The potential release of the GameCube version of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 has sparked discussions about the future of Wind Waker HD. Dive in to explore Nintendo's stance on this issue and the enhancements that Wind Waker HD brought to the original game.

Wind Waker GameCube Version Coming To Switch 2

During the Nintendo Direct for Switch 2 on April 2, it was announced that the GameCube version of The Wind Waker will be available on the Switch 2. This news left fans curious about the prospects of Wind Waker HD being ported to the new console.

However, Nate Bihldorff, Senior Vice President of Product Development at Nintendo of America, provided some clarity on this matter. In a conversation with Tim Gettys of Kinda Funny Games Daily, recorded during a Switch 2 press event in New York on April 9, Bihldorff stated that the availability of The Wind Waker on Nintendo Switch Online does not rule out a potential port of Wind Waker HD to the Switch 2. Gettys shared, "I did ask if having The Wind Waker on NSO precludes it from the Switch 2 getting the actual Wii U port at some point, and he was very quick to say 'no, all options are on the table'. Obviously, nothing is confirmed one way or another."

First Released in 2002

Originally released in 2002 in Japan and 2003 in the West, The Wind Waker on the GameCube was a groundbreaking title. Its HD version, released on the Wii U in 2013, brought significant upgrades including enhanced visuals from 480p to HD, improved lighting, gyro controls for weapons, faster sailing, and various gameplay adjustments. With the GameCube library being exclusive to the Switch 2, porting Wind Waker HD might be the only way for owners of the original Switch to experience this enhanced version.

Additionally, the Nintendo Switch Online classics game libraries are undergoing a rebranding to "Nintendo Classics." Nintendo has announced that "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 to be added in the future." These games will also feature in-game options such as a retro screen filter and widescreen gameplay, enhancing the retro gaming experience for players.