The prospect of experiencing the beloved classic The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 has stirred excitement among fans. The announcement that the GameCube version of Wind Waker will be available on the Switch 2 has led to speculation about the potential release of the enhanced Wind Waker HD. Here's a detailed look into Nintendo's plans and the improvements that Wind Waker HD offers over the original.
Wind Waker GameCube Version Coming To Switch 2
During the Nintendo Direct for Switch 2 on April 2, it was revealed that the GameCube version of Wind Waker will make its way to the new console. This sparked curiosity about the fate of Wind Waker HD, which was initially released for the Wii U.
Nintendo of America's Senior Vice President of Product Development, Nate Bihldorff, addressed these concerns in a recent interview. Speaking at a Switch 2 press event in New York, as reported by Tim Gettys on the Kinda Funny Games Daily episode on April 9, Bihldorff was clear about the possibilities. When asked if the availability of the GameCube version on Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) would prevent Wind Waker HD from being ported to the Switch 2, he responded, "No, all options are on the table." This leaves the door open for the HD version to potentially come to the next-gen console, although nothing has been confirmed yet.
First Released in 2002
Originally launched in 2002 in Japan and 2003 in the West, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker was a groundbreaking title on the GameCube. Its HD remaster hit the Wii U in 2013, bringing with it a host of enhancements. These include a jump from 480p to HD visuals, improved lighting, the introduction of gyro controls for weapon aiming, faster sailing mechanics, and various other gameplay refinements.
With the GameCube library being exclusive to the Switch 2, porting Wind Waker HD could be the only way for original Switch owners to experience this classic in its enhanced form.
In related news, Nintendo is rebranding its Switch Online classics game libraries to "Nintendo Classics." As stated by Nintendo, "Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members will soon be able to play The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-ZERO GX, and SOULCALIBUR II on Nintendo Switch 2, with more games coming in the future." These games will come with additional in-game options such as a retro screen filter and widescreen gameplay, enhancing the nostalgic experience for players.
