The creator of the unofficial PC port of the Game Boy Color classic Link’s Awakening, which became a hot topic on social media this week, has taken the game offline after receiving a takedown notice from Nintendo.
Author “linksawkeningdxhd” has uploaded a PC port of 1998’s Link’s Awakening DX to itch.io with HD visuals, 120fps scrolling, and widescreen support. However, the game’s files were suspended due to the following reasons: Copyright claim.
The takedown notice was published on itch.io and is reproduced in full below.
to whom it may concern:
I am an authorized representative of Nintendo of America Inc. and am the owner of the following copyrighted materials:
PA0002212311 (The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening) and PA0000772666 (The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (Game Boy version)).
The following game provided by Itch.io https://linksawakeningdxhd.itch.io/links-awakening-dx-hd infringes and misappropriates Nintendo’s copyright in The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening. It turns out that Video game.
For more information, please visit Nintendo’s website at the following URL:
https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/game-boy-nintendo-switch-online-switc…
https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/the-legend-of-zelda-links-awakening-s…
Please promptly remove the infringing game download and information page.
I have a good faith belief that the material is not authorized by the intellectual property owner, its agent, or the law. I swear that the information in the notification is accurate and, under penalty of perjury, that I am authorized to make the complaint on behalf of the intellectual property owner.
Sincerely,
Nintendo legal affairs
Nintendo of America, Inc.
4600 150th Avenue NE
Redmond, WA 98052
425-882-2040
dmca@noa.nintendo.com
This port attracted attention because it allowed players to zoom out and get a complete view of Koholint Island with all NPCs and enemies still active.
I was surprised to learn that there was a PC port of Zelda Link: Awakening. This version not only provides widescreen support, but the game now runs on a single screen without transitions, and you can zoom out to see more of the overworld. pic.twitter.com/yQBbbFeytn
— Vincius Medeiro (@VinciusMedeiro6) December 13, 2023
It’s no surprise that Nintendo would take action here. The company behind Mario has a reputation for responding quickly to fan projects, and has done so many times in the past.
In fact, Nintendo released its own official remake of Link’s Awakening for Switch in 2019. “Updating the look but never losing the feel of the original, Link’s Awakening is a masterclass in remaking a classic,” we wrote. our review.
Wesley is IGN’s UK News Editor. Find me on Twitter @wyp100. Wesley can be contacted at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.