Nintendo Keeps The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD Hopes Alive Despite Switch 2 GameCube Push

The announcement of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 via the GameCube library has sparked discussions about the potential for a full remaster. Nate Bihldorff, senior vice president of product development at Nintendo of America, addressed these concerns in an interview with Kinda Funny's Tim Gettys. He emphasized that just because a game is available through Nintendo Switch Online's library, it doesn't preclude the possibility of a remaster or remake. This statement offers hope to fans who have been eagerly awaiting a port of the beloved 2003 title, as well as Twilight Princess, to the Nintendo Switch platforms.

Some fans expressed worry that the availability of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker on Nintendo Switch Online might mean they would never see a full remaster, especially since the game was previously ported to the Wii U in 2013. However, Bihldorff's response was reassuring. He mentioned, "\[We\] got to ask a whole bunch of questions and, in typical Nintendo fashion, we didn't get too many answers to things, but I did ask if having the Wind Waker on \[Nintendo Switch Online\] precludes \[Nintendo Switch 2\] from getting the actual Wii U port at some point, and he was very quick to say no. All options are on the table."

Bihldorff highlighted that there are many examples of games available on Nintendo Switch Online that have also been released in different formats, such as remakes or the same port version. This suggests that Nintendo remains open to various possibilities for bringing The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker to the Nintendo Switch 2, which is set to release on June 5.

The inclusion of GameCube titles in the Nintendo Switch Online library was revealed during last week's Nintendo Direct presentation. This significant update will provide subscribers with access to a variety of classic 2000s-era games, 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 the library set to expand in the future to include other beloved games like Super Mario Sunshine, Luigi's Mansion, Super Mario Strikers, and Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness.

In other news, the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date in the United States faced delays due to import tariffs enacted by President Trump, affecting financial markets. This issue also impacted Nintendo Canada, leading to similar delays in pre-orders there.

For those interested in more details, you can explore everything announced at the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct.