41. TOON LINK

Franchise / home series: The Legend of Zelda

Notable non-Smash games: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (2002); The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (2007); The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (2009)

Toon Link debuted in Brawl, representing the cel-shaded Zelda titles. His inclusion allowed Smash to showcase both the realistic and cartoon incarnations of Link, reflecting the artistic diversity of the Zelda franchise.

In gameplay, Toon Link plays similarly to Young Link and classic Link but with tweaks that emphasize agility and projectile-focused combat. His arrows, boomerang, and bombs are quick and versatile, while his sword attacks are snappy and well-suited for aerial pressure and zoning. Compared to adult Link, Toon Link is generally lighter and faster, favoring hit-and-run tactics over raw power.

Across Smash entries, Toon Link has maintained a consistent role as a nimble, projectile-heavy swordsman. His distinct cel-shaded aesthetic, expressive animations, and sound effects preserve the feel of Wind Waker-style Zelda adventures, giving players a playful yet potent alternative to Link’s more grounded incarnations.