The possibility of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker making its way to the Nintendo Switch 2 has sparked excitement among fans, particularly with the announcement that the GameCube version will be available on the new console. However, the question remains: what about Wind Waker HD?
Nintendo Open to All Options for Wind Waker Versions on Switch 2
During the Nintendo Direct for Switch 2 on April 2, it was confirmed that the GameCube version of The Wind Waker would be coming to the new console. This news led to speculation about whether Wind Waker HD, previously released on the Wii U, would also make the jump.
Nintendo of America's Senior Vice President of Product Development, Nate Bihldorff, addressed these concerns. In a conversation reported by Tim Gettys on the Kinda Funny Games Daily episode aired on April 9, Bihldorff made it clear that the availability of The Wind Waker on Nintendo Switch Online does not preclude the possibility of a Wind Waker HD port to the Switch 2. Gettys quoted Bihldorff saying, "no, all options are on the table," indicating that Nintendo is keeping their options open for bringing different versions of The Wind Waker to the new console.
The Evolution of Wind Waker: From 2002 to HD
Originally launched on the GameCube in 2002 in Japan and 2003 in the West, The Wind Waker was a groundbreaking title in the Zelda series. Fast forward a decade, and Wind Waker HD graced the Wii U in 2013, bringing with it a suite of enhancements. These improvements included a jump from 480p to high-definition visuals, better lighting, the introduction of gyro controls for weapon aiming, faster sailing mechanics, and various gameplay adjustments. Given that the GameCube library is exclusive to the Switch 2, porting Wind Waker HD could be the only way for original Switch owners to experience this enhanced version.
In related news, Nintendo has announced that the Nintendo Switch Online classics game libraries are being rebranded as Nintendo Classics. Members of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack will soon have the opportunity to play The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-ZERO GX, and SOULCALIBUR II on the Nintendo Switch 2, with promises of more games to come. Additionally, some titles will feature in-game options such as a retro screen filter and widescreen gameplay, enhancing the nostalgic experience for players.
