The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword review

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is the most hardware-specific game on this list. Nintendo's page explains that Wii MotionPlus, through the Wii Remote Plus or the Wii MotionPlus accessory, reads the angle of every sword slice and puts Link's blade in your hand, so fights depend on reading enemy guards and swinging in the right direction. Link flies over a sea of clouds on a bird and drops to a ground world of forests, volcanoes and deserts, and the story sits before Ocarina of Time. An upgrade system turns collected items into better weapons and gear. It is single player and rated PEGI 12. Collectors with only original Wii Remotes need the MotionPlus accessory, which raises the real cost above the $39.99 DKOldies price for a used disc. Players who dislike motion controls should start elsewhere.

Who it is for

Zelda fans who want motion-controlled sword fighting on original hardware.

Price

Used disc from $39.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales).

Original price: $39.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• Wii MotionPlus maps the angle of each sword swing to Link's blade
• Sky exploration on a bird plus a ground world below the clouds
• Dungeons full of puzzles and traps
• Items and resources to upgrade weapons and equipment
• Story set before Ocarina of Time

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Sword combat is unlike any other game on this list
• Strength: Upgrade system adds depth to exploration
• Strength: No online features to lose
• Weakness: Needs a Wii Remote Plus or Wii MotionPlus accessory
• Weakness: Single player only
• Weakness: Motion controls take practice, which lowers its ease score

Key facts

• Publisher: Nintendo
• Players: 1
• Age rating: PEGI 12
• Required: Wii MotionPlus
• Used price: $39.99 at DKOldies

Where it ranks

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is No. 9 in our Best Wii Games verdict.