Summary
Nintendo might yet release a standalone port ofThe Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HDon the Switch 2 despite the original being added to Nintendo Switch Online. Once derided for its drastically different, cel-shaded art style, 2003’sThe Legend of Zelda: The Wind Wakerhas gone on to become one of the most acclaimed entries in the long-running franchise thanks to its striking visuals and sailing gameplay. The game would spawn multiple spin-offs, and the “Toon Link” variant introduced inWind Wakerwould become a playable character inSuper Smash Bros.from 2008’sBrawlonwards.
The originalLegend of Zelda: The Wind Wakerwas eventually given an HD re-release for the Nintendo Wii U in 2013, but this version has sadly not been ported to the Nintendo Switch. There have been rumors ofZelda: The Wind Waker HDfinally being portedto either the original Switch or the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, but these hopes were seemingly dashed when it was announced thatThe Wind Wakerwould instead be added to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack as part of a new initiative to bring GameCube games to Nintendo’s subscription service.
However, there might still be a chance of Nintendo releasing astandalone version ofZelda: The Wind Waker HDon the Switch 2. This comes from Nintendo of America senior vice president of product development Nate Bihldorff, who recently spoke with Kinda Funny’s Tim Gettys. According to Gettys, Bihldorff says that a game being added to the Nintendo Switch Online library doesn’t necessarily prevent a remaster from being released in the future.
Zelda: Wind Waker HD Could Come to Switch 2 After All
Bihldorff also pointed out that there are several games on Nintendo Switch Online that are still available in some other form for players who don’t want tocommit to Nintendo’s subscription service. Of course, this doesn’t confirm thatThe Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HDis coming to the Nintendo Switch 2, only that it is still possible for the game to be re-released as a standalone port even after the original is added to the Switch Online catalog.
Legend of Zeldafans already have much to look forward to on the Nintendo Switch 2, with a newHyrule Warriorssequel coming later this year.The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildandTears of the Kingdomare alsogetting updated for the Switch 2, complete with new Voice Memories that expand on the lore of the games. With all this on the way, the timing could be just right for updated re-releases of classicZeldaentries likeThe Wind WakerandTwilight Princess.
