Just because The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 via the GameCube library doesn't mean the fan-favorite adventure won't be ported. This was clarified by Nintendo of America's senior vice president of product development, Nate Bihldorff, during a conversation with Kinda Funny's Tim Gettys. Bihldorff emphasized that the availability of a game on Nintendo Switch Online does not preclude the possibility of the developer remastering or remaking it.

Despite their popularity within the Zelda franchise, both The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Twilight Princess have not yet been ported to either the original Nintendo Switch or the Switch 2. Some fans have expressed concerns that a full remaster might not happen, especially since The Wind Waker—previously ported to the Wii U in 2013—will soon be accessible through Nintendo's premium subscription service upon the Nintendo Switch 2's release on June 5.

Bihldorff's response to inquiries about the future of The Wind Waker on the Switch 2 was reassuring. He stated, "All options are on the table," indicating that the game's presence on Nintendo Switch Online does not rule out a future port or remaster. He highlighted that there are precedents where games available on Nintendo Switch Online have also been released in other formats, such as remakes or the same port version.

The announcement of GameCube titles coming to Nintendo Switch Online was made during last week's Nintendo Direct presentation. This update to the Nintendo Switch Online library will provide subscribers with access to a range of classic 2000s-era games, including F-Zero GX and Soulcalibur 2, all set to launch this summer alongside The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. The library is expected to grow, with titles like Super Mario Sunshine, Luigi's Mansion, Super Mario Strikers, and Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness teased for future inclusion.

Recent news also affected the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date, which was delayed in the United States due to import tariffs enacted by President Trump, causing financial market instability. This delay spread to Canada, with Nintendo Canada confirming that pre-orders would also be postponed there.

For more information, you can explore everything announced at the Switch 2 Nintendo Direct.