Linkle- a female version of Link?

This has not been released to the United States market and only available in Japan.  With all the controversy of who Linkle is not, such as Link's sister, there is a theory about who Linkle may become.  Some experts are predicting she will be an alternate female version of Link that will be featured in a solo game. 

Linkle is a young woman who lives in a small village in Hyrule where she takes care of Cuccos as a shepherd.^[1] Since she was little, she believes herself to be the reincarnated hero.^[2] She believes that the symbol that proves it is the Compass given to her by her grandmother, which has been passed down for generations.^[3] After hearing that Hyrule Castle is under attack by a demon, she sets out on a journey to save the kingdom, donning a green outfit.^[4] She enters a mysterious forest, only to become lost and suddenly have her Compass stolen by Skull Kid, forcing her to retrieve it from him.^[5] Twili Midnaaccompanies her on her travels at some point.^[6]

Her story is described as a side story separate from the rest of the game's plot.^[7]

Development

During the development of Hyrule Warriors, Linkle was originally designed as a female version of Link.^[8] She was also proposed to be Link's little sister, but the idea was scrapped due to Eiji Aonuma not wanting her to conflict with Aryll, Link's sister in The Wind Waker.^[9] Sketches of her were included in the Hyrule Warriors art book from the Japanese limited editions of the game. Thanks to this, Linkle grew in popularity among fans, convincing the developers to include her in the game.^[10]

She was announced for Hyrule Warriors Legends during the Nintendo Direct web stream on November 12, 2015, where she was revealed with a slightly different design and two Crossbows, as opposed to the one shown in her early concept sketches.^[11]

Linkle was the last character that former Nintendo writer, Chris Pranger, wrote for before leaving Nintendo. He said that she is his favorite Nintendo character to have written for.^[12]

Trivia

• Prior to her announcement, her Crossbow was hidden among the game's artwork, hinting at her inclusion.^[13]
• Like Link in Link's Crossbow Training, Linkle's Crossbows glow when certain moves are performed, glowing red when charging a Bomb Arrow and glowing green when rapid-firing.
• Eiji Aonuma stated that due to her popularity, he is going to keep in mind the possibility of including her in a future Zelda game.^[14]
• Her Compass is available as a clock in the Japanese and European limited editions of Hyrule Warriors Legends.