Name Registration

The Name Registration screen from Ocarina of Time

Name Registration, also known as Name Entry, is the term used for the screen on which the player assigns a name of choice to the main character, Link. In each game, the player is allotted a certain amount of characters to type, and in all games featuring Name Registration released after The Legend of Zelda, changing Link's name will alter the way other characters refer to him. In each of these games, the non-player characters found within the game will refer to Link by the name the player has chosen for him. This is ostensibly to make the player feel more like he/she is the hero of the story.

In certain installments, the name registration screen can also be utilized to access hidden parts of the game. In The Legend of Zelda, entering the name "ZELDA" on the second line results in the game starting on the Second Quest immediately. In The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, the same procedure changes the music of the registration screen. Additionally, if Link steals from the Mabe Village Shop, characters will refer to him as "THIEF" no matter what name was registered at the game's start.

In The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, players are given the option of changing the name of Link's horse, Epona, as well. In some games, other characters and locations will change their name to mimic the one selected by the player. These are Link of the Gorons, Link the Goron, Link the Pig, Link's Cabana and Link the Cat. In some of the more recent games such as Twilight Princess and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, the name Link will already be filled out suggesting the programmers figure most players may choose the name Link as a default.

In The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes, the player can change Link's name by speaking to Sir Combsly after he has defeated The Lady.