Nintendo’s latest Direct showcase, which took place on April 2, was a massive hit, revealing more details about the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, as well as a vast array of new games that will be coming to the console. While the debut of games likeMario Kart World,Donkey Kong Bananza, andKirby Air Riderswas an unexpected surprise, however, the showcase also revealed that a few classicNintendo GameCube games would be ported to the Switch 2as well, with their release dates coinciding with the console’s launch. One of those games is none other thanThe Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker— an entry Nintendo shouldn’t be afraid to double-dip on after the GameCube version is ported in June.
Longtime fans ofThe Legend of Zeldalikely rememberZelda: The Wind Wakervery well, namely for its unique art style and take on classicZeldastorytelling. Initially, its art style proved divisive, as some fans felt that it detracted from the darker, more mature side ofZeldathat had defined the series previously. Since then,The Wind Wakerhas become one of the most loved entries in the series, so it’s addition to Nintendo Switch Online with the launch of the Switch 2 is a welcome one. That being said, there’s still more Nintendo could do with the beloved title, especially if rumors are true.
Zelda: The Wind Waker’s Rumored Remaster/Remake Still Hangs in the Balance
Rumors of a Wind Waker Remaster/Remake for the Switch Have Persisted
Getting the GameCube version ofZelda: The Wind Wakeron the Nintendo Switch 2is one thing, but it might mean a lot more to the series' oldest fans if it were remastered or completely remade for the upcoming console as well. It’s not a baseless expectation either, as rumors of aWind Wakerremaster or remake for the Nintendo Switch or its successor have persisted for quite some time now. Initially, it was rumored thatThe Wind Wakerwould be remastered or remade for the original Nintendo Switch, but more recently, fans have speculated on whether it would be made with the Nintendo Switch 2 in mind.
Nintendo’s decision to release the original GameCube version ofZelda: The Wind Wakersuggests that a dedicated remake or remaster may not be coming in the near future, but nothing is impossible.
The main thing at this point is thatZelda: The Wind Wakerhas already been remasteredfor the Nintendo Wii U, so remastering it again for the Nintendo Switch 2 might feel a tad unnecessary. Additionally, one could argue that it doesn’t need a remake either, as it is a timeless classic for a reason and really doesn’t have much wrong with it in terms of its gameplay, story, and world. All of that said, a remaster would allow newcomers to experienceThe Wind Wakerin its best form, especially if it was remastered with the Switch 2’s hardware in mind.
Nintendo Shouldn’t Be Afraid to Release a Wind Waker Remaster Alongside or Following the GameCube Port
As such, Nintendo arguably shouldn’t be afraid to release aZelda: The Wind Wakerremasteralongside or following the GameCube version’s port to the Switch 2. Perhaps the GameCube port could serve as a teaser for what’s to come, or simply provideZeldaveterans with a chance to experienceThe Wind Wakerthe way they remember it — especially since Nintendo is releasing a Nintendo GameCube controller specifically made for the port. Speaking of the GameCube controller, it might be even better used to control Link in aWind Wakerremaster for the Switch 2.
The main thing at this point is thatZelda: The Wind Wakerhas already been remastered for the Nintendo Wii U, so remastering it again for the Nintendo Switch 2 might feel a tad unnecessary.
Whether or not a fullZelda: TheWind Wakerremaster for the Switch 2 ever materializes, theGameCube version’s porton the upcoming console is already a win for longtime fans. But if Nintendo really wants to bridge the gap between generations, then a revisit ofThe Wind Wakerwith fresh eyes could be well worth the effort. A modern remaster would then effectively capitalize on the increasingly common coupling of nostalgia and innovation in the gaming industry, which is what the Switch 2 was made for in the first place.
