Zelda: Wind Waker HD Remaster Hopes Persist Amid Switch 2 GameCube Expansion

Even with The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker joining the Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube library, a remastered version remains a possibility.

Nintendo of America’s senior vice president of product development, Nate Bihldorff, told Kinda Funny's Tim Gettys that inclusion in the Nintendo Switch Online library does not rule out a remaster or remake for popular titles.

Despite their popularity in the Zelda series, 2003's The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Twilight Princess have yet to appear on the Nintendo Switch or its successor, the Switch 2.

Fans have been concerned that a full remaster might not happen, especially since The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, previously remastered for the Wii U in 2013, will soon be available through Nintendo's premium subscription service with the Nintendo Switch 2 launch on June 5.

"[We] asked a range of questions, and, as is typical with Nintendo, we didn’t get many definitive answers. But when I asked if having Wind Waker on [Nintendo Switch Online] would prevent a [Nintendo Switch 2] port of the Wii U version, Bihldorff was clear that it doesn’t. All possibilities remain open.

"While nothing is confirmed, there are several examples of games available on NSO that have also been released separately, either as remakes or direct ports. So, it’s notable that they didn’t rule out a remaster, keeping the door open for future developments."

During last week’s Nintendo Direct, it was revealed that GameCube titles are coming to Nintendo Switch Online as part of its premium offering.

This significant update to the Nintendo Switch Online library will give subscribers access to a variety of classic 2000s games, including F-Zero GX and Soulcalibur 2, available at launch this summer alongside The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. The library will grow over time, with upcoming titles like Super Mario Sunshine, Luigi's Mansion, Super Mario Strikers, Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness, and more.

Last week, the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date in the United States was postponed due to import tariffs imposed by President Trump, which disrupted financial markets. Shortly after, Nintendo Canada confirmed a similar delay in pre-orders.

For more details, explore all announcements from the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct.