"Wind Waker HD Switch 2 Port Still Considered"

Discover the latest updates on the potential porting of Wind Waker HD to the Switch 2, alongside the confirmed release of the original GameCube version. Dive into Nintendo's plans and the enhancements that Wind Waker HD brought over the original game.

Wind Waker GameCube Version Coming To Switch 2

Nintendo announced during the April 2 Nintendo Direct for Switch 2 that the beloved GameCube version of Wind Waker will be making its way to the new console. This news sparked curiosity among fans about the fate of Wind Waker HD on the next-gen platform.

Nintendo of America's Senior Vice President of Product Development, Nate Bihldorff, addressed these concerns. In a conversation with Tim Gettys of Kinda Funny Games Daily, captured during a Switch 2 press event in New York on April 9, Bihldorff made it clear that the possibility of porting Wind Waker HD to the Switch 2 is still very much alive. Gettys shared, "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 launched on the GameCube in 2002 in Japan and 2003 in the West, Wind Waker captured the hearts of many. Its HD version, released on the Wii U in 2013, brought significant enhancements, including upgraded visuals from 480p to HD, improved lighting, the introduction of gyro controls for weapons, faster sailing, and various other gameplay tweaks. With the GameCube library now exclusive to the Switch 2, porting Wind Waker HD might be the only way for original Switch owners to experience this updated version.

In related news, Nintendo has rebranded its Nintendo Switch Online classics game libraries to "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." These classics will also feature in-game options like a retro screen filter and widescreen gameplay, enhancing the nostalgic experience for players.