Impa and Zelda are no longer the only major female protagonists in the Zelda universe after Nintendo officially revealed 'Linkle' - a female version of Link.

The Legend of Zelda's new female character is named Linkle. The character, which was revealed in the developer's art book, first come about as a concept for the game Hyrule Warriors.

Like Us on Facebook

Nintendo at the Nintendo Direct today confirmed that the new female character will be playable in the Nintendo 3DS version of Hyrule Warriors: Hyrule Warriors Legends. Linkle will be a standard character in the new game. The new female character will be also available in the original Wii U version of the game via DLC.

The game Hyrule Warriors Legends was developed by 'Dynasty Warriors' creator Koei Temco. The Verge reported that the news arrives after months of heavy speculation from fans after a crossbow was spotted in a leaked Hyrule Warriors Legends trailer back in June.

The new female character is based on Link, but she is unique in her own right. Linkle's primary weapon is a crossbow and a spinning sword attack.  According to Destructoid, she looks like a hunter from a town that is overpopulated with 'Cuccos', which probably will factor into some new story content for the game. Nintendo of America's Bill Trinnen described the sword attack in the Nintendo Direct as a "spinning kick attack."

The new Link will be joining a cast of other characters being added in the latest version of the game from The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker.

Nintendo previously attempted an alternate gender with pre-existing Zelda character called Pinkle, but the character did not meet the warmest reception to the fans. The company hopes that Linkle will win over audiences when she debuts in Hyrule Warriors Legends early next year.

 Hyrule Warriors: Hyrule Warriors Legends will be coming to Nintendo 3DS in North America on March 25, 2016.

TagsNintendo, Hyrule Warriors, Nintendo 3DS, LEgend of Zelda, linkle