The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 will no longer be released this year on the Nintendo Switch, and it's left Zelda fans with nothing to really look forward to in 2022. One rumour is Wind Waker and Twilight Princess will fill this space.
Interestingly though, if they are getting released on the Switch, Tantalus - the team that originally worked with Nintendo on Twilight Princess HD for the Wii U - supposedly hasn't been asked. On a new episode of the Fragments of Silicon Podcast, Tantalus CEO Tom Crago was asked if Nintendo had reached out to the Australian-based developer about Twilight Princess HD for Switch.
Here's what he had to say, according to Nintendo Everything:
“No, and look, we’d obviously love to do that [Zelda: Twilight Princess HD], but that hasn’t been a priority for Nintendo – or at least not in conversations that they’ve had with us.
"The way it works with our friends over there is we’ll jump at any opportunity we can to work on one of their titles. There’s a constant dialog between our two companies. Often there’s a little bit of time that passes between titles, and there might be other ideas that are kicked around, but in the case of Skyward Sword, some time passed and then the email comes: ‘Would you be interested in considering bringing Skyward Sword on to Switch?’ To which the answer is of course: ‘Yes we would.’ And then we enter into the conversations with Nintendo around what that might look like and eventually we get underway. So it was similar in a lot of senses in terms of how Twilight Princess (on Wii U) came to fruition.”
As noted in this exchange, Tantalus most recently worked on the Switch version of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD.
If Tantalus was already working on a project like Twilight Princess HD for Switch, it wouldn't necessarily be able to confirm it in a discussion like this. And keep in mind, if Nintendo does decide to re-release this particular game, it doesn't have to call on the company that ported the Wii U release.
Earlier this month, there was a rumour about Nintendo potentially releasing a double pack containing both Wind Waker and Twilight Princess at some point this year:
What do you think? Will we see Twilight Princess HD and maybe even Wind Waker at some point this year to fill the gap? Leave your own thoughts down below.
[source twitch.tv, via nintendoeverything.com]
Comments (89)
I think it'll happen at some point. This year makes sense but if not I think it'll happen in two years or so after BotW2 has already made its mark.
So you’re saying we should all expect Nintendo to shadow drop a trailer at 2pm BST Monday for a June release?
Hmm, if true and they haven't even been asked yet considering the time it takes even if it's just porting it across to Switch, I can't see it happening within the Switchs life cycle...
I would like to be wrong, but time seems to be running out..
Everyone else seems much more positive, that's good to see 🤣
Would take this brilliant game obviously, but we have already had it on the Gamecube, Wii and WiiU.
Having said that, the definitive Wii HD version may not have been played by many because tbe wii u sold so poorly, so....yeah....
Well they obviously wont say "Yeah we are working on it but pls dont tell Nintendo we leaked that"
No thanks you’ve flogged that to death already!
IT would be great for Twilight Princess to come to the Nintendo Switch HD, specially since I can't make full use of my Wolf Link Amiibo in Breath of The Wind Without it. I'll buy any & all past, present, and future Zelda ports.
I am angry at Nintendo Switch Online at the ports on there that I can't re-purchase. Having online access for my Pokémon Games is enough for me to subscribe.
Bring it on! Never played it and would love to see it get the same treatment as Skyward Sword.
Even if it does happen, I'm not sure if it will be during this console cycle. Who knows, maybe the Switch 2 will be the console to get it. Or maybe the games will remain locked in the vaults of time forever. Either way, I need to grab myself a wii u copy of the game before the eshop closes and prices skyrocket.
I haven't played the game since it originally released, back then I recall being sort of unimpressed but I'd be up for a revisit if they decided to release it on the Switch. I don't really feel like getting it on the Wii U just in case it does come to switch and even less I feel like dealing with the Wii waggle, GC version on the other hand is too expensive.
I'm genuinely happy just waiting for BotW2!
We know it's coming. We know it's going to be great. That's all I need.
Everyone wanting TP/WW now as a double pack is frankly crazy. BotW2 is coming... and it's coming soon. Once its been out a year or two, that's when you want TP/WW because guess what..? We're all in for a long old wait for whatever comes after BotW2 - except for perhaps, fingers crossed, a new 2D Zelda.
So yea... Happy to wait.
every time developer says he/she 'D like see its game on switch..the game will eventually release on switch..always
I still have hope for either TP or WW. Skyward Sword sold well on the Switch so it would make financial sense to keep porting Zelda games
I played it back when it released on Wii and remember not caring for it much. It was pretty forgettable. I think Midna was the most memorable thing about that game. I can't remember a single dungeon or area.
Would be great to see both of these at some point. Particularly TT, honestly my second favorite Zelda only behind Ocarina.
I would play it on GC and CRT if anywhere. Not one I would like in HD for some strange reason lol
The game is super accessible, there's like 6 ways to play it:
-GC - GC release
-Wii - BC
-Wii - Native release
-Wii U - BC
-Wii U - Native release
-Wii U - GC version via homebrew
-and also whatever runs Dolphin
TP is great but I don't think it needs to be released again so soon. Maybe when Nintendo struggles with Switch 2.
@moodycat
Do you really expect Tantalus to confirm they are working on it before it is officially announced by Nintendo?
There is every chance it is being worked on by them right now.
“that hasn’t been a priority for Nintendo”
This could mean Nintendo have a different game they want Tantalus working on. Maybe WW HD (as he doesn’t deny that one) or maybe one of the N64 Zelda games (although that might be less likely with those games on NSO).
@BulkSlash Tantalus wouldn't mention WWHD given they didn't do it in the first place (it was an internal Nintendo project). I'd guess Tantalus' current focus would be on bringing the Age of Empires games to console (Series X|S, maybe also XB1). They did work on the 2 and 3 Definitive Editions for PC and Microsoft seems serious about breaking down barriers between PC and console.
Played this game many times already and most recently on Wii U so I have no need for this however that said this would be nice for those who haven't experienced it. Twilight Princess is my favourite Zelda game alongside Breath of the Wild.
This is still my favorite zelda before BOTW! I mean of the traditional style. Links look, the way the game is alot darker in theme and the music were all fantastic! Yeah it starts kinda slow but those bug hunt sections everyone hates are pretty brief and there's only three of them. After that the game really takes off! This absolutely needs to be on switch along with every other 3D zelda that hasn't made it yet.
They might use Twilight Princess or Wind Waker HD to cover the gap after BOTW 2 since there's going to be a long time before another big Zelda game gets released after that.
Probably this or Wind Waker HD would be coming but not this year. It's likely both the Link's Awakening remake and the Skyward Sword Remastered were the two games they make so players could enjoy in the wake of Breath of the Wild 2. My guess is that Nintendo is saving both remastered for next gen when another new major Zelda game could be in the making.
@AndyC_MK111 Uhhh, the point of the comment isn't to assume TP is readily available to play even on your old, tattered 'Cube.
It's the fact that the title has been available consistently for years, everyone and their dog have played edgy Zelda. You can't say the same for F-Zero GX, or FE Path of Radiance.
Heck, as of this comment you can still buy TPHD on a Wii U. That's super accessible. Where can I buy TTYD new? Nowhere that's where.
Why would they confirm it if they knew about it anyway… NDA’s are a thing.
@FragRed probably not. But maybe at 3pm bst!
The two pack and TPHD are both longshots anyway... Wind Waker is more likely. Or Grezzo's next project.
Considering it's already been upscale to 720HD, most of the work is already done. Skyward Sword needed an upscale plus some revamps. The Gamepad interface is the only thing I can think of needing work.
Nobody wants $60 ports anymore make new games Nintendo stop being lazy and anti consumer
@Krysus Wrong.
Both WW and TPP is 1080p on Wii U.
I don't want any of them on Switch anyway as i bought them both on Wii U.
Meh, dont' care anymore. Now that I got my Steam Deck, Cemu runs flawlessly on it, hence I can now play Windwaker and Twilight Princess HD on my new handheld. Waited too long Nintendo.
Don't listen to those supposed insiders. I know the real scoop on how Nintendo operates. You don't play Nintendo games for decades without picking up their business plans. Also let me tell you about emulation because obviously no one has ever heard of it here.
Porting these games will be relatively easy since both already had gamepad free modes when playing off screen, only thing they should do for TP is give it a photo mode using the miiverse stamps (like they did for mario 3d world) and make it 60fps (like SS HD) and giving the poe lantern the ability to change from day to night would be great so we dont have to stand around and wait for the in game clock
Well Jeff Grubb, what do you have to say for yourself?
This means nothing more than they haven’t been asked to do it
Tantalus obviously won't leak the existence of Twilight Princess HD on Switch if it was real.
With that being said, the following bears repeating: There is no steadfast rule that Zelda must be an annualized franchise - it has only ever resembled an annualized franchise if you count the various Hyrule Warriors releases. It is entirely possible that Nintendo doesn't release a Zelda game in 2022 and simply waits until spring 2023 for Breath of the Wild 2.
@KBuckley27
Mario 3D World sold 9.43 million, Skyward Sword HD 3.91m, Tropical Freeze 3.42m, Pikmin 3 2.04 million, Captain Toad 1.77m, Xenoblade DE 1.5m etc etc
I used to think that the HD version was kind of a waste because you can play the Wii version on Wii U, so I didn't get it. But the graphics are WAAAAAY better! Especially the textures. Look at a comparison photo and it's awesome. Also, I'm pretty sure it has the gamecube sword controls but the Wii's pointer/gyro aim. If it came to switch I would definitely get it.
Reminder to people who say it already came out on previous consoles so Nintendo shouldn’t release it:
(1) There are many many tens of millions of people who did not get a Wii U. Many because they were not BORN yet.
(2) https://xkcd.com/1053/
(3) The Switch is portable.
Golly, I would love the Switch to have more Zelda games. I want all of them. Let’s get the GB/DS Zelda games too while we are at it.
I would be totally okay with Twilight Princess and The Wind Waker Switching over, but it clearly isn't a priority...that at least involves Tantalus. I'm sure they'll be rereleased again at some point. Both are excellent games worth experiencing.
No thanks. Lacking any type of originality shouldn't mean just rereleasing games with slight improvements and slapping a $60 price tag on it.
I have both on WiiU so no issue for me, on the other hand, i would buy ocarina and majora's remake in a heartbeat
@nocdaes did you mention a new 2D Zelda? I can only dream. I’d love to see a whole new original top down Zelda which isn’t a remake or anything seen before. Change it like they did with the 3D Zelda Breath of the Wild
@Tyranexx nintendo wants to keep that record of releasing one zelda game every year..
Come on Nintendo...it's time. Re-re-release these games already.
@AndyC_MK111 No, you're right. I did not consider the Wii U sold 13m, I suppose a new rehash is in order then.
But I find it quite funny, with this insistence that it's not accessible by replying that you have it on Wii U. So, it is accessible... to Nintendo fans..?
A hard argument for sure, meanwhile someone else will just buy a used Wii for less than $50, put TP on an SD card and call it a day.
Twilight Princess HD was one of those remasters that was technically graphically superior, but the polish was just uneven enough to bring more attention to the game's ugly spots than if you just played the original. Specifically, I remember the new lighting and HD textures clashing with a lot of the game's original assets. The actual work done all looked pretty nice, but it felt half-finished. I'd say Skyward Sword HD came out much better even though, or maybe because, there's nothing that stands out as a dramatic visual change.
It's wind waker hd or nothing
Be patient and play Xenoblade. Zelda can wait until 2023
It doesn't feel like that long ago since Wind Waker HD and Twilight Princess HD hit the Wii U, so I'd much rather have remakes of the Oracle games, or Zelda 1 & 2.
Good. Hopentjey do t
It has to happen at some point. There are a lot of people that never played the HD versions of Twilight and Wind Waker. They would sell like hot cakes Nintendo. This article means nothing on that front. Nintendo is not going to announce the ports via a dev interview.
TPHD was already kind of pointless on the Wii U, so why bother?
Wind Waker HD should be a bigger priority than Twilight Princess HD in my opinion. That game has only had two official releases - the original on GameCube, and the remaster on Wii U.... Nintendo's two least successful home consoles. That game deserves a bigger audience on Switch.
I hope we do see it. It's my second favourite Zelda game and i cba setting up the Wii U again. Would love to see a trio collection on the same cartridge. TP, Ocarina of Time and Wind Waker. I know OoT is already on the online app but it's not just my favourite Zelda game but one of my favourite games of all time so I really want a physical copy of it.
We ain’t getting this and Wind Waker on the Switch right? 😪
Both this game and Windwaker HD should have been on the Switch already.
I seriously don't understand Nintendo sometimes. They spend so much money on making the HD conversion ports for WiiU with poor sales, that they could have recouped it easily by porting it to the Switch.
I realllyyyy don't want to pay $60 for each.
But I really want them on cartridge.
Nintendo don't screw us over for once?
Whaaaat?
Nintendo haven't asked to bring a port of a port to the Nintendo switch?
That's very unlike nintendo, they usually jump at the chance seeing as they love their ports
nintendo needs to do a hd remake of zelda 2 links adventure so i can watch people rage on the great temple on youtube.
@KBuckley27 That's a bold claim. People love ports, people buy ports, people want ports. Nintendo will always make new games but the old games are still great.
TBH if both WW and TP aren't released this year then I would say they would be better off waiting until the next system is released. Cause next year will be botw2 and that is when we will start to see info about a new Nintendo console at the end of the year.
It would be find to release both of them for the switch if the next system is backwards compatible but if not then I would rather them keep it for the next system.
Sadly with a proven GameCube/Wii emulator available, they'd probably just emulate the GameCube original, modify HUD elements, and make it run in widescreen (No problems in Dolphin with GCN TP in 16:9).
I wouldn't mind with Wind Waker since it looks beautiful in Dolphin and the lighting in the remaster looks so different than the original (Although I'd miss the Swift Sail), but Twilight Princess HD pulled out all the stops and was heavily revamped graphically with lots of added detail.
Being a rare HD remaster that went far beyond just rendering the game in a higher resolution on a newer platform, it would be a shame to not see that work carried forward when revisiting Twilight Princess.
Why would they even make it a double pack? Because it's those two games that got ported to the U? That sounds like a fan mindset more than Nintendo's.
@johnedwin It's a possibility, but it's often hard to predict Nintendo's release moods.
I remember running out after work to get the game for GameCube on release day, I still have it, may be my favourite Zelda game. I'd be happy to replay the game on my Switch Lite.
Good let the games come to a different Nintendo system... And actually have effort but in wind waker looks good but tphd looked dated they should've actually remade the game.... Same for skyward sword... But Nintendo took the lazy route even when tantalus originally wanted to completely redo the game the models ect
I think they may be holding off on re-releasing certain titles because of the Nintendo Online Service.
Can't argue against more Zelda on the Switch.
YES PLS <3 i would love t play my fav game on 60 fps :')
I don't want more remakes until they're made on Unreal 5, a port of the WiiU remake would delay that possibility even further than is already realistic. They need 4K HDR with better textures as a bare minimum in this day and age, anything less is an insult to our wallets.
In the minority here but I'd like it if they'd allow the Wii U to at least have WW HD and TP HD - after all these Wii U to Switch ports, the Wii U has very little to nothing left. Let the Wii U stand for something.
@Expa0
Unimpressed here too. It was the first Zelda game I didn’t finish.
I really doubt either of these games are going to be ported anytime soon. BOTW2 is coming early next year (probably a March release along with a new system, similar to the first game), releasing another Zelda this close would be a total waste.
Not to mention that releasing it this summer would pit it against Xenoblade 3, which would hurt sales for both games. A Christmas release would be more likely, but it would be WAY too close to BOTW2 at that point.
Plus I'd kinda think both those games would be a big draw for a potential GameCube service for NSO.
Would rather see a remaster of Four Swords Adventure from the GC, that game on Switch with online play would be fantastic!
@AndyC_MK111 the game was on the GameCube... The Wii a popular system and the wiiu .. we don't need it on a 4rth system in a row with it still looking as dated as it did on the GameCube.... There are other games at titles that deserved to be redone and brought up that had no spotlight on it
I certainly wish they would do a double-pack re-release of those games, as I would buy them on Day 1, but I'm not holding out hope. Guess I'll just have to content myself with this Dolphin program instead Nintendo. 👀
Twilight Waker?
Let's combine them! Link wolf can swim, so he can doggy paddle everywhere!
Only 13 million WiiU’s sold. Those saying they don’t want either game for Switch because they got them on WiiU, you are like a few grains of sand in an ocean of gamers who do own Switch but have not played either of these Zelda’s, not once, or not in 20 and 16 years.
I don’t believe for one second that the developers aren’t working on it or haven’t been contacted by Nintendo. The Switch is a port machine (I say that not being critical, I love it) I’m sure a great deal of success Nintendos experienced with the switch is the rereleases of games most never got to play on the Wii U. I’m sure the developers are just being coy and trying to calm things down for an official announcement, as we’ve been talking about TP and WW ports coming for years now
...but teh leeek
@cjmaverick the Wii U isn't losing those games, lol. They don't become unplayable for wii u owners once a switch port is made.
@RaunchyHylian
That seems a little cynical, don't you think? A CEO can't just outright lie about what they're working on. That would amount to market manipulation. If he says they're not working on it, than they're not working on it. Period.
@Koda1000
This a good point, but I feel like most of the audience for these games probably bought a Wii U. The Wii U versions sold just about as well as any other Zelda release despite Wii U's poor sales. If there was really an audience for them than they probably would have done them instead of Skyward Sword.
Also, if these comments are any indication, then it doesn't sound like most people are willing to spend full price for them anyway. Nintendo doesn't want to sell "budget" games, they want to be seen as a company with the "premium" experience. Plus, cheaper games ultimately cut into the sales for big budget games too.
I started twilight princess on my Wii in December of 2021, only a quarter way done and probably won't finish it, but if it gets ported..
This would be very poor timing because I've been planning on playing the HD versions of both on my Wii U very soon, and now I think I should wait until September to make sure they're not coming to Switch.
Has Skyward Sword HD sold well so far?
The best decision are the ones that make the most sense - so yes they should release both games on Switch!
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