Crystal Switch

"Switch" redirects here. For the Nintendo console, see Nintendo Switch.

Crystal Switch

Artwork from A Link to the Past

Games	A Link to the Past Link's Awakening Ocarina of Time Majora's Mask Oracle of Seasons Oracle of Ages Four Swords The Wind Waker Four Swords Adventures The Minish Cap Twilight Princess Phantom Hourglass Spirit Tracks Skyward Sword A Link Between Worlds
Uses	Changing the surrounding areas Opening/unlocking doors
Related	Rusty Switch

The Crystal Switch is a recurring dungeon mechanic in The Legend of Zelda series. The Legend of Zelda and The Adventure of Link are the only games that the Crystal Switch does not appear in. When Link hits a Crystal Switch with any damage-dealing item such as the Sword, Bow, Boomerang and Bombs, it will trigger something in the area/dungeon such as a gate or door opening.

A Link to the Past

"Mystic Crystal Switches
Blue and gold Crystal Switches were found in several Hyrulian palaces, and the Tower of Hera was no exception. The beautiful switches were the key to raising and lowering the blue and orange Switch Fences that popped up in places. No one knew exactly how they worked, but when people struck a Blue Crystal Switch, all of the blue Switch Fences fell and the gold ones rose; when they struck a gold switch, the gold Switch Fences fell and the blue ones rose."

— A Link to the Past Nintendo Player's Guide

The Crystal Switch makes its debut in A Link to the Past. These switches are similar in appearance to a crystal ball. Crystal Switches control how the color-matched block obstacles in the dungeon floors move. When it is red, the red blocks fall down and a pathway is revealed. When it turns blue, the blue blocks fall into square holes in the floor. This allows Link to walk forward across them.

Ocarina of Time

"I'll tell you a secret for saving me! There are switches in this temple that you have to cut to activate. But, you can also use the Goron "special crop" to do the job."

— A Goron from the Fire Temple

In Ocarina of Time, Crystal Switches appear as diamond-shaped crystals with an inner crystal inside it which goes from white to yellow when activated. Items like the Hookshot, Bombs, Sword, and many others can activate them. The switches aid in events such as temporarily dousing fire or changing water levels.

Majora's Mask

Crystal Switches appear in Majora's Mask largely unchanged from Ocarina of Time.

The Wind Waker

In The Wind Waker, the Crystal Switches are white in color and diamond in shape. When hit with certain weapons, such as the Hookshot, Hero's Bow, and others, it turns yellow in color. These are very similar to the switches found in Ocarina of Time.

Skyward Sword

In Skyward Sword, Crystal Switches are a light purple and in the shape of a diamond made up of six other smaller diamonds. When hit, the diamonds turns gray, spins around and separates from each other and then stops and stays floating in the air as individual diamonds. Weapons such as the Sword, the Beetle (Item), the Slingshot, the Bow, Bombs and all of their different upgraded versions, can be used to activate these switches.

A Link Between Worlds

The Crystal Switches in A Link Between Worlds are identical to those in A Link to the Past. Some puzzles require Link to stand on the pillars controlled by the switches to raise him up, allowing him to reach higher platforms.

Gallery

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  Official art from A Link to the Past

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  Red Crystal Switch sprite from A Link to the Past

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  Art from Link's Awakening (Game Boy)

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  Ocarina of Time 3D

References

1. ↑ "I'll tell you a secret for saving me! There are switches in this temple that you have to cut to activate. But, you can also use the Goron "special crop" to do the job." — A Goron from the Fire Temple, Ocarina of Time.