The much-anticipated Legend of Zelda Collector`s Chess Set, launched in June by the well-known board game producer The Op Games, is once again available on Amazon for $45. This officially licensed, Zelda-themed set has frequently been out of stock since its release. This beautiful rendition of the classic game features intricately designed gold and black figurines, depicting the most prominent heroes and formidable villains from Hyrule.
Nintendo enthusiasts can also find discounts on the Super Mario Chess set at Target and Walmart. Below, we`ll explore both of these Nintendo-inspired chess sets, along with others based on popular entertainment and gaming franchises.
The Legend of Zelda Collector`s Chess Set
In this Legend of Zelda themed chess set, players recreate the epic conflict between Hyrule`s champions, led by Link and Zelda, and the forces of evil under Ganondorf`s command. Link and Ganondorf are fittingly cast as the kings, with Zelda and Twinrova as the queens.
The heroic faction is bolstered by four key allies from various games, including Ocarina of Time: Navi, Impa, Darunia, and Link`s loyal steed, Epona. Arrayed against them, Ganondorf`s villainous side includes the Gerudo sorceresses Twinrova, Iron Knuckles from Zelda II, Phantoms from Spirit Tracks and Phantom Hourglass, and recurring adversaries Armos and Deku Scrubs. The hero pieces are rendered in gold, while the villains are in black, both featuring an attractive weathered, rusty finish. A complete list of pieces in the new Legend of Zelda Chess Set is provided below.
Contents of The Legend of Zelda Chess Set:
- Legend of Zelda Chess Board
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16 Gold Hero Chess Pieces:
- Link (King)
- Zelda (Queen)
- 2x Impa (Bishops)
- 2x Epona (Knights)
- 2x Darunia (Rooks)
- 8x Navi (Pawns)
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16 Black Villain Chess Pieces:
- Ganondorf (King)
- Twinrova (Queen)
- 2x Iron Knuckles (Bishops)
- 2x Phantoms (Knights)
- 2x Armos (Rooks)
- 8x Deku Scrubs (Pawns)
It`s worth noting that this is not the inaugural Legend of Zelda chess set. A prior GameStop exclusive, `The Legend of Zelda Collector`s Edition Chess Set,` frequently fetches substantial sums on secondary markets.
Super Mario Chess Set
Although not a recent release, the impressive Super Mario Chess Set is still highly recommended. It includes 32 meticulously sculpted and hand-painted figures, showcasing contemporary designs for characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Bowser, and Bowser Jr. This set is currently priced at $35 at Walmart and Target, and $42 on Amazon. The Mushroom Kingdom`s pawns are represented by gold coins, while Bowser`s forces utilize Koopa Shells. Below is a detailed list of the characters and pieces in the Super Mario Chess Set:
Contents of the Super Mario Chess Set:
- Super Mario Chess Board
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16 Hero Figurines:
- Mario (King)
- Luigi (Queen)
- Peach (Bishop)
- Daisy (Bishop)
- 2x Yoshi (Knights)
- 2x Toad (Rooks)
- 8x Coin (Pawns)
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16 Villain Figurines:
- Bowser (King)
- Bowser Jr. (Queen)
- 2x Magikoopa (Bishops)
- 2x Birdo (Knights)
- 2x Goomba (Rooks)
- 8x Green Shell (Pawns)
Beyond chess, The Op Games has also developed multiple versions of The Legend of Zelda Monopoly over time. Similar to the original Zelda chess sets, the Zelda Monopoly edition is currently out of print and often commands premium prices. `Monopoly: The Legend of Zelda Collector`s Edition` is presently available from resellers on Amazon for $100, featuring game tokens inspired by iconic items such as Link`s shield, the Ocarina of Time, and the Triforce.
For enthusiasts seeking other themed chess sets, The Noble Collection provides a compelling array of choices. Their `The Lord of the Rings Chess Set,` priced at $45, allows players to lead either the forces of good—featuring Galadriel, Aragorn, Frodo, and Gandalf the Grey—or the armies of evil, with Sauron, Gollum, the Nazgul, and Saruman. This set also includes two branded storage bags for convenience. Below is a selection of notable chess sets from The Noble Collection. While a Pokémon-themed chess set is not yet available, `Pokémon Monopoly` can be found with discounts on Amazon.
Notable Chess Sets from The Noble Collection:
- Batman – $49
- Harry Potter – $40
- Jurassic Park – $45 (originally $50)
- The Lord of the Rings – $45
- Minecraft – $59 (originally $69)
- Minions – $40
