Ever since the release of Tears of the Kingdom, gamers everywhere have been hailing it as one of the greatest games of all time, and I can certainly see why. The sheer number of options and solutions available for solving puzzles is astonishing, giving players unparalleled freedom of choice. It’s a refreshing change from the linear gameplay found in many other titles, not to mention the addition of temples in this installment.
The Nintendo Switch already boasts three Zelda games and two spinoffs (the Hyrule Warriors series) in its library. Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, and the Skyward Sword remaster have all been well-received, while the Hyrule Warriors games have also found a following. But one question remains: when will we see Wind Waker on the Switch?
The Makings of Wind Waker
Change is inevitable, yet our brains are wired to resist it. When faced with the unknown, our instinctual fight or flight response kicks in, a survival mechanism that dates back to prehistoric times. Perhaps this is why some die-hard fans reacted negatively when Nintendo took a bold new direction with The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker two decades ago.
It’s difficult to imagine now, but at the time, the gaming industry was transitioning from targeting kids to catering more to young adults and teens, resulting in a trend towards darker and more serious game themes. Eiji Aonuma, the director of the Zelda franchise at the time, saw the change as an opportunity to innovate with the release of the Gamecube console. Instead of sticking with the prevailing trend of gritty realism, the team decided to explore a more cartoonish art style made possible by new technology called cel shading.
Cel shading was not the industry norm in 2003, with gamers typically favoring more “realistic” graphics made possible by advanced hardware. Despite industry trends and even pushback from legendary producer Shigeru Miyamoto, Aonuma and his team embraced cel shading, unveiling Wind Waker at Space World 2001 to mixed reviews. Although the game fell short of sales expectations, the press reception was surprisingly positive, earning high scores from critics and players alike.
Wind Waker Gained An Extra Life On the Wii U, Why Not on the Nintendo Switch?
Despite its initial commercial disappointments, Wind Waker’s charm and gameplay resonated with players, particularly when an HD version was released for the Wii U in 2013. Miyamoto’s decision to lower the difficulty level added to the game’s appeal, complementing its whimsical setting and artistic style. With these factors in mind, one can’t help but wonder if Wind Waker could find new life on the Nintendo Switch.
The Nintendo’s Switch Lifespan is Coming to A Close
Rumors of Wind Waker or Twilight Princess coming to the Switch have circulated for years, but given Nintendo’s historical release patterns, a port seems unlikely in the near future. The company typically spaces out Zelda game releases, as seen with their recent titles and announcements. Despite hopes for a Wind Waker port in 2022, the year came and went without any news.
With Nintendo remaining tight-lipped on the matter, it appears increasingly improbable that The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker will make its way to the Switch anytime soon. While fans may be disappointed by this news, there’s always the possibility of a surprise announcement from Nintendo down the line.