Summary
When theNintendo Switch 2launches on June 5, it will give buyers access to many main seriesLegend of Zeldagames. Unlike its predecessor, theNintendo Switch 2isn’t launching with a brand-newLegend of Zeldatitle in tow. In fact, at the time of this writing, no new main seriesZeldagames have even been announced for the Switch 2. However, fans can at least look forward to upgraded versions of Switch 1Zeldagames.
The Nintendo Switch 2 Editions ofThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildandTears of the Kingdomare launching alongside Nintendo’s next-generation console on June 5. TheZeldaSwitch 2 Editionsfeature considerable performance upgrades when compared to their Switch 1 counterparts, plus they have compatibility with the Nintendo Switch app’s Zelda Notes feature. With Zelda Notes, players can get help inBreath of the WildandTears of the Kingdomthrough a map and can even unlock achievements. Those interested can purchase the upgrades at $10 a pop, or they can access them at no additional charge if they are signed up for the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service.
All Main Series Zelda Games Playable on Switch 2 at Launch
Zeldafans will be kept plenty busy with the classic games, but there are also the Switch 1Zeldatitles to take into account.Switch 2 is backward compatiblewith the original Switch, meaning all the games that were released for the Switch 1 are playable on the new console. This includes the Switch 1 versions ofBreath of the WildandTears of the Kingdom, as well as theLink’s Awakeningremake,Skyward Sword HD, and the critically-acclaimedEchoes of Wisdom.
All Main Series Zelda Games Missing from Switch 2 at Launch
When the Switch 2 launches, it will have access to almost every main seriesZeldagame, minus six that have yet to make their way to newer platforms.Four Swords Adventuresespecially seems like it could have a second lease on lifeon the Switch 2, as the game’s co-op originally required every player to have their own Game Boy Advance.Four Swords Adventuresis a GameCube game, so here’s hoping it’s added to Switch 2 as part of Nintendo Classics.
AnotherZeldaGameCube game that hopefully makes a comeback sooner rather than later isTwilight Princess.Twilight Princess HDwas made for the Wii U, but the revamped version of the game never made its way to Nintendo Switch. With the originalWind Wakerjoining Switch Online’s Expansion Pack, there’s a chance the OG GameCubeTwilight Princesscould do the same, and even if it does, it wouldn’t close the door on the HD version getting a full Switch 2 release as well.
The DSZeldagames,Phantom HourglassandSpirit Tracks, were brought to theWii U Virtual Consoleback in the day, and so Nintendo could be willing to do the same for Switch 2. Maybe the Switch Online service will one day be expanded to include DS titles andPhantom HourglassandSpirit Trackscan live on that way. Alternatively, maybe the games could receive remakes that take better advantage of the Switch 2’s beefier hardware.
Finally, the3DSZeldagamesA Link Between WorldsandTri Force Heroes(not to mention theOcarina of TimeandMajora’s Maskremakes) will be missing from the Switch 2 at launch. If we ever see those games on the Switch 2, the most likely scenario is that they will be remade for the platform, but time will tell if that ever happens.
Of course, Nintendo almost certainly has a brand-new main seriesZeldagame in the works, and it will be exciting to see it in action. In the meantime,Zeldafans can look forward to the spin-off,Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, which is launching for the Nintendo Switch 2 at some point later this year.
