Halloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PCHalloween DealsAmazon USOctober picks are moving - compare before checkoutAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
World desk4 min

How to Save in Majora’s Mask: N64, 3D, Switch, and Save States

Save instructions for every major version of Majora’s Mask: learn what the Song of Time preserves, why an N64 Owl Statue save disappears, and how Switch Suspend Points work.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

How you save in Majora’s Mask depends on the version. In the original Nintendo 64 game, the Song of Time makes the cycle’s in-game save, while an Owl Statue creates a one-use interrupt save. On Nintendo Switch’s Nintendo 64 Nintendo Classics, a Suspend Point is a separate platform-level snapshot. The 3DS remake has its own statue-saving rules.

Which version are you playing?

Check the platform before following save instructions: the original Nintendo 64 release, Majora’s Mask 3D on Nintendo 3DS, and the Nintendo 64 Nintendo Classics app on Switch do not use identical save systems. Third-party emulators have controls and behaviors that vary by emulator.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Version Save method What to know
Original Nintendo 64 Song of Time or Owl Statue The Song of Time saves the cycle’s lasting progress and returns Link to the First Day. The Owl Statue save is a one-use interrupt save.
Nintendo 64 Nintendo Classics on Switch Create a Suspend Point in the Suspend Menu This saves a platform-level point in the emulated session; it is not the Song of Time.
Majora’s Mask 3D on Nintendo 3DS Save at an owl or quill statue Returning to the First Day does not automatically save.
Third-party emulator Depends on the emulator Exact controls, formats, and persistence depend on the specific emulator and version.

How to save in the original Nintendo 64 game

Make a lasting in-game save with the Song of Time

  1. Play the Song of Time.
  2. Allow the return to the First Day to finish. The game saves progress as the cycle resets to 6:00 a.m. on the First Day.
  3. Wait until the “Dawn of the First Day” message appears before turning off the console.

This is the regular cycle save: it preserves important progress, but not every item or activity from the current three-day cycle. The game’s 72 in-game hours are the three-day period before the game ends if Link does not avert the outcome.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Use an Owl Statue to pause a session

  1. If the Owl Statue is not active, hit it with the sword.
  2. Interact with the statue and confirm the interrupt save.
  3. Wait for the Title Screen before powering off.
  4. When you resume, select the file marked with an owl.

This save records your current status for the next continuation, but it is consumed when you load it. Nintendo’s N64 manual cautions: “Once you continue that game, though, the saved game will be deleted, so after continuing your quest, be sure to save again using the SONG OF TIME or visit one of the OWL STATUES again.”

#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter | 4Pack Type C Female to A Male Cable Converter for Apple Duo 17 16 15 14 Plus,iWatch Watch 12 11 10,iPad 9 8 Air,Airpods 5 4
  • Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
  • Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
  • Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
  • Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
  • 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.

What does the Song of Time keep or reset?

When you play the Song of Time, Link goes back to the First Day and the game resets temporary cycle details. The original N64 manual describes the lasting save as preserving game progress, not as a complete snapshot of everything in the current cycle.

Generally persists Resets with the cycle
Masks; major items; quest items and songs; notebook notes; maps; dungeon maps and compasses; banked rupees Cleared maze puzzles and sub-events; conversations; usable item counts; small and big keys; Stray Fairies; rupees in Link’s wallet

Plan around the reset: deposit rupees you want to keep, and do not assume a key, fairy, consumable, or completed temporary activity will carry into the next cycle.

Rank #2
Sale
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter | USB C Dongle with 90W Max Power Delivery, 3×5Gbps USB A Data Ports, for MacBook, Dell, and More (Charger Not Included)
  • 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
  • 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
  • Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
  • 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

How to use save states on Switch’s Nintendo 64 Classics

Nintendo calls this feature a Suspend Point. It preserves a platform-level point in the emulated session, whereas the Song of Time is the game’s own cycle-saving mechanic.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  1. While playing, open the Suspend Menu. Nintendo’s support instructions list Minus on Joy-Con or standard Switch controls, or ZR on the N64 controller.
  2. Choose Create Suspend Point.
  3. Select a slot. Nintendo documents up to four Suspend Point slots for each game.
  4. To resume later, open the Suspend Menu, choose Load Suspend Point, and select the saved point.

Overwriting a Suspend Point cannot be undone, according to Nintendo Support. For a safer approach, use the game’s Song of Time when you want to preserve its intended cycle progress, and create a Suspend Point before a risky section when you want to return to a particular moment. Access to the N64 Nintendo Classics library requires an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, according to the same support page.

Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter | 85W Max PD, 2 USB 3.0 & 1 USBC Data Ports, SD/TF Card Reader, for Laptops/Mac and Other Type C Devices (Charger Not Included)
  • Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
  • Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
  • Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
  • Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

How saving works in Majora’s Mask 3D

  1. Stand in front of an owl statue or quill statue.
  2. Press A to save.

The 3DS manual explicitly says that returning to the First Day does not automatically save your game. Do not switch off or reset the system, or remove the game card or SD card, while saving. The manual also warns against using external accessories or software to modify save data.

What if you are playing on an emulator?

There is no single set of emulator save-state instructions that applies to every app. Menu names, buttons, save formats, compatibility, and whether a state persists can vary by emulator and version. Check that emulator’s documentation for its save-state procedure; without the emulator name and version, exact steps cannot be established.

Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray | Data transfer & Fast charging for MacBook, iPhone 17/16/15, iPad, Samsung Galaxy, Apple Watch
  • Dual Converters, Infinite Potential:Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
  • Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
  • Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
  • Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
  • Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft

Keep the distinction clear: an emulator save state is an emulator feature, not the N64 game’s Song of Time save. Do not assume a state is portable between emulator versions or that it replaces a backup of the game’s in-game save.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Original Nintendo 64 hardware requirement

Nintendo’s original N64 manual says the game requires an Expansion Pak. This requirement applies to the original-console release, not to the 3DS remake or Switch Nintendo 64 Nintendo Classics.

Best Value
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display | 85W Max PD, 1 Powered USB-C 5Gbps & 2 Powered USB-A 3.0 5Gbps Data Ports, for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Dell and More (Black)
  • 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
  • Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
  • Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
  • HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
  • What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.