Zelda: Wind Waker HD Hopes Persist Amid Switch 2 GameCube Rumors

Just because The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 via the GameCube library doesn't mean the fan-favorite adventure won't see a full port. That's according to Nate Bihldorff, Nintendo of America’s senior vice president of product development, who shared with Kinda Funny's Tim Gettys that the availability of a game on Nintendo Switch Online's library doesn't preclude the possibility of a remaster or remake.

Despite their popularity, both 2003's The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Twilight Princess have yet to be ported to either the original Nintendo Switch or the upcoming Switch 2. This absence has sparked concerns among fans, especially since The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, which was previously ported to the Wii U in 2013, is set to be included in Nintendo's premium subscription service when the Nintendo Switch 2 releases on June 5.

During a recent interview, Bihldorff responded to concerns about the potential for a full remaster of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker on the Switch 2. He emphasized that having the game available on Nintendo Switch Online does not rule out the possibility of a separate Wii U port on the new console. He stated, "All options are on the table," and highlighted that other games available on Nintendo Switch Online have also been remade or re-released in different formats. While nothing is confirmed, he suggested that fans should not lose hope, as "it was never say never."

The announcement of GameCube titles joining the Nintendo Switch Online library was made during last week's Nintendo Direct presentation. This major update will allow subscribers to enjoy a variety of classic 2000s-era titles, including F-Zero GX and Soulcalibur 2, all available at launch this summer, alongside The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. The library is set to expand further in the future, with teased additions such as Super Mario Sunshine, Luigi's Mansion, Super Mario Strikers, Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness, and more.

The Best Nintendo Switch Online Gamecube Games

The Best Nintendo Switch Online Gamecube Games

In other news, the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date faced delays in the United States due to import tariffs, a situation that also affected Nintendo Canada, leading to further delays in pre-orders there.

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