The character Linkle was originally created during the development of Hyrule Warriors. She was originally conceived to be Link's younger sister, but the idea was scrapped due to Eiji Aonuma not wanting her inclusion to conflict with Wind Waker Link's sister Aryll. After the game's release, sketches of her concept were included in the boxed editions' visual databook and she escalated into popularity within a portion of the Zelda fandom. Despite being incomplete at the time, she was one of the popularly requested characters during the open call for playable candidates posted onto the game's Twitter. When re-pitched to Aonuma with a revised backstory, he approved her.

Former Nintendo localizer Chris Pranger stated on his Twitter that Linkle was the last character he wrote before leaving Nintendo. He expressed excitement for her debut, adding that he liked writing for her more than he did Lana.