A translation of a concept art page from Hyrule Historia. Translated by Snow.
Changes in Character Designs

2001 – Oracles

2002 – The Wind Waker
The birth of the so-called “cat-eyed Link”. Since then, this Link design has been adopted in the handheld games.

2003 – Four Swords & Four Swords Adventures
For the sake of multiplayer, Links of different colours were introduced. These four Links were also used again in Four Swords Adventures.

2004 – The Minish Cap

2006 – Twilight Princess
The first Adult Link since Ocarina of Time in ’98. Also, this is the first game to feature a right-handed Link (although only in the Wii version).

2007 – Phantom Hourglass

2009 – Spirit Tracks

2011 – Skyward Sword