Nintendo Switch users hoping to see The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD make its way to the new Switch 2 might still have reason to be optimistic. While the announcement of the original Wind Waker’s inclusion in the Nintendo Classics channel has sparked concerns about the HD remaster’s availability, representatives from Nintendo have indicated that a re-release is not completely off the table. The potential remains for the acclaimed Wii U version to eventually grace modern consoles.
During a recent episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily, host Tim Gettys relayed a comment from a Nintendo representative, who stated that “all options were on the table”regarding the future of Wind Waker HD and other titles. This assurance may provide a glimmer of hope to fans eager for updates on beloved Zelda titles.
“I did ask [the Nintendo representative at a press event] 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.”
Fans of the Nintendo Switch have been eagerly anticipating the possibility of seeing both Wind Waker HD and Twilight Princess HD escape their Wii U exclusivity. The announcement of Wind Waker as the first title confirmed for the GameCube Classics lineup did cast some doubt on these hopes. Yet, the support from Nintendo’s representative opens the door for other classic titles, reinforcing that the story is far from over.
Inclusion in Nintendo Classics Doesn’t Exclude HD Ports
Wind Waker HD is Not Disqualified by Any Unwritten Rules
Nintendo’s strategy often involves enticing consumers with new titles while still offering classic games from its rich history. For instance, the 2023 remake of Super Mario RPG did not appear on the Nintendo Switch Online service, potentially minimizing any direct competition with its classic counterpart. Conversely, some titles, like The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, received both a remake and continued availability of the original game on NSO, highlighting Nintendo’s flexible approach.
Wind Waker and Twilight Princess HD Are Currently Stuck on Wii U
These Updated Zelda Games Deserve More Exposure
Launched back in 2013, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD showcased the Wii U’s capabilities with stunning visual enhancements and refined gameplay mechanics. The follow-up remaster, Twilight Princess HD, which debuted in 2016, received similar acclaim. Both versions are considered by many fans to be the definitive experiences of these two classic adventures.
The surprise of many fans remains in Nintendo’s reluctance to port these HD remasters to the Switch, particularly given the breadth of Wii U titles that have transitioned to the current console. While it seems unlikely for Wind Waker HD to be announced shortly following the original title’s introduction in the Classics series, Zelda fans can cling to a glimmer of hope for future ports with a bit more patience.
References: Kinda Funny Games Daily, TheGamer