Although Nintendo has not shared detailed plans concerning the future of The Legend of Zelda series, a recent minor update to the Nintendo Music app has ignited speculation among fans about the potential release of a Wind Waker port. Released for the GameCube in 2002, Wind Waker has garnered a loyal fan base thanks to its distinctive visual aesthetic and immersive world. Even though the game was remastered in HD for the Wii U in 2013, it has yet to make its way to Nintendo’s more current gaming platforms.
A tweet by Wario64 highlighted that the recent update of the Nintendo Music app now features the Wind Waker soundtrack. Unfortunately, this is among the highest level of engagement Nintendo has had with the title since the Nintendo Switch was launched. Despite the modest nature of this addition, some fans, including Zodyrus and treexmv, have expressed their optimism regarding a potential modern Wind Waker HD port that would reach a wider audience.
In preparation for Wind Waker HD as a launch title for Switch 2? 🤔 — tree (@treexmv) January 14, 2025
good, now add a Switch or Switch 2 port of the game so more people can play it — ZdsPro (@Zodyrus) January 14, 2025
Why Is There So Much Enthusiasm for Wind Waker on Switch 2?
Wind Waker HD is Limited to Nintendo’s Least Successful Console
Despite the relative modernity of Wind Waker HD’s 2013 release, it remains exclusively available on the Wii U, which is widely considered Nintendo’s least successful console. This limitation means that numerous Zelda enthusiasts are unable to experience the HD remaster. The only alternative to play Wind Waker is through the original GameCube or Wii versions, which have long been discontinued.
Similar to Wind Waker, Twilight Princess faces a comparable situation. While Nintendo has gradually ported other titles from the Wii U to the Switch, most Zelda games, including Wind Waker and Twilight Princess, remain unaddressed. The release of the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection and Skyward Sword HD sparked hope among fans for a potential Wind Waker or Twilight Princess port to the Switch or the anticipated Switch 2, yet these classics have been noticeably absent.
Our Perspective: The Soundtrack Update May Not Signal a Port
A Nintendo Music Update Doesn’t Strongly Indicate a Wind Waker Port
A new Wind Waker HD port for the Switch or Switch 2 would undoubtedly be exciting for many fans. However, the addition of the OST to Nintendo Music doesn’t necessarily indicate that a new release is on the horizon. The app often features updates with different game soundtracks, which rarely correlate with actual game releases. Without other clear signs pointing to a Wind Waker port, fans might want to temper their expectations.
Historically, Nintendo has not prioritized maintaining availability for its older titles. Despite vocal requests from the community, several installments in the Zelda franchise remain inaccessible through official channels on modern platforms. As anticipation builds for the upcoming console, fans of The Legend of Zelda hold out hope for classic titles to receive some form of re-release; however, there is still minimal evidence indicating that this will apply to Wind Waker or any other franchise favorites.
Sources: Wario64/X, Zodyrus/X, treexmv/X
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