The Legend Continues: What Zelda Games Are Coming to Switch?

The Nintendo Switch has become a haven for Zelda fans, offering a mix of classic adventures and modern masterpieces. While the future is always shrouded in a bit of mystery, here’s what we know about the Zelda games currently available and potentially coming to the Switch:

Currently, players can experience a range of Zelda titles on the Switch, including:

• The Legend of Zelda (via Nintendo Switch Online)
• Zelda II – The Adventure of Link (via Nintendo Switch Online)
• A Link to the Past (via Nintendo Switch Online)
• Link’s Awakening (remake)
• Ocarina of Time (via Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack)
• Majora’s Mask (via Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack)
• Oracle of Ages (via Nintendo Switch Online)
• Oracle of Seasons (via Nintendo Switch Online)
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
• The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD

Beyond these, the future of Zelda on Switch is more speculative. While remasters of The Wind Waker and Twilight Princess are highly desired by fans, Nintendo hasn’t officially announced any plans. With the anticipated launch of a new Nintendo console on the horizon, it remains unclear which titles will receive the Switch treatment. The next mainline Zelda game is anticipated to be available for the Switch’s successor.

Zelda on Switch: A Deep Dive

The Switch’s Zelda library caters to a wide range of tastes, from the retro charm of the 8-bit originals to the vast open worlds of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. The Nintendo Switch Online service provides access to a treasure trove of classic titles, while dedicated remakes like Link’s Awakening offer a fresh perspective on beloved adventures. The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack unlocks even more content, including Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask.

The Wind Waker and Twilight Princess: Will They Ever Arrive?

The burning question on every Zelda fan’s mind is: Will The Wind Waker HD and Twilight Princess HD, originally released on the Wii U, ever make their way to the Switch? These games are widely considered to be among the best in the series, and their absence on the Switch is keenly felt. The Wii U struggled in the market, meaning many players missed out on these excellent remasters. Nintendo is aware of this, and it’s a question that is often brought up during question and answer periods.

Nintendo’s silence on the matter has fueled speculation, with rumors swirling around potential release dates and upgraded versions. However, until an official announcement is made, we can only hope that these games will eventually find a home on the Switch. Many fans speculate Nintendo is waiting to release them on the new console to help drive sales.

The Future of Zelda on Switch and Beyond

With the Nintendo Switch nearing the end of its lifecycle, the focus is shifting towards the next generation of hardware. While Tears of the Kingdom seems likely to be the last major Zelda release specifically designed for the Switch, Nintendo could still surprise us with additional remasters or ports before the new console arrives.

It’s important to remember that Nintendo often keeps its plans close to the vest, and announcements can come out of the blue. Until then, we can continue to enjoy the wealth of Zelda games already available on the Switch and eagerly anticipate what the future holds for the series. If you are interested in the educational value of games, please visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.

Zelda on Switch: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about the current and future state of Zelda games on the Nintendo Switch:

1. Will The Wind Waker be on Switch? Currently, there is no official confirmation from Nintendo about a Switch port of The Wind Waker HD. However, given its popularity and the success of other Zelda remasters, many fans remain hopeful.

2. Can I play Twilight Princess on Switch? Unfortunately, Twilight Princess HD is not currently available on the Switch. Like The Wind Waker, it’s a highly requested title, but Nintendo hasn’t announced any plans for a port.

3. Are the Zelda Oracle games coming to Switch? Yes! Both The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons are available to play on the Switch through the Nintendo Switch Online service.

4. Is Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword coming to switch? Yes, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is already available on the Nintendo Switch. It’s a remastered version of the Wii game with improved controls and visuals.

5. Will Zelda be the last switch game? While Tears of the Kingdom is likely the last major Zelda game developed exclusively for the Switch, it’s possible that smaller remasters or ports could be released before the next console arrives.

6. Will there be an Ocarina of Time remake? While a full remake like the one on the 3DS is unlikely, the original Nintendo 64 version of Ocarina of Time is available through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.

7. Is Nintendo making a BotW 2? The sequel to Breath of the Wild is The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, which was released in May 2023.

8. What is the newest Zelda game for the Switch? The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, released in May 2023, is currently the newest Zelda game on the Switch.

9. What Zelda games can you not play on Switch? Notable Zelda games currently unavailable on the Switch include The Wind Waker, Twilight Princess, Phantom Hourglass, Spirit Tracks, A Link Between Worlds, Four Swords, Four Swords Adventures, and Tri Force Heroes.

10. How many Zelda games can you play on Switch? Depending on your Nintendo Switch Online subscription, you can access a variety of Zelda titles, with the potential for around 10 main story games being available.

11. Can you play Majora’s Mask on Switch? Yes, The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask is available to play on the Switch through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.

12. Will Switch get GameCube games? While Nintendo hasn’t fully committed to bringing all GameCube games to Switch Online, the possibility remains open. Some GameCube titles have already made their way to the Switch.

13. Is Majora’s Mask a sequel to oot? Yes, Majora’s Mask is a direct sequel to Ocarina of Time, taking place several months after the events of the previous game.

14. Will Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask come to switch? Both Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask are available on the Nintendo Switch via the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription.

15. Which is better Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom? It’s subjective and depends on personal preference. Breath of the Wild offers a more streamlined experience, while Tears of the Kingdom expands upon its predecessor with new mechanics and features. Both are highly acclaimed games and worth playing. If you are a researcher, you should visit the Games Learning Society for interesting articles and discussions.