Nintendo Hints Wind Waker HD May Still Come to Switch 2 Despite NSO Release

Following the announcement that The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is coming to the Nintendo Switch Online Classics library, many fans have questioned whether this rules out a potential HD re-release for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. However, according to a new report from Kinda Funny Games, Nintendo has clarified that nothing is off the table.

In a conversation recapped by the outlet, it was stated that a Nintendo representative responded quickly to speculation, saying, “No, all options are on the table.” While no official confirmation was given, the statement implies that the availability of Wind Waker on NSO does not prevent a full remaster or separate release on newer hardware. The representative emphasized that there are “many examples of games that are on NSO and still you can get them in a different way,” pointing to Nintendo’s flexible approach to game distribution.

This is not the first time Wind Waker HD has been rumored for the Nintendo Switch. Reports dating back several years—most notably from industry insider Jeff Grubb—have claimed that Nintendo has plans to bring both The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD and Twilight Princess HD to the Switch platform. These titles were originally released on the GameCube and Wii, respectively, before receiving HD remasters on the Wii U. However, since then, they have remained locked to that console, making them two of the few major first-party titles still unavailable on modern Nintendo hardware.

The situation stands in contrast to other Wii U titles that have successfully transitioned to newer platforms. For example, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD was brought to the Switch in 2021. Nintendo has also confirmed that enhanced versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will arrive for the Switch 2.

The potential of backward compatibility with the Nintendo Switch 2 strengthens the case for re-releasing these titles. With the upcoming console supporting existing Switch software, Nintendo may choose to stagger their releases to maintain engagement with the current user base. Unannounced projects—such as a Kirby: Planet Robobot remaster, a new Fire Emblem remake, and Metroid Prime 2 & 3 Remastered—have also been rumored, but remain unconfirmed.