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

If you're a fan of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, you might be thrilled to hear that its availability on Nintendo Switch Online via the GameCube library doesn’t rule out the possibility of a remastered or remade version. According to Nate Bihldorff, Nintendo of America’s senior vice president of product development, even if a game is accessible through Nintendo Switch Online, developers may still explore additional ways to bring it to players, such as remasters or entirely new iterations.

Although The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Twilight Princess remain unported to the Nintendo Switch, either in its original form or the upcoming Switch 2, there’s hope yet. Fans were initially concerned that the recent announcement of The Wind Waker joining the Nintendo Switch Online library might mean the end of expectations for a full remaster. However, Bihldorff clarified that the game’s inclusion on Nintendo Switch Online does not preclude the possibility of the Wii U version being released later.

He emphasized that all options remain open, pointing to previous instances where games appeared on Nintendo Switch Online but were also made available through other formats, such as remakes or ports. While nothing has been officially confirmed, the door isn’t closed on future developments.

This exciting news comes alongside the announcement that GameCube titles are set to join the Nintendo Switch Online premium library, offering classic games like F-Zero GX, Soulcalibur 2, and, of course, The Wind Waker. The initial launch this summer will also feature additional titles, with plans to expand the collection in the coming years. Potential additions include Super Mario Sunshine, Luigi's Mansion, Super Mario Strikers, Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness, and more.

In other updates, the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date faced delays in both the United States and Canada due to financial market disruptions caused by import tariffs. For more details, be sure to check out everything revealed during the recent Nintendo Direct presentation.