Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD coming to Wii U

Numerous enhancements and pronounced graphical upgrade

Words: Justin Towell on January 23, 2013

Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD coming to Wii U

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Nintendo will release an HD version of The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker on Wii U "by this fall" according to a special Nintendo Direct broadcast today. The game will receive graphical enhancements, be playable on the Wii U Gamepad, and will also feature tune-ups to the overall experience. The game will also be made compatible with Nintendo Miiverse.

The remake came about after the Zelda team tried converting several past Zelda games into HD to see which graphical styles worked well in HD for the next Legend of Zelda title (which is also in the works but at too early a stage in development to show). The new HD reworking of Windfall Island was shown in screenshot form, depicting familiar yet obviously improved locales.

Nintendo's president, Satoru Iwata, added that the Gamecube install base had been quite small so not many gamers were able to experience the Gamecube version of Wind Waker, and remarked that the HD remake would be perfect for introducing new players to the series.

Platforms:

Wii U

Topics:

Legend of Zelda

36 comments

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MetroidPrimeRib - January 24, 2013 5:55 p.m.

Why does it look so...weird?
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zelta38 - January 24, 2013 3:50 a.m.

These HD remakes are why I am considering a Wii U, solid start with this one! Now how about Metroid Trilogy, Zelda Twilight Princess, Skyward Sword, Super Mario Galaxy 1+2 and if we're very lucky Metal Gear Solid Twin Snakes!
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g1rldraco7 - January 23, 2013 7:59 p.m.

How cool, I wonder how the tablet will enhance the gameplay of this gem?
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Nikku7 - January 23, 2013 4:58 p.m.

BEST GAME EVER
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sxh967 - January 23, 2013 4:36 p.m.

Since when have core Nintendo fans been graphics whores? I feel like they're kinda barking up the wrong tree.. and to be honest, I'd rather see a brand new game than another Zelda or Mario but I suppose I'm not the biggest Nintendo fan anyway..
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Hobogonigal - January 23, 2013 7:55 p.m.

I can see what you mean but I haven't played Wind Waker yet and it is apparently one of, if not the, best in the series. I even had a Gamecube and didn't play it. Because so many people actually missed this game the first time and so many people enjoyed it as well, it makes sense to re-release it. TBH, the HD visuals are just the icing on the cake :)
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shawksta - January 24, 2013 1:25 a.m.

Its not really that, Nintendo said it themselves that the new Zelda is trying different artstyles by seeing how other Zelda games fare in the Wii U consoles, Back at E3 2011, it was basically Twilight Princess Updated, and up to here, they reached how Wind Waker wouldve looked. They are still however deep in progress, they always use UNIQUE artstyle graphics, (Graphics whores is a strong word and depends on what you mean) that they arent even close to finalizing what their doing. They then decided that since their in the Wind Waker artstyle stage, and its gonna be Baren till the next Zelda game, instead of making us wait this long, basically release Wind Waker in the updated HD engine completley redone. Plus on the side note that Wind Waker wasnt played by enough people, Nintendo atleast thinks. and there you have it.
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gingermidget - January 23, 2013 4:17 p.m.

Even though I have this game, this is seriously making me want to get a Wii U
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brickman409 - January 23, 2013 3:15 p.m.

Heck yeah!
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Rub3z - January 23, 2013 1:07 p.m.

This is literally, like, the best week for gaming news announcements ever. Of course it's biased towards Nintendo, but it all the more justifies my faith and purchasing decision on the Wii U. Nintendo is going for the games while the competition will be struggling to sell everyone on the idea of new consoles. I mean, it's like they even had this in mind when they went for lowering development costs for the console and for the eShop to standards far below that of MS or Sony.
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dcobs123 - January 23, 2013 12:35 p.m.

Might have to get a wii u just for this.
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Plasma Narwhal - January 23, 2013 12:20 p.m.

Please, Nintendo, enough with this "introducing new players to the series" nonsense. Every time you guys try to follow this ideal when making a game, you sacrifice too much quality. The game doesn't feel like a partner/friend anymore; it feels like a maid who has to give you sponge baths and forbids you to leave the house without supervision.
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shawksta - January 23, 2013 1:11 p.m.

To be fair, their cause to choose Wind Waker was because not enough people experienced this game. Whose says they'll sacrifice anything? Frankly, lately theyve been satisfying newcomers and veterans, with New Super Mario Bros U having a challenge mode that tests out platforming prowess, and Fire emblem awakening having a mode for Newcomers where your partners dont forever die and the regular brutal mode for veterans.
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ObliqueZombie - January 23, 2013 1:26 p.m.

I've never played WIndwaker, so I'm happy.
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slimjim441 - January 23, 2013 11:23 a.m.

This is what I needed to make me buy a Wii-U. With this and the mysterious, new Zelda game they've got coming, I'll be picking one up as soon as that first price-drop comes around.
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Redeater - January 23, 2013 11:17 a.m.

Ugh. This makes me happy but I would have rather had this sooner. If they are counting this as one of their "major" fall releases I will be upset.
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shawksta - January 23, 2013 11:17 a.m.

Damn, having another look, Nintendo is really loving that lighting effect. I frankly can't wait because I'm one of those poor souls who didn't get the.chance to play wind waker, and I love this look.
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Hobogonigal - January 23, 2013 9:02 a.m.

Really looking forward to this releasing. Sure I'd have to buy a Wii U first but I have been wanting to play this game for ages!
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KnowYourPokemon - January 23, 2013 8:40 a.m.

Really looking forward to this. That being said, I would have preferred a Majora's Mask HD.
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MyCoolWhiteLies - January 23, 2013 9:08 a.m.

I agree. Wind Waker's graphics translate to HD with a lot less work though. Also, I'm willing to bet we'll be getting a 3DS Majora's Mask soon as well. I'm guessing they're saving that announcement for E3.
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