I spent $200 on this official Master Sword replica, and it made me weep with pure Zelda-fandom joy

There are few things I've dreamed of owning more than a replica of the iconic Master Sword. As a kid, I used to gather sticks and spin attack my way through brushes to try and replicate the feeling of being my favorite sword-wielding hero. But no matter how hard I tried, I could never feel quite as cool as I felt playing Link in Ocarina of Time. Then I got my hands on the Bandai Proplica Master Sword.

The official $199.99 (GameStop) collectible was a gift for my birthday last year, and I wanted it so bad I paid half of its £200 cost here in the UK just to ensure my partner could afford to bestow its nerdy Zelda glory to me on my special day. The sword didn't just turn out to be a neat plastic replica of my favorite game series weapon, but it actually plays music and features built-in rumble effects, which made my childhood Zelda fandom dreams finally come true. The best toys can't compete.

Bandai Tamashii Nations - The Legend of Zelda - Proplica Master Sword | $199.99 at GameStop
The Proplica Master Sword is a legendary official piece of Zelda merch. It's made from a lightweight piece of ABS plastic and comes packaged with a matching sheath and display stand. To get the most out of Bandai's Master Sword, you will need a spare set of two AA batteries, which will unlock its music and sound effect modes.

UK: £196.98 at Amazon

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Originally released in September 2024 as part of Bandai Tamashii Nations Proplica series, I've had my eye on this piece of Zelda merch for a while. Proplica is a toy line from Bandai that features replicas of famous anime and video game props. In the past the line has included everything from a release of Sailor Moon's Crystal Star Compact to Ranka Lee's microphone from Macross Frontier (the latter of which I also own and adore), but the Master Sword is the best piece from the lot.

It's not a metal replica and is made from plastic, which might disappoint some fans given its price point. However, Bandai has still managed to make this piece of Zelda merch shine as bright as any blade. It's a big boy and reaches around 41 inches, so its price feels more than warranted for what you get. Which includes not just the sword, but the matching scabbard and a display stand, which can be used to show off the Master Sword in and out of the sheath.

Like music to my Hylian-shaped ears

Storing it has been an issue, but it's well worth it. The sword includes all the details you'd expect, from the shimmering blue hilt to the Triforce imagery and gold accents across the scabbard. The branding on the box features artwork from Breath of the Wild era Zelda, but this isn't just for fans of the most recent incarnation of Link and friends - and its best feature is exactly why.

This Zelda replica can play music from the actual Zelda games. The little nub at the very bottom of the sword contains a switch that can toggle it from its music and sound effects mode. With the music mode on, pressing the two buttons on the hilt can switch between a range of 8 tracks starting from Link's first NES/Famicom outing, all the way to Tears of the Kingdom.

While switching through the tracks for the very first time, I eventually made the discovery that the Proplica Master Sword could play the Hyrule Field music from Ocarina of Time. The moment I heard the music play, sword in hand, I had a Ratatouille-like moment where I was taken back to my days as a kid swinging around sticks pretending to be the Hero of Time. 28 years later, I was finally at a point where I could hold an official version of the sword in my hands, and it felt impossible for tears not to well up in my eyes. Never underestimate the power of a good piece of video game merch.

The sword effects option was just as neat. Switching to it for the first time made the collectible play the jingle that happens when Link takes the Master Sword out from its podium in Breath of the Wild, which is a detail that made its cost feel more than warranted. Then the sword went further, as not only can it emanate the slashing sound effects as found in Breath of the Wild, but it also vibrates. I don't recommend you swing it around in case you break a pot or two. However, swinging it and feeling the vibrations of every slash still manages to make me grin from ear to ear like the Happy Mask Salesman each and every time I do it.

If you've ever welded a really good Star Wars lightsaber replica like that of the Legacy series, this is basically that, but in Legend of Zelda Master Sword form. There have been a lot of amazing Zelda merch releases over the years, from official Ocarina replicas to door chimes that make the treasure chest sound when you enter a room. Yet the Proplica Master Sword takes my top pick for the best piece of Zelda merch I've ever owned, and will ever own.

Now I just wish Bandai would consider adding more Zelda props to its repertoire. A to-scale Majora's Mask that could light up and make Skullkid's creepy sound effects would be worth all my rupees and more.

Check out the best Legend of Zelda merch guide for more legendary collectibles that can make your Zelda-fandom dreams become a reality.