The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD is a Wii U game; it is not available as a Switch version, and Dolphin cannot run it. If you already bought it digitally, Nintendo says you can redownload it for the foreseeable future. Otherwise, the route to the HD edition is a physical Wii U copy and a working Wii U console.
Where can you play Wind Waker HD?
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD is exclusive to Wii U. Nintendo describes it as the GameCube adventure remastered with HD graphics and lists the Wii U GamePad and Wii U Pro Controller as compatible controllers. Nintendo gives the Wii U release date as 4 October 2013. Nintendo’s game page
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That means the HD edition requires Wii U hardware. It is not the GameCube original, and it is not a Nintendo Switch release.
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No. Nintendo ended new Wii U eShop purchases on 27 March 2023 at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. If you did not purchase the digital version before the closure, the eShop is no longer a way to obtain it.
#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.
Nintendo says previously purchased games and DLC can still be redownloaded, and software updates received, “for the foreseeable future.” That is not a guarantee of indefinite access. Nintendo’s Wii U and Nintendo 3DS eShop discontinuation FAQ
What are the ways to get the HD edition now?
| Route | What you play | What you need | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Wii U game | The Wind Waker HD | A Wii U console and a physical copy | Nintendo documented a physical release; current used stock, condition, and price depend on location and seller. Nintendo |
| Redownload a prior digital purchase | The Wind Waker HD | A Wii U and an account with the prior digital entitlement | New purchases ended; Nintendo says redownloads remain possible for the foreseeable future. Nintendo Support |
| Dolphin | The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, the GameCube original—not HD | A computer or other device that supports Dolphin | Dolphin supports GameCube and Wii games; its compatibility list rates the separate GameCube original “Perfect.” Dolphin FAQ · Dolphin compatibility list |
Can you play Wind Waker HD on Switch?
No Switch edition is established by Nintendo’s Wii U product listing: the HD game is a Wii U release. Do not confuse it with the GameCube original or assume that a Switch can play a Wii U disc or digital purchase.
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.
Can Dolphin run Wind Waker HD?
No. Dolphin describes itself as a GameCube and Wii emulator, not a Wii U emulator. Its “Perfect” compatibility rating applies to The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker for GameCube, not to The Wind Waker HD for Wii U. Dolphin FAQ · Dolphin compatibility list
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Dolphin’s FAQ recommends using a disc you own and dumping it with a Wii, and advises against downloading commercial game files, including a copy of a game you previously purchased. That is Dolphin’s guidance, not a complete statement of copyright law; laws differ by jurisdiction. Avoid unauthorized downloads.
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.
Can you still download it if you bought it before?
Nintendo says prior Wii U digital purchases can be redownloaded for the foreseeable future. The company also ended Wii U online play and other functionality using online communication on 8 April 2024; this is separate from its stated redownload availability. Nintendo Support
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
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