Zelda: Wind Waker HD Returning to Switch 2?

by

Summary

  • A standalone port of Zelda: Wind Waker HD for the Switch 2 could still happen despite the original heading to Nintendo Switch Online.
  • The cel-shaded Wind Waker has gained acclaim for its visuals and gameplay, becoming a fan-favorite Zelda title.
  • Nintendo VP Nate Bihldorff suggests an HD re-release remains possible, even after the game was confirmed for Switch Online’s GameCube library.

It’s possible that Nintendo could still launch a standalone version of the HD remaster of “The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker” on the potential Switch 2, even though the original game is already available through Nintendo Switch Online. Originally criticized for its unique, cel-shaded art style in 2003, “The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker” has since gained widespread acclaim due to its beautiful visuals and sea exploration mechanics.

Previously, the initial “The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker” was upgraded for high-definition (HD) on the Nintendo Wii U in 2013, but regrettably, this enhanced version hasn’t been transferred to the Nintendo Switch. There have been whispers that “Zelda: The Wind Waker HD” might be moved to either the original Nintendo Switch or the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2, but these expectations seem to have been squashed as it was declared that “The Wind Waker” would instead be incorporated into Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, which is part of a fresh endeavor to bring GameCube games onto Nintendo’s subscription service.

There’s a possibility that Nintendo could introduce a separate edition of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD on the upcoming Switch 2, as suggested by Nate Bihldorff, senior vice president of product development at Nintendo of America. During an interview with Tim Gettys from Kinda Funny, Bihldorff mentioned that a game being included in the Nintendo Switch Online library doesn’t mean they can’t release a remastered version in the future.

Zelda: Wind Waker HD Could Come to Switch 2 After All

As a gaming enthusiast, I learned that there are some games from Nintendo Switch Online that can still be played by those who aren’t subscribed to their service in another format. While this doesn’t guarantee that The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD will arrive on the Nintendo Switch 2, it does mean that the game could potentially be re-released as a standalone port even after it’s been added to the Switch Online library.

Fans of the Legend of Zelda series have plenty to anticipate on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, as a new sequel for Hyrule Warriors is slated for release this year. Additionally, both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will receive updates on the Switch 2, which include new Voice Memories that delve deeper into the games’ lore. Given these upcoming releases, it may be an ideal moment for refreshed versions of classic Zelda titles such as The Wind Waker and Twilight Princess to make a comeback.

Read More

2025-04-10 21:04