The announcement of the GameCube version of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 has sparked curiosity among fans about the potential porting of Wind Waker HD. This speculation was addressed by Nintendo of America's Senior Vice President of Product Development, Nate Bihldorff, during a conversation at a Switch 2 press event in New York. When questioned about the possibility of Wind Waker HD being ported to the Switch 2, Bihldorff made it clear that "all options are on the table," leaving room for future developments.
Originally released in 2002 for the GameCube in Japan and 2003 in the West, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker received a significant upgrade with Wind Waker HD on the Wii U in 2013. This enhanced version boasted several improvements, including a leap from 480p to HD visuals, enhanced lighting, gyro controls for weapons, and faster sailing, among other gameplay enhancements. Given that the GameCube library is exclusive to the Switch 2, porting Wind Waker HD could be the only way for original Switch owners to experience this beloved game.
In addition to these developments, Nintendo is rebranding its Nintendo Switch Online classics game libraries as "Nintendo Classics." Subscribers to 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 more titles expected to join the lineup. These games will also feature additional in-game options like retro screen filters and widescreen gameplay, enhancing the nostalgic experience for players.
