The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild may be drawing ever closer, but thanks to the slow process that is figure manufacturing Figma’s latest entry from the prolific franchise takes us back to 2013 and the release of The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds on the 3DS.
Previewed at Wonderfests for years but only now finally seeing release, Figma A Link Between Worlds Link is the second Link from Max Factory and the fourth from Good Smile Company as a whole.
Using the special “EX-032” numbering (the standard version is numbered 284), DX ALBW Link comes packaged in the larger square variety of Figma’s standard packaging - taking on a green and black colourscheme for this release. Though perhaps a bit plain on the whole, one really nice touch with this box is that the black also has reflective Triforce symbols printed on it.
The immediate thing to note about this figure that, true to the games, this Link is a bit on the short side. Together with the likes of Nagisa from Madoka Magica and Shinobu from the Monogatari series, ALBW Link is one of the shortest Figma Max Factory have produced - only slightly taller than your average Nendoroid/half the height of a standard Figma.
What this Link lacks in height however, he certainly makes up for in personality. As a spiritual successor to A Link to the Past and the other NES/SNES era Zelda games, this Link sports a very retro look akin to the promotional art for said games. The detailing on the body may be simple but the colours are bright and lively, together with an excellent face sculpt which captures the youthful energy of this version of the character.
Articulation is pretty great too, with Link sporting the usual variety of joints you'd find on a Figma figure along with a cut, soft plastic skirt to make sure leg articulation isn't hindered too much by the costume. As is the case with all GSC Link figures (be it Figma or Nendoroid) the hat has a swivel joint running through the middle to allow the tip to be pointed both upwards and downwards.
Undoubtedly the biggest complaint about the Figma Skyward Sword Link was its lack of accessories, opting for a sword and shield only while ignoring the plethora of other weapons/items Link uses in the game. With so many on offer it would have been impossible to please everyone, but nevertheless something a bit more substantial was needed.
The DX version of ALBW Link shows Max Factory have learnt from this, offering a much bigger arsenal to those prepared to pay the extra cost. On top of the obligatory Master Sword and Hylian Shield and shield there is also a bomb, the Hookshot (with both retracted and extended hook pieces) and the Tornado Rod. In addition to this there are also a number of alternate hands (the DX version including a unique pair that the bomb can peg onto), and an alternate concentrating faceplate.
The weapons all feature removable parts/handles in order to fit into the hands snugly without breaking them, which was a real problem with the initial release of Skyward Sword Link (this was fixed on later reissues). However weapons aren’t all that this Link comes packed with! Also included are a number of items and collectibles - some specific to A Link Between Worlds and others perfect for any Zelda figure. These accessories include a pot, green rupee, a tiny Maiamai figurine and plastic cut-out of Link’s 2D wall-merged form from the game. The rupee comes with its own small stand to be placed on, however with careful balancing can also be pegged onto Link’s bomb-holding hands.
However if it was the standard version of the figure you opted for all you’ll be getting is the sword, the shield, the alternate face and the 2D Link cut out. Between the various Figma and Nendoroid figures Good Smile have slowly improved their Legend of Zelda line with every release, and as far as quality goes the DX A Link Between Worlds Link seems like the best offering so far.
Despite its small size, this Link is a wonderfully expressive toy that’s both brightly coloured and oozing in retro charm. The accessory count is truly wonderful - the first decently articulated Link toy that offers more than just the standard variety of “sword and shield” poses, with a good array of both weapons and items included.
The big kicker is that this should have never been a GSC Store (plus partner stores) exclusive in the first place. There was absolutely no reason to sell two different versions of this figure other than greed, especially when GSC/Max Factory have shown their quite happy to release Figma bundled with VEHICLES at retail. If you live in a country where customs fees are in place, the price tag is an even bigger issue.
In the broader context of collectibles, the collaborative approach between Good Smile Company and Max Factory continues to push forward the Zelda figure line, balancing nostalgic design with modern articulation. The result is a compact, energetic interpretation of Link that captures the essence of the 3DS era while offering an impressive array of interchangeable parts and play options.
Note: This figure’s design philosophy reflects a deliberate nod to retro promotional art, reinforcing the connection to classic Zelda titles while delivering contemporary display value.
Legend of Zelda Link Skyward Sword Figma Review
Table of key features and accessories
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Release version | DX ALBW Link (EX-032, standard 284) |
| Packaging | Green and black with reflective Triforce on box |
| Scale / height | Short for a Figma, near Nendoroid size |
| Articulation | Standard Figma joints, cut skirt for leg movement, hat swivel |
| Weapons | Master Sword, Hylian Shield, Bomb, Hookshot (retracted/extended), Tornado Rod |
| Accessories | Alternate hands, unique bomb peg pair, concentrating faceplate, pot, green rupee, Maiamai figurine, 2D wall-merged Link cut-out |
| Standard vs DX | DX adds more weapons and posing versatility |
Overall, the DX A Link Between Worlds Link stands as a high point in the Legend of Zelda figure line for its combination of bright retro aesthetics, robust articulation, and a thoughtfully expanded accessory set that goes beyond the basics. It remains a compact tribute to a beloved era of Zelda, while delivering modern display and posing options for collectors.