The excitement surrounding The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 via the GameCube library has sparked discussions about potential ports. However, fans can rest easy knowing that this doesn't rule out a full remaster or port of the beloved game.
According to Nate Bihldorff, Nintendo of America’s senior vice president of product development, in an interview with Kinda Funny's Tim Gettys, the availability of a game on Nintendo Switch Online does not preclude the possibility of a remaster or remake. This is particularly relevant for fans of the Zelda series, as both 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.
Some fans expressed concern that the inclusion of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker in Nintendo's premium subscription service upon the Nintendo Switch 2 release on June 5 might mean they would never see a full remaster. However, Bihldorff was quick to clarify that all options remain open. He emphasized that the presence of a game on Nintendo Switch Online does not prevent it from being released in another format, such as a remake or the same port version. This leaves the door open for a potential Wii U port of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker on the Switch 2.
The announcement came during last week's Nintendo Direct presentation, where it was revealed that GameCube titles would be added to the Nintendo Switch Online premium library. This update will bring a host of classic 2000s-era titles to subscribers, including F-Zero GX, Soulcalibur 2, and, of course, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. These games will be available at launch this summer, with the library set to expand further in the future, featuring titles like Super Mario Sunshine, Luigi's Mansion, Super Mario Strikers, and Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness.
In other news, the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date faced delays in the United States due to import tariffs, which also affected Nintendo Canada, leading to further delays in pre-orders there.
For more information, be sure to check out everything announced at the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct.
