(Image credit: Nintendo)
This week has been monumental for Nintendo enthusiasts. The Switch 2 Direct unveiled an exciting lineup of future games for the hybrid console, including Donkey Kong Bananza and The Duskbloods by FromSoftware. Our hands-on preview with the Switch 2 left us impressed by the device and its accessories. Yet, for fans like me, the true highlight is the arrival of The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker on modern hardware through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack with its GameCube additions.
Originally released on the GameCube in 2002, Wind Waker’s expansive ocean exploration and vibrant cel-shaded graphics captivated audiences despite initial skepticism following 2000’s darker Majora’s Mask for the Nintendo 64. The game’s brilliance soon became undeniable, standing as a formidable counterpart to 1998’s Ocarina of Time. When it was remastered for the ill-fated Wii U in 2013, it received a high-definition makeover and quality-of-life improvements, like a quicker sail for Link’s boat. This remains the definitive version of this masterpiece, but regrettably, Switch 2’s initial GameCube offerings will include the original game, not its enhanced counterpart.
During the Nintendo Switch 2 preview event in Paris, I had the chance to revisit Wind Waker with the GameCube-inspired controller. I guided the charming Link around Outset Island, leaping across rocks, slicing through grass, and tossing pigs into the ocean, all with the delight of a long-time fan revisiting old haunts. The short 15-minute session was enchanting, although reacquainting myself with the inverted camera controls took some time.
However, there are significant downsides to this release. Wind Waker isn’t available for individual purchase on the Nintendo Switch 2. Instead, a subscription to the Nintendo Online + Expansion Pack is required. Although the service will include other GameCube classics like Soul Calibur 2 and F-Zero GX, many gamers are uneasy with the need for a subscription rather than a one-time purchase. The most disappointing aspect is the absence of the enhanced HD version, which remains exclusive to the Wii U.
Adding to the frustration, Wind Waker’s return is limited to the Switch 2, leaving original Switch owners in limbo, even though it’s capable of handling the game. Despite this, the flawless emulation on the Switch 2 is promising for future ports. Ultimately, having Wind Waker on a modern device is a triumph of sorts, though it necessitates both hardware and subscription investments. Despite its shortcomings, the game’s enduring appeal makes even this version worth experiencing. I’ll eagerly set sail with Link once again.
Craving more The Legend of Zelda adventures? Explore our compilation of the franchise’s top-rated games.