"Wind Waker HD Switch 2 Port: Still Under Consideration"

Exciting news for fans of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker—the beloved GameCube version is making its way to the Nintendo Switch 2. Announced during the Nintendo Direct for Switch 2 on April 2, this update has sparked curiosity about the potential porting of Wind Waker HD. Here’s what you need to know about Nintendo's plans and the enhancements Wind Waker HD brought to the original game.

Wind Waker GameCube Version Coming To Switch 2

Nintendo Opening All Options For Other Wind Waker Versions To Be Ported

While the GameCube version of Wind Waker is set to grace the Switch 2, fans are eager to learn about the fate of Wind Waker HD. In a recent episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily, host Tim Gettys shared insights from a conversation with Nate Bihldorff, Nintendo of America's Senior Vice President of Product Development. During a Switch 2 press event in New York, Bihldorff addressed the possibility of a Wind Waker HD port. Gettys reported, "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 on the GameCube in 2002 in Japan and 2003 in the West, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker received a significant upgrade with its HD version on the Wii U in 2013. This version boasted a leap from 480p to HD visuals, enhanced lighting, gyro controls for weapons, faster sailing, and various gameplay tweaks. Given that the GameCube library is exclusive to the Switch 2, a port of Wind Waker HD might be the only way for original Switch owners to experience this masterpiece.

In other news, the Nintendo Switch Online classics game libraries are being rebranded as Nintendo Classics. According to Nintendo, "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 coming in the future." Additionally, some games will feature in-game options like a retro screen filter and widescreen gameplay, enhancing the nostalgic experience for players.