"Wind Waker HD Switch 2 Port Still Considered"

The buzz around the gaming community has reached a fever pitch with the announcement that the beloved GameCube classic, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, is set to grace the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Announced during the Nintendo Direct for Switch 2 on April 2, this news has sparked a flurry of excitement and speculation, particularly about the fate of Wind Waker HD, the enhanced version originally ported to the Wii U.

Nintendo Keeping All Options Open for Wind Waker HD on Switch 2

Amidst the excitement, fans were quick to question whether this move would rule out a future port of Wind Waker HD to the next-gen console. However, reassurance came from Nate Bihldorff, Nintendo of America's Senior Vice President of Product Development. In a conversation with Kinda Funny Games Daily host Tim Gettys at a Switch 2 press event in New York on April 9, Bihldorff made it clear that the possibility of bringing Wind Waker HD to the Switch 2 is still very much "on the table." This leaves the door open for fans of the HD version to hope for its inclusion on the new console.

A Journey from 2002 to the Future

Originally released in 2002 in Japan and 2003 in the West for the GameCube, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker captured hearts with its unique cel-shaded art style and engaging gameplay. A decade later, in 2013, Wind Waker HD brought this classic into the modern era on the Wii U, boasting significant upgrades such as HD visuals, improved lighting, gyro controls for weapons, faster sailing, and other gameplay enhancements. With the GameCube library now exclusive to the Switch 2, porting Wind Waker HD could be the key for original Switch owners to experience this masterpiece in its enhanced form.

In a related development, the Nintendo Switch Online classics game libraries have been rebranded as "Nintendo Classics." According to Nintendo, members of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack will soon have access to The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-ZERO GX, and SOULCALIBUR II on the Nintendo Switch 2, with promises of more titles to come. These games will also feature additional in-game options like a retro screen filter and widescreen gameplay, enhancing the nostalgic experience for players.