Shock Switches,(MM3DMajora's Mask 3D)[1] also known as Crystal Switches(ALttPA Link to the Past | LALink's Awakening)[2][3] and simply Switches,(SSSkyward Sword | NLNintendo Land)[4][5] are objects in The Legend of Zelda series. Shock Switches go unnamed in Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask, The Wind Waker, Twilight Princess, Phantom Hourglass, Spirit Tracks, and Breath of the Wild.
Shock Switches are small sphere-, diamond-, or obelisk-shaped Switches that can be activated by striking them. When struck, Shock Switches will change color. Shock Switches are usually a two-position toggle with effects that last until they are hit again, but timed varieties also exist. They frequently move Barriers and walls into new positions and affect portions of a the dungeon, rather than just the immediate area like other Switches. In some cases, a Bomb must be used to activate a Shock Switch after a time delay so Link can prepare for its effect.
Shock Switches in Twilight Princess can only be activated by being struck with an Arrow or by a Sword.[verification needed] Shock Switches can be found in the Goron Mines, where they must be struck in order to open gateways.
Switches in Skyward Sword appear as clusters of red diamonds which, once struck, separate and turn black.
Shock Switches appear primarily in Ancient Shrines in Breath of the Wild. Striking Shock Switches with a Weapon does not damage the Weapon. Shock Switches serve a variety of purposes, from activating Updrafts, opening doors and clearing barricades, and making puzzle components appear and reappear.
Switches appear throughout various Stages of Nintendo Land's Battle Quest.
Crystal Switch artwork from A Link to the Past
Crystal Switch artwork from A Link to the Past
A Crystal Switch from A Link to the Past
A Crystal Switch from A Link to the Past
Artwork of a Crystal Switch from Link's Awakening
An unactivated Shock Switch from Majora's Mask
A Shock Switch from Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks
An active Shock Switch from Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks
The red Shock Switch from Phantom Hourglass
The blue Shock Switch from Phantom Hourglass
Link performing a Spin Attack to hit four Shock Switches simultaneously from Phantom Hourglass
Canyon, #3: Shock Switch A— Sheikah Stone (Majora's Mask 3D)
Blue and gold Crystal Switches were found in several Hyrulian palaces, and the Tower of Hera was no exception. The beautiful switches were the to raising and lowering the blue and orange Switch Fences that popped up in palaces.(The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past—Nintendo Player's Guide, Nintendo of America, pg. 63)
Strike the Crystal Switch in the center of room 6-D with your Sword. Doing so will cause the Switch Blocks to drop.(The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening—Nintendo Player's Guide, Nintendo of America, pg. 36)
Mystery of the Three Linked Switches— Sheikah Stone (Skyward Sword)
Switch— Monita (Nintendo Land)
