# Life-Sized Gamer Shields The Legend of Zelda Hylian Shield is Perfect for Hardcore Cosplayers By Michael Hines | Published 2011-10-21 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/legend-of-zelda-hylian-shield References: [technabob](http://technabob.com/blog/2011/10/19/hylian-shield-costume-zelda-link/) & [etsy](http://www.etsy.com/listing/42737119/hylian-shield-legend-of-zelda) You can't call your Link Halloween costume complete unless you are toting around the Legend of Zelda Hylian Shield. This shield was created by [Etsy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arcade-clock) merchant Aradani and is a near-replica of the Hylian Shield featured in [Nintendo's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tears-of-the-kingdom-collectors) famous gaming franchise. I saw "near-replica" as I don't think that this shield could withstand actual blows from a sword or fire from a dragon. This shield was handmade by Aradani and stands an impressive 24 inches high and 18 inches wide. Aradani has skillfully repainted the front of the shield to with the [Triforce](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/razer-kraken-kitty-v2-bt-cinnamoroll-edition) and the symbol of Hyrule in case any geeks try to call you out on your costumes lack of detail. If you truly want to pull your Link costume together you can pick up the Legend of Zelda Hylian Shield for a mere $400. Money well spent. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 18% | Activity: 47% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Life-sized Gamer Shields:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating customizable and durable life-sized gamer shields for avid cosplayers and gaming enthusiasts. ### Who This Affects Most - **Cosplay Accessories:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Designing and manufacturing high-quality and authentic cosplay accessories, such as replica shields, for the growing cosplay market. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Collectible Game Bundles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tears-of-the-kingdom-collectors.md) - [Video Game-Inspired Foam Blasters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nerf-x-destiny-gjallarhorn-blaster.md) - [Video Game-Inspired Toy Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-zelda-great-deku-tree-2-in-1.md) - [Adventurous Video Game Records](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-vinyl-soundtrack.md) - [Functional Collectible Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zelda-ganondorf-amiibo.md) - [Vintage Video Game-Inspired Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bethesda-pipboy-3000-replica.md) - [Pixelated Action Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minecraft-legends-portal.md) - [Foot-Tall Video Game Statues](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/witch-queen.md) - [Chibi-Style Adventure Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/echoes-of-wisdom.md)