"Nintendo Revives Hopes for Zelda: Wind Waker HD Amid Switch 2 Push"

Just because The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 via the GameCube library doesn't mean fans won't see a full port of this beloved adventure. According to Nate Bihldorff, Nintendo of America’s senior vice president of product development, speaking to Kinda Funny's Tim Gettys, the availability of a game on Nintendo Switch Online does not preclude it from being remastered or remade. Despite their popularity, both The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Twilight Princess have yet to be officially ported to either the original Nintendo Switch or the Switch 2.

Some fans have expressed concern that they might never see a remastered version of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, especially since it was previously ported to the Wii U in 2013 and will soon be accessible through Nintendo's premium subscription service when the Nintendo Switch 2 releases on June 5. However, Bihldorff emphasized that all options remain open, suggesting that the presence of a game on Nintendo Switch Online does not rule out future ports or remakes. He noted, "All options are on the table," and highlighted that there are precedents of games available on NSO being released in different formats, whether as remakes or the same port version.

During last week's Nintendo Direct presentation, it was announced that GameCube titles would be added to the Nintendo Switch Online premium library. This exciting update will allow subscribers to enjoy a variety of classic 2000s-era titles, including F-Zero GX, Soulcalibur 2, and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, all available at launch this summer. The library is set to expand further, with titles such as Super Mario Sunshine, Luigi's Mansion, Super Mario Strikers, and Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness teased for future inclusion.

The Best Nintendo Switch Online GameCube Games

Recent developments have also affected the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date in the United States, which was delayed due to import tariffs enacted by President Trump, causing financial market fluctuations. The issue has since spread to Canada, with Nintendo Canada confirming pre-order delays there as well.

For more information, you can explore everything announced at the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct.