Nintendo Still Considering Wind Waker HD for Switch 2

The GameCube version of Wind Waker is coming to Switch 2, but that doesn't mean a port of Wind Waker HD is off the table. Keep reading to learn what Nintendo had to say about the possibility and how the HD version improved upon the original.

Wind Waker GameCube Version Headed to Switch 2

Nintendo Keeps All Options Open for Future Ports

Nintendo announced during its April 2 Switch 2 Direct that the GameCube version of Wind Waker is coming to the new console. This left many fans wondering if the enhanced Wii U remake, Wind Waker HD, would ever make its way to the next-generation system.

Nate Bihldorff, Senior Vice President of Product Development at Nintendo of America, later addressed these concerns. In an April 9 episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily, host Tim Gettys shared that he spoke with Bihldorff at a Switch 2 press event in New York. During their conversation, the topic of a potential Switch 2 port for Wind Waker HD came up.

Gettys reported, "I asked if releasing The Wind Waker on Nintendo Switch Online means the Wii U port won't come to Switch 2, and he was quick to say 'no, all options are on the table.' Of course, nothing is officially confirmed either way."

Originally Launched in 2002

The original Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker first launched on GameCube in 2002 in Japan and 2003 in Western markets. A decade later, an HD remaster was released for the Wii U in 2013. This version featured significant upgrades, including a jump from 480p to high-definition visuals, improved lighting, gyro-controlled aiming for certain items, faster sailing mechanics, and various other gameplay refinements. Since the GameCube library is exclusive to the Switch 2, a Wind Waker HD port may be the only way for original Switch owners to experience the game.

Separately, the Nintendo Switch Online classic games library is being rebranded as "Nintendo Classics." Nintendo stated, "Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members will soon gain access to The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-ZERO GX, and SOULCALIBUR II on the Switch 2, with more titles to be added later." Some of these classic games will also include options like a retro screen filter and widescreen support.