Wind Waker HD Switch 2 Port Rumors Persist

Discover the latest on Nintendo's plans for The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and the potential port of Wind Waker HD to the Switch 2. Dive into the details of what this means for fans and the enhancements made in the HD version.

Wind Waker GameCube Version Coming To Switch 2

Nintendo unveiled during the April 2 Nintendo Direct for Switch 2 that the beloved GameCube version of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker will be making its way to the next-generation console. This exciting news led fans to speculate about the possibility of Wind Waker HD also being ported.

Clarifying these concerns, Nate Bihldorff, Senior Vice President of Product Development at Nintendo of America, spoke to Kinda Funny Games Daily's host Tim Gettys at a Switch 2 press event in New York on April 9. When asked if the availability of Wind Waker on Nintendo Switch Online would prevent a Wind Waker HD port for Switch 2, Bihldorff quickly assured, "No, all options are on the table." This statement leaves room for hope that Wind Waker HD could indeed come to the Switch 2, though nothing has been confirmed.

First Released in 2002

Originally launched in Japan in 2002 and in the West in 2003, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker on the GameCube captivated players with its unique cel-shaded graphics. Ten years later, Wind Waker HD was released on the Wii U, bringing significant enhancements. These include upgraded visuals from 480p to HD, improved lighting, gyro controls for weapons, faster sailing, and other gameplay refinements. Given that the GameCube library is exclusive to the Switch 2, porting Wind Waker HD could be the only way for original Switch owners to experience this acclaimed title.

In other news, Nintendo has rebranded its classic game libraries from Nintendo Switch Online to Nintendo Classics. Members of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack will soon enjoy playing The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-ZERO GX, and SOULCALIBUR II on the Switch 2, with more titles to follow. These games will also feature additional options like a retro screen filter and widescreen gameplay, enhancing the nostalgic experience for players.