Once activated, a {{Term|Series|Switch}}'s effect may or may not be permanent:
[[File:TMC Lever Sprite.png|right|80px]]
*'''Permanent:''' The {{Term|Series|Switch}}'s action remains in effect indefinitely, or at least until {{Term|Series|Link|link}} leaves the room, which triggers many puzzles in the series to reset.
Once pushed, a switch's effect may or may not be permanent:
*'''Timed:''' The {{Term|Series|Switch}}'s action only lasts for a short duration, usually with a musical cue or ticking clock sound effect to indicate this.
*'''Permanent:''' The switch's action remains in effect indefinitely, or at least until Link leaves the room, which triggers many puzzles in the series to reset.
*'''Momentary:''' Only applies to floor {{Plural|Series|Switch}}. Will stay activated as long as something is on top of it to hold it down, otherwise it will immediately deactivate when something gets off the {{Term|Series|Switch}}.
*'''Timed:''' The switch's action only lasts for a short duration, usually with a musical cue or ticking clock sound effect to indicate this.
*'''Momentary:''' Only applies to floor switches. Will stay activated as long as something is on top of it to hold it down, otherwise it will immediately deactivate when something gets off the switch.
==Types of Switches==
==Types of Switches==
===Mechanical Lever===
===Big Switch===
[[File:LttP switch.gif|left]] Strangely rare in {{TLoZ|Series}}, '''Mechanical Levers''' are normal, hand-activated levers that perform some function when pushed into a different position. They were fairly common in {{ALttP}}, especially in the [[Swamp Palace (A Link to the Past)|Swamp Palace]], but almost unheard of in most other games.
An {{Term|Series|Eyeball Switch|link}} is a wall Switch that looks like an open eye. When hit by an [[Arrow]] (or sometimes a [[Slingshot]] pellet),<ref>{{Cite|Canyon, #1: Eyeball Switch|Sheikah Stone|MM3D}}</ref> the eye closes and is activated. Some of these Eyeball Switches are encased in ice, which must be unfrozen using the [[Fire Arrow]] or other flame-based attack. There are two variations: Yellow ones, which are one-time activated, and Silver ones, which could be hit multiple times. They appear in {{OoT}}, {{MM}}, {{TWW}}, {{FSA}}, {{TP}}, {{PH}}, {{ST}}, and {{SS}}. [[Fire Eye]]s are identical in appearance to Eyeball Switches.
'''Floor Switches''' normally take the form of a large button or plate,<ref>{{Cite Book|type= Guide|quote= |game= LA|publisher= Nintendo|page= 16}}</ref> which can be activated by being stepped on by Link, or sometimes by placing a heavy object on top. Some floor switches are less sensitive than others, so Link has to [[Princess Ruto|carry something]] with him to depress it or weigh himself down with [[Iron Boots]]. Rusty or malfunctioning switches may need to be forced with the [[Megaton Hammer]] or similar item. [[Deku Link]] is notably too light to depress some switches.
In {{BotW}}, Floor Switches can be distinguished if they stay pressed once activated or need to be held down. This is indicated by the latches on the border of the Switch.
In {{PH|-}} some Eyeball Switches will "flip" to protect themselves from being activated when Link faces north, so Link have to face south and have something that changes the arrow's direction like an [[Arrow Aimer]] or a [[Grappling Hook]] so Link can activate them when they are open. They appear in the [[Temple of the Ocean King]] and the {{Term|PH|Temple of Ice|link}}.
===Pull Lever===
===Floor Switch===
{{Main|Pull Lever}}
{{Main|Floor Switch}}
A '''Pull Lever''' is a variation on the mechanical switch which is recessed into a wall. Link must pull on a handle to activate it. Pull levers are frequently timed or booby trapped.
'''{{Plural|Series|Floor Switch}}''' normally take the form of a large button or plate,<ref>{{Cite Guide|quote= |game= LA|publisher= Nintendo|page= 16}}</ref> which can be activated by being stepped on by Link, or sometimes by placing a heavy object on top.
===Grapple Switch===
===Grapple Switch===
A '''Grapple Switch''' is a ceiling-mounted variation on the pull lever which is activated by Link hanging from it, either by its handle or by using the [[Clawshot]]/[[Grappling Hook]]. Sometimes they require Link to wear the [[Iron Boots]] for extra weight.
A '''Grapple Switch''' is a ceiling-mounted variation on the pull lever which is activated by Link hanging from it, either by its handle or by using the [[Clawshot]]/[[Grappling Hook]]. Sometimes they require Link to wear the [[Iron Boots]] for extra weight.
===Torch Switch===
===Lever===
{{Main|Torch}}
{{Main|Lever}}
'''Torches''' are sometimes used as disguised switches, which are activated by lighting them. Torch switches are frequently timed, their effects lasting only until the flame goes out. When multiple torches are present, Link will usually have to light them all before the first one goes out to trigger the effect. This is much easier with area-effect spells such as [[Din's Fire]], or at least long-range methods like a [[Fire Arrow]].
'''{{Plural|Series|Lever}}''' are a variation on the mechanical switch that are recessed into walls. Link must pull on a handle to activate it. These {{Plural|Series|Lever}} are frequently timed or booby trapped.
===Light Switch===
{{Main|Light Switch}}
'''{{Plural|Series|Light Switch}}''' are hand-activated levers that perform some function when pushed into a different position. They appear in both {{ALttP}} and {{TMC}}.
===Shock Switch===
===Shock Switch===
{{Main|Shock Switch}}
{{Main|Shock Switch}}
[[File:LA Crystal Switch Artwork.png|left|60px]]
'''Shock Switches''' are small sphere- or obelisk-shaped Switches that can be activated by being slashed by a sword or hit by another weapon.
'''Shock Switches''' are small sphere- or obelisk-shaped Switches that can be activated by being slashed by a sword or hit by another weapon.
===Sun Pattern===
[[File:TWW Sun Pattern Model.png|100px|left]]
A '''Sun Pattern''' is activated by having [[Light Beam]] shone at it,<ref>{{Cite|Canyon, #4: Sun Pattern A|Sheikah Stone|MM3D}}</ref> usually by rotating a mirror or by using the [[Mirror Shield]]. When activated, they sometimes evaporate. Like Pull Levers, they can sometimes be trapped.
{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}
===Eyeball Switch===
===Torch Switch===
[[File:Eye Switch PHST.png|100px|right|The Eyeball Switch in Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks]]
{{Main|Torch (Object)}}
An '''Eyeball Switch''' is a wall Switch that looks like an open eye. When hit by an [[Arrow]] (or sometimes a [[Slingshot]] pellet),<ref>{{Cite|Canyon, #1: Eyeball Switch|Sheikah Stone|MM3D}}</ref> the eye closes and is activated. Some of these Eyeball Switches are encased in ice, which must be unfrozen using the [[Fire Arrow]] or other flame-based attack. There are two variations: Yellow ones, which are one-time activated, and Silver ones, which could be hit multiple times. They appear in {{OoT}}, {{MM}}, {{TWW}}, {{FSA}}, {{TP}}, {{PH}}, {{ST}}, and {{SS}}. [[Fire Eye]]s are identical in appearance to Eyeball Switches.
'''{{Plural|Series|Torch (Object)}}''' are sometimes used as disguised switches, which are activated by lighting them. Torch switches are frequently timed, their effects lasting only until the flame goes out. When multiple torches are present, Link will usually have to light them all before the first one goes out to trigger the effect. This is much easier with area-effect spells such as [[Din's Fire]], or at least long-range methods like a [[Fire Arrow]].
In {{PH|-}} some Eyeball Switches will "flip" to protect themselves from being activated when Link faces north, so Link have to face south and have something that changes the arrow's direction like an [[Arrow Orb]] or a [[Grappling Hook]] so Link can activate them when they are open. They appear in the [[Temple of the Ocean King]] and the [[Temple of Ice (Phantom Hourglass)|Temple of Ice]].
{{clear}}
===Sun Pattern===
[[File:Sun Switch TWW.png|100px|left]]
A '''Sun Pattern''' is activated by having [[Light Beam]] shone at it,<ref>{{Cite|Canyon, #4: Sun Pattern A|Sheikah Stone|MM3D}}</ref> usually by rotating a mirror or by using the [[Mirror Shield]]. When activated, they sometimes evaporate. Like Pull Levers, they can sometimes be trapped.
{{clear}}
===Wind Switch===
===Wind Switch===
[[File:Propeller.png|76px|right]]
{{Main|Wind Switch}}
'''Wind Switches''',<ref>{{Cite|Timeshift Stone Cart and Wind Switch|Sheikah Stone|SS}}</ref> also known as '''Propellers''',<ref>{{Cite|Visual inspection indicates this object is very old. I must conclude that this is a Propeller. It is an object designed to spin in a steady wind,|Fi|SS}}</ref> are objects shaped like miniature windmill propellers appearing in {{SS}}. They can be activated by blowing them with the [[Gust Bellows]], causing them to rotate.
[[File:SS Propeller Icon.png|76px|right]]
'''Wind Switches''' can be activated by blowing them with {{Term|Series|Wind|link}}, causing them to rotate.
===Monster Switch===
{{Clear}}
Many rooms are designed so that some invisible effect is triggered when all the monsters in the room are killed. This almost always means opening a door or making a chest (or at least a key) appear. Every non-fairy floor in the [[Cave of Ordeals]] in {{TP|-}} works this way, but examples can be found dating back all the way to the original {{TLoZ}}.
==Nomenclature==
==Nomenclature==
{{Names
{{Nomenclature}}
|align= left
|enBr=
|enBrM=
|ja=
|jaM=
|esS=
|esSM=
|esL= Mecanismo
|esLM= Mechanism
|fr= Interrupteur
|frF=
|frFM=
|frC=
|frCM=
|de=
|deM=
|it= Interruttore
|itM=
|ptP=
|ptPM=
|ptB=
|ptBM=
|nl=
|nlM=
|ru=
|ruM=
|ko=
|koM=
|zhT=
|zhTM=
|zhS=
|zhSM= }}
==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:13 Spirit30 Large.jpg|Sun Pattern in {{OoT|-}}
File:13 Spirit30 Large.jpg|Sun Pattern in {{OoT|-}}
File:MM GoronSwitchYellow.png|A Goron Pound switch from {{MM|-}}
File:TWW Block Switch Symbol.png|The [[symbol]] that appears on switches in {{TWW|-}}
File:TWW Block Switch Symbol.png|The [[symbol]] that appears on switches in {{TWW|-}}
File:Eye Switch.png|An Eyeball Switch in {{TWW|-}}
File:TMC Switch Sprite 2.png|A {{Term|TMC|Switch}} from {{TMC|-}}
File:Water Switch PH.png|A switch that lowers the water level in Mutoh's Temple
File:PH Water Switch Inactive Model.png|A switch that lowers the water level in Mutoh's Temple
File:Water Switch PH 2.png|The activated water switch
File:PH Water Switch Activated Model.png|The activated water switch
File:Eye Switch ST.png|An active Eyeball Switch from {{ST|-}}
File:CoH Switch Sprite.png|A {{Term|CoH|Switch}} from {{CoH|-}}
File:Special Eye Switch ST.png|A special Eyeball Switch found in the ''Tower of Spirits''
File:CoH Switch Song Sprite.png|A {{Term|CoH|Switch}} that plays a pattern of musical notes from {{CoH|-}}
File:CoH Switch Bomb Sprite.png|A {{Term|CoH|Bomb|link}} {{Term|CoH|Switch}} from {{CoH|-}}
File:CoH Switch Confusion Sprite.png|A confusion-causing {{Term|CoH|Switch}} from {{CoH|-}}
File:CoH Switch Fast Tempo Sprite.png|A {{Term|CoH|Switch}} that quickens the tempo from {{CoH|-}}
File:CoH Switch Slow Tempo Sprite.png|A {{Term|CoH|Switch}} that slows the tempo from {{CoH|-}}
File:CoH Switch Slow Tempo Future World Sprite.png|A {{Term|CoH|Switch}} that slows the tempo from {{CoH|-}}
Once activated, a Switch's effect may or may not be permanent:
Permanent: The Switch's action remains in effect indefinitely, or at least until Link leaves the room, which triggers many puzzles in the series to reset.
Timed: The Switch's action only lasts for a short duration, usually with a musical cue or ticking clock sound effect to indicate this.
Momentary: Only applies to floor Switches. Will stay activated as long as something is on top of it to hold it down, otherwise it will immediately deactivate when something gets off the Switch.
In Phantom Hourglass some Eyeball Switches will "flip" to protect themselves from being activated when Link faces north, so Link have to face south and have something that changes the arrow's direction like an Arrow Aimer or a Grappling Hook so Link can activate them when they are open. They appear in the Temple of the Ocean King and the Temple of Ice.
Floor Switches normally take the form of a large button or plate,[5] which can be activated by being stepped on by Link, or sometimes by placing a heavy object on top.
Grapple Switch
A Grapple Switch is a ceiling-mounted variation on the pull lever which is activated by Link hanging from it, either by its handle or by using the Clawshot/Grappling Hook. Sometimes they require Link to wear the Iron Boots for extra weight.
Lever Switches are a variation on the mechanical switch that are recessed into walls. Link must pull on a handle to activate it. These Lever Switches are frequently timed or booby trapped.
Light Switches are hand-activated levers that perform some function when pushed into a different position. They appear in both A Link to the Past and The Minish Cap.
Shock Switches are small sphere- or obelisk-shaped Switches that can be activated by being slashed by a sword or hit by another weapon.
Sun Pattern
A Sun Pattern is activated by having Light Beam shone at it,[6] usually by rotating a mirror or by using the Mirror Shield. When activated, they sometimes evaporate. Like Pull Levers, they can sometimes be trapped.
Torches are sometimes used as disguised switches, which are activated by lighting them. Torch switches are frequently timed, their effects lasting only until the flame goes out. When multiple torches are present, Link will usually have to light them all before the first one goes out to trigger the effect. This is much easier with area-effect spells such as Din's Fire, or at least long-range methods like a Fire Arrow.
Names in Other Regions 
