Nintendo Fuels Zelda: Wind Waker HD Hopes Amid Switch 2 GameCube Rumors

The excitement around The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 via the GameCube library has sparked discussions about potential future ports. However, fans need not worry about missing out on a full remaster. According to Nate Bihldorff, senior vice president of product development at Nintendo of America, the availability of a game on Nintendo Switch Online does not rule out the possibility of a remaster or remake. In a conversation with Kinda Funny's Tim Gettys, Bihldorff emphasized that all options remain open for beloved titles like The Wind Waker and Twilight Princess, which have yet to be ported to either the original Nintendo Switch or the upcoming Switch 2.

The concern among fans stems from The Wind Waker's previous port to the Wii U in 2013 and its impending inclusion in Nintendo's premium subscription service upon the Nintendo Switch 2's release on June 5. Bihldorff's response to inquiries about a potential Wii U port on the Switch 2 was reassuring: "All options are on the table." While no definitive plans were confirmed, the statement suggests that Nintendo is open to various possibilities, including remakes or different port versions of games already available on Nintendo Switch Online.

The announcement of GameCube titles joining the Nintendo Switch Online library, revealed at the recent Nintendo Direct presentation, marks a significant expansion of the service. Subscribers will soon enjoy a variety of classic 2000s-era games, including F-Zero GX, Soulcalibur 2, and, of course, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, all launching this summer. The library is set to grow further with titles like Super Mario Sunshine, Luigi's Mansion, Super Mario Strikers, and Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness teased for future inclusion.

Recent news regarding the Nintendo Switch 2 has not been entirely smooth. Pre-order dates in the United States were delayed due to import tariffs, a situation that also affected Nintendo Canada, pushing back their pre-order dates as well.

For those eager to stay updated, be sure to check out everything announced at the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct for more information on upcoming releases and features.