Daily Debate: Is Tingle Due for a Comeback?

Did you know that it has been almost 20 years since Tingle has graced our screens in a mainline Zelda game?

First appearing as a map salesman in Majora’s Mask, Tingle quickly became a staple in the Zelda franchise throughout the early 2000s. He’d show up in Oracle of Ages, The Wind Waker, Four Swords Adventures, and a slew of spin-offs. His final mainline Zelda appearance was in 2005’s The Minish Cap. Sure, he’s made cameos in other games, such as a stuffed doll in Spirit Tracks or on a wanted poster in Phantom Hourglass, but it has been nearly 20 years since we’ve seen Tingle in the flesh.

Tingle’s time with The Legend of Zelda was short but it left an impact. The character was rife with controversy from the very first time fans saw him floating in North Clock Town. Everything from the way he talks to the way he dresses has been met with criticism — probably because everything Tingle does stands in stark contrast to what so many fans expect Zelda to be. Some iterations portray him as a man-child who wants to be a fairy. Other times he’s a con artist and criminal. He’s goofy and delusional, but devious and unsettling. His appearance can be jarring. His mannerisms are nothing short of odd.

On the other hand, some fans love him. Japan loves him enough to warrant four spin-off games with Tingle in the lead role. Other fans love him because he’s different. He’s just an oddball nut that makes his every moment on screen memorable.

Although we haven’t seen Tingle himself in any newer Zelda games, we have seen some Tingle-like characters. Breath of the Wild’s Kilton, Twilight Princess’ Fyer and Falbi, and maybe even the Stamp Guy from Echoes of Wisdom — all share qualities that have their Zelda roots in Tingle. So, maybe the spirit of Tingle lives on even if he isn’t there in person.

Now tell us what you think. Is Tingle due for a comeback? What characters help fill the Tingle-shaped void in every Zelda fan’s heart? How would you like to see Tingle implemented in a future Zelda game? Let us know in the comments below.

Nick Miller

Nick is a writer for Zelda Dungeon and a longtime fan of the Zelda franchise. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, archery, skateboarding, and some good ol’ fashioned family time. He’s an advocate for physical media and an avid video game collector. His favorite Zelda game is Ocarina of Time, though Breath of the Wild and the Link’s Awakening remake are close contenders. His other favorite video games series include Kingdom Hearts, Fallout, and Ratchet & Clank.