Just because The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is coming to Nintendo Switch Online through the GameCube catalog doesn't rule out a potential full remaster for the beloved adventure game.

Nintendo of America's senior VP of product development Nate Bihldorff confirmed to Kinda Funny's Tim Gettys that availability on Nintendo's subscription service doesn't prevent future remasters or remakes. Despite their popularity, neither 2003's Wind Waker nor Twilight Princess have received Switch ports yet.

With Wind Waker's GameCube version arriving via Nintendo Switch Online this summer, some fans worried this might eliminate chances for a proper remaster. The game previously received a Wii U port in 2013.

"[We] asked whether Wind Waker's NSO inclusion affects potential remasters, and he quickly said no. All options remain open," Gettys reported. "While nothing's confirmed, we've seen games available through both NSO and as separate releases before. Their response suggests possibilities remain."

This follows last week's Nintendo Direct announcement about GameCube games joining Switch Online's premium tier. The initial lineup includes classics like F-Zero GX and Soulcalibur 2, with promised future additions such as Super Mario Sunshine and Luigi's Mansion.

GameCube Classics Coming to Switch Online

The expansion brings beloved early-2000s titles to modern platforms, kicking off this summer with Wind Waker's original GameCube version. Nintendo plans to continuously expand this retro catalog in the coming years.

Separately, Nintendo recently delayed Switch 2 pre-orders in North America due to unexpected tariff changes. This follows similar postponements in other regions.

For complete details, see our full breakdown of Nintendo Direct announcements covering all upcoming Switch and Switch 2 releases.