Zelda: Wind Waker HD May Arrive on Switch 2

Just because The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 through the GameCube library doesn't mean this fan-favorite adventure won't get a dedicated port.

This comes from Nate Bihldorff, senior vice president of product development at Nintendo of America, who explained to Tim Gettys of Kinda Funny that even if a game is part of the Nintendo Switch Online library, that doesn’t rule out a future remaster or remake.

Despite being two of the most beloved entries in the Zelda series, 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.

So, some fans have expressed concern that a full remaster might be off the table, especially since The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker—which was ported to Wii U in 2013—will soon be playable as part of Nintendo’s premium subscription service when the Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5.

“We asked a bunch of questions and, as is typical for Nintendo, we didn’t get many clear answers,” Gettys shared. “But I did ask if having Wind Waker on Nintendo Switch Online means the Switch 2 won’t get the actual Wii U port later, and he was quick to say no. All options remain open.

“Obviously, nothing is confirmed either way, but there are plenty of examples of games available through NSO that were later released in another form—whether as a remake or a direct port. So it’s interesting they didn’t dismiss the possibility; in essence, it’s a ‘never say never’ situation.”

During last week’s Nintendo Direct, it was revealed that GameCube titles would be joining Nintendo Switch Online’s premium library.

This is a significant expansion of the Nintendo Switch Online catalog, giving subscribers access to a range of classic early-2000s titles—including F-Zero GX and Soulcalibur 2—which will all be available when the service launches this summer, alongside The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. The library will continue to grow over time, with anticipated additions such as Super Mario Sunshine, Luigi’s Mansion, Super Mario Strikers, Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, and more.

Last week, pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 were delayed in the United States after import tariffs imposed by former President Trump disrupted financial markets. Shortly after, the delay spread to Canada, with Nintendo Canada also confirming that pre-orders would be postponed there.

For more updates, take a look at everything announced during the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct.