Traditionally, every major video game in The Legend of Zelda series is completed back-to-back throughout the event, over the course of several days.

[3] At the conclusion of the 22nd marathon, a documentary on the event's history, Money Making Game, was announced with a projected release of December 2019 to celebrate Zeldathon's 10th anniversary.

[5] Zeldathon was first organized in late 2009 between Matthew "MC" Moffit and Zak Ondish, having taken inspiration from other charity gaming marathons such as TheSpeedGamers.

Following this, the marathon continued to return twice annually, in the summer and winter, with occasional mini-marathons being held as needed.

[38] In the same March 2020 announcement as the delay of Parallel Worlds, it was revealed that an online-only event would be held in its place, scheduled to begin on June 5, in support of Direct Relief.