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No. Nintendo identifies The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD as a Wii U exclusive, so the HD edition requires a Wii U. The original GameCube release is a separate version, not a way to play the Wii U remaster.
Which version can you play without a Wii U?
You can play the original The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker on GameCube hardware, but it is not the HD edition. Nintendo describes the Wii U game as a remaster of the GameCube release. The two versions are distinct:
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| Version | Platform | HD remaster? | Controller information |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Wind Waker HD | Wii U, according to Nintendo’s game listing | Yes; the Wii U remaster | Nintendo lists the Wii U GamePad and Wii U Pro Controller as compatible. |
| Original The Wind Waker | GameCube | No; this is the original release, not the HD remaster | Not stated by the cited sources. |
Is Wind Waker HD on Switch or PC?
The Nintendo sources cited here identify the HD edition as a Wii U exclusive; they do not establish a Switch or PC release. They also do not establish emulator compatibility or legality, which can vary by jurisdiction. For the officially identified version, the supported platform is Wii U.
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How to get and play the Wii U HD edition
- Find a physical Wii U copy. Nintendo’s 2013 launch announcement says the game was released in shops and on the Wii U eShop. Since the eShop no longer accepts new purchases, a used disc is the practical route described by those facts; current stock and prices have not been verified.
- Use a working Wii U console. The game is listed for Wii U. Nintendo lists the GamePad and Wii U Pro Controller as compatible controllers.
- Check the disc region before buying. Nintendo Support says a Wii U disc intended for another region will not play in the console. Confirm that the disc region matches the console’s region.
Nintendo’s 2013 announcement stated: “The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD is available now, both in shops and as a downloadable version from Nintendo eShop, only on Wii U.” This describes its launch, not present eShop availability. Nintendo UK’s release announcement was dated October 4, 2013.
#1 Best Overall
- The Wii U GamePad breaks down barriers between you and your entertainment with a 6.2" 16:9 LCD touch screen, motion control system, front-facing camera, microphone, stereo speakers, rumble feature
- Console works with most games from the original Wii console, as well as the Wii Remote, Wii Remote Plus, Nunchuk controllers, Balance Board and many other Wii accessories, so you can continue to enjoy your favorite Wii features
- Play using a Wii Remote controller, the Wii U GamePad controller or a Wii U Pro Controller.
- Four USB 2.0 connector slots are included. The new console is backward compatible with Wii games and Wii accessories.
Can you still download it from the Wii U eShop?
No new purchases are available through the Wii U eShop. Nintendo ended new Wii U eShop purchases on March 27, 2023, and download-code redemption on April 3, 2023. Those dates refer to purchases and code redemption, not necessarily previously acquired content. If you bought the game digitally, check Nintendo’s current Wii U eShop closure and redownload information for the latest guidance rather than assuming a particular account or service outcome.
Quick Recap
Best Value
![Replacement Official Authentic Nintendo Wii U Console [Black] [Nintendo Wii]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21YIgyGrIEL._SL160_.jpg)
- Include Replacement Wii U console,instruction booklet
- No gamepad, AC adapter and other accessories
Rank #4
Rank #3
![Replacement Official Authentic Nintendo Wii U Console [Black] [Nintendo Wii] (Renewed)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31duHqvb2xL._SL160_.jpg)
- Includes Replacement Wii U Console.
Rank #2
- The Wii U Game pad breaks down barriers between you and your entertainment with a 6.2" 16:9 LCD touch screen, motion control system, front-facing camera, microphone, stereo speakers, rumble feature, button controls and analog sticks
- Console works with most games from the original Wii console, as well as the Wii Remote, Wii Remote Plus, Nunchuk controllers, Balance Board and many other Wii accessories, so you can continue to enjoy your favorite Wii features
- In Super Mario Bros. U, swoop through levels and cling to walls when Mario transforms into Flying Squirrel Mario, or gently float through the air while hanging onto Tiny Balloon Yoshi.
- Super Luigi U lets you experience high replayability and satisfaction from mastering more than 80 intense new courses. Each course contains a reduced time limit and a higher concentration of enemies and obstacles.
- Play using a Wii Remote controller, the Wii U GamePad controller or a Wii U Pro Controller.
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