since the official shops are closed, players usually find the game through these alternative methods: Nintendo Switch Online: The original GBA version of Four Swords (paired with A Link to the Past ) was added to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
service in June 2024. This is the most accessible official way to play, though it lacks the specific "Anniversary Edition" extras like the Single Player mode. Digital Preservation sites like Internet Archive host longplays and files related to the game's history. Emulation & Homebrew: Community sites such as RetroAchievements zelda four swords ds rom free
are often cited by users for finding the game's ROM for use with emulators or homebrewed systems. Quick Comparison GBA Original Anniversary Edition (DS) 2–4 (Multiplayer only) 1–4 (Single or Multi) Availability Switch Online / GBA Cart Delisted (Rare) Bonus Areas Realm of Memories, Hero's Trial Are you planning to play this on a physical console or through an on your PC? The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Four Swords
Finding a ROM for The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition on the DS can be tricky because it was a limited-time digital release rather than a physical cartridge.
Here’s a breakdown of how to find it and what you need to know: 1. The "Anniversary Edition" Difference
The version specifically for the DS/DSi is the Anniversary Edition. Unlike the original GBA version, this one includes a Single Player Mode where you control two Links at once, plus new stages based on Link to the Past and Link’s Awakening. 2. Where to Look (Safely)
Since Nintendo no longer distributes this game, you’ll have to rely on community archives. When searching, look for:
Vimm’s Lair: Generally considered the "gold standard" for safe, curated retro files.
The Internet Archive (archive.org): Look for "DSiWare No-Intro" collections. This is where most "lost" digital media is preserved legally for archival purposes.
Searching for a "free ROM" of The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords for the DS specifically refers to the Anniversary Edition Finding a way to play The Legend of
, a DSiWare title released in 2011 to celebrate the series' 25th anniversary. The Game: Four Swords Anniversary Edition
Unlike the original Game Boy Advance version, which required multiple players and cables, this DS version is highly regarded for adding a Single-Player Mode.
Gameplay: You control multiple "Links" to solve puzzles and clear dungeons. In single-player, you swap between them; in multiplayer, it remains one of the best cooperative experiences in the series.
New Content: It includes the "Realm of Memories" (levels based on A Link to the Past, Link's Awakening, and the original NES game) and the "Hero’s Trial" (extremely difficult endgame challenges).
Playtime: A standard run takes roughly 2.5 to 4 hours, though completionists can spend over 12 hours mastering the Hero's Trial. Status & Safety
Availability: This was a limited-time free download on the DSi and 3DS eShops. Since those stores are now closed, the only way to play it on original hardware is if it was already downloaded or via homebrew methods.
Safety Warning: While sites may offer "free ROMs," downloading these files from unofficial sources carries significant risks of malware or legal issues. Official digital storefronts for this specific edition are no longer active.
If you enjoy this style of gameplay, you might also look into The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures (GameCube) or Triforce Heroes (3DS), which are the primary sequels to this concept. The Search for "Zelda Four Swords DS Rom
Note on Editorial Policy: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It discusses the historical context of the game, the legal challenges surrounding its availability, and legal avenues for playing it. Downloading copyrighted ROMs without owning the original media is generally against the law in most jurisdictions.
This scarcity has driven thousands of fans to search for ROM files. Typing "zelda four swords ds rom free" into Google returns countless forum links, ROM sites, and Reddit threads. But before you download, consider the following:
If you owned the game back in 2011 or 2014 and still have that SD card, you can use homebrew tools like GodMode9 (on 3DS) or Dump Tool (on DSi) to extract the .nds file. This file is your legal ROM. You can then transfer it to a PC emulator or flashcart.
Here is the uncomfortable truth that many "free ROM" articles avoid.
To understand the ROM hunt, you have to understand the release window. In September 2011, Nintendo was celebrating the 25th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda. To commemorate, they released Four Swords Anniversary Edition—for free.
For a limited time (roughly four months), anyone with a Nintendo DSi or 3DS could download the game at zero cost. It featured updated visuals, a new "Realm of Memories" level based on The Legend of Zelda, A Link to the Past, and Link’s Awakening, and most importantly: Single-player mode.
Unlike the original GBA version, which required four Game Boys and four link cables, the Anniversary Edition allowed a single player to swap between two Links on the fly.
The original Four Swords (2002) is available on: