Going through and completing each of the classic Zelda titles that I never really played growing up.

I, II, LTTP, LA...the next up is likely going to be OoT.

I'm not sure which version I should play through. I really don't care for playing ports, but from what I've read the 3DS version really improves on the experience over the original. I'm usually always looking to replicate the experience that games had for players that played them when they were first released, so would I be missing out on anything by going with the 3DS version? Are the changes made the 3DS version make it too easy?

Would like to get some thoughts on this.

Thanks!

Go with the original hardware. The remake is amazing, but go for the original.

From what I recall..the 3DS was mainly quality of life changes such as not making the Water Temple less insufferable with the menu tunic changing. I still prefer the original because I like playing on the big screen with that original aesthetic. I'd go with the original in your case.

Yeah play the original for sure. It's a solid game to this day even without the quality of life changes that the remaster brought with it.

neither. early 3d zelda= overrated

If you must go 3ds.. You can play anywhere and finish it easier that way

Nothing beats the original. Not even the Gamecube version did a better job, too glitchy. Graphics are sooo different on the 3DS make, *Yoga voice* you have to feeeeel those early 3D graphics to gain appreciation for how far we've come.

Then after, rock the 3DS version and spot the differences!

Original for me. The N64 controller lends itself better to the control scheme than the 3DS. I always choose the original if I'm unsure. The 3DS version is cleaner looking but I wouldn't consider it vastly superior. Same goes for Majora's Mask.

3DS. Play it on the go, in bed, sleep mode, etc

I don't feel like you can go wrong either way.

3DS remake was one that was really well done compared to a lot of classics that have been redone.

If you haven't played it before I would play the original though, one thing that original will always have over the 3DS version is the sound.....I know that the 3DS one looks a lot better but if you are playing the original on a decent size TV with a good sound system I find that always trumps playing on a handheld.

I vote 3DS. It improved everything. The N64 cartridge made for a lot of compromises because it was limited on space. The orchestral soundtrack really adds to the whole experience. I agree that it would be better on the big screen, but a 3DS XL should be enough. Playing N64 today doesn't have the same impact compared to the days when N64 was the best console on the market.

Good headphones would be cheaper than a good sound system. I know you said 'if', but headphones are an easier alternative than the right home setup.

I liked it better on the 3ds

3D, no contest.

Another vote for 3DS

I'd go for 3DS, graphics are better, there are many quality of life changes, and I think some glitches were fixed as well, plus it's portable, so you can play it wherever and not be bound to the TV, really the one and only drawback to playing on the 3DS is a smaller screen.

Play the orignal First run N64 OoC with the intact fire temple music and Ganondorf puking red blood.

I'm gonna go against the grain and say 3DS. Even as someone that played the N64 version at launch I find that the visuals on N64 are muddy and disgusting. The controls are also worse in my opinion. It's perfectly playable though if you feel you must.

The hideousness of the N64 version isn't rectified by the better Fire temple music or red blood.

I go with 3ds. Graphics feel more polished. It's portable. Also it has Master Quest after you complete the game.

I forgot about that actually....Damn that was a good remake.

I'd say it's more like a polished port more than a remake!
 

Remake/Remaster whatever you want to call it, not a port though.

Thanks all. Dammit, making it tough.

I may play them both back to back for about 20 minutes to get a feel for them to see which one I prefer.

I'd go 3D for all above mention, and who knows when you'll have a dead save battery or a system freeze...

3DS

Definitely the original, be it on the N64, GameCube, or Wii via VC. However, the early N64 version with the original Fire Temple music and red blood is the defenitive experience.