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A Switch in the Zelda Series can mean one of many types of floor or wall switches designed to open doors, reveal chests or generally make something happen when activated. Some common types include:
"Floor Switches" normally take the form of a large button or plate, which can be activated by being stepped on by Link, or sometimes by placing a heavy object on top. Once pressed, some floor switches remain permanently activated, however others are timed and will remain depressed only for a short while, meaning that Link must hurry to take advantage of the effect produced by pressing the switch, and some do not have time at all, meaning that something like a crate must be placed on the switch in order to keep it pressed down. Floor switches are found quite commonly within dungeons, beginning with some of the earliest titles in the Legend of Zelda series. In Majora's Mask, the Stone Tower and Stone Tower Temple were prominent for the un-timed floor switches, and Link had to utilize the Elegy of Emptiness to progress through the aformentioned areas. Deku Link was rather too light to press down a floor switch in the game.
Crystal Switch
File:Crystal Switch.jpgCrystal SwitchCrystal Switch - small sphere- or obelisk-shaped switch that can be activated by being slashed by a sword or any other weapon. It will then change color.
Eyeball Switch
Eyeball Switch - a wall switch that looks like an open eye. When hit by an arrow, the eye closes and is activated. Some of these eyeball switches are encased in ice, which must be unfrozen using the Fire Arrow. In Ocarina of Time, these switches could be hit by shooting it with a Slingshot seed or an Arrow. There were two variations: Yellow ones, which were a one-time deal, and Silver ones, which could be hit multiple times. In Majora's Mask, this switch could be hit using the Bow. In The Wind Waker, they were larger than their previous versions, and again could be hit with an arrow.
Sun Switch
Sun Switch - activated by having light shone at it, either by a mirror or otherwise
Grapple Switch
Grapple Switch - a ceiling-mounted switch which is activated by Link hanging from it using the clawshot/Grappling Hook or similar.
