The announcement of the GameCube version of Wind Waker coming to the Switch 2 has sparked curiosity among fans about the potential porting of Wind Waker HD. Dive into this article to explore Nintendo's perspective on this topic and discover the enhancements made to Wind Waker HD over the original game.
Wind Waker GameCube Version Coming To Switch 2
During the Nintendo Direct for Switch 2 on April 2, it was revealed that the GameCube version of Wind Waker will be making its way to the new console. This news led to speculation about the possibility of Wind Waker HD also being ported to the Switch 2.
In a recent episode of Kinda Funny Games Daily uploaded on April 9, host Tim Gettys shared insights from his conversation with Nate Bihldorff, Nintendo of America's Senior Vice President of Product Development, during a Switch 2 press event in New York. When asked about the potential for Wind Waker HD to be ported to the Switch 2, despite its availability on Nintendo Switch Online (NSO), Bihldorff was clear: "No, all options are on the table." This statement leaves the door open for a future port, though nothing has been confirmed yet.
First Released in 2002
Originally released on the GameCube in 2002 in Japan and 2003 in the West, Wind Waker captured hearts with its unique cel-shaded graphics and engaging storyline. A decade later, in 2013, Wind Waker HD was released on the Wii U, bringing significant improvements. These enhancements included an upgrade to HD visuals from the original 480p, better lighting, gyro controls for weapons, faster sailing mechanics, and various 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 beloved title.
In other news, the Nintendo Switch Online classics game libraries are being rebranded as Nintendo Classics. Nintendo has announced that "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 to follow." These games will also feature options like a retro screen filter and widescreen gameplay, enhancing the nostalgic experience for players.