Zelda: Wind Waker HD Still Alive on Switch Amid GameCube Push

The announcement that The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 via the GameCube library has sparked discussions about the potential for a full port of this fan-favorite adventure. According to Nate Bihldorff, senior vice president of product development at Nintendo of America, the inclusion of a game in Nintendo Switch Online's library does not preclude the possibility of a remaster or remake. This statement was made during an interview with Kinda Funny's Tim Gettys, addressing concerns about the future of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Twilight Princess on the Nintendo Switch platform.

Despite their popularity within the Zelda franchise, both The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Twilight Princess have yet to be officially ported to either the original Nintendo Switch or the upcoming Switch 2. Fans expressed concern that the availability of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker through Nintendo's premium subscription service upon the Nintendo Switch 2 release on June 5 might mean they would never see a full remaster. However, Bihldorff's comments suggest that all options remain open, emphasizing that Nintendo's approach to game releases is flexible and that previous availability on NSO does not rule out future ports or remakes.

During the recent Nintendo Direct presentation, it was revealed that GameCube titles are on the way to Nintendo Switch Online as part of its premium library. This update will bring a variety of classic 2000s-era games to subscribers, including F-Zero GX, Soulcalibur 2, and, of course, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. These titles will be available at launch this summer, with plans to expand the library further in the future, potentially including Super Mario Sunshine, Luigi's Mansion, Super Mario Strikers, and Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness.

Recent developments have also affected the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date in the United States and Canada, with delays attributed to import tariffs and financial market fluctuations. For more information on the latest announcements, be sure to check out everything announced at the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct.