A remastered version of Nintendo’s 2011 Zelda prequel for the Wii, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, is coming to the Nintendo Switch. The news was revealed during tonight’s Nintendo Direct livestream, which confirmed that the game would be available for purchase on July 16, 2021. In addition to improved visuals, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD will feature the addition of a button-only control scheme that enables the game to also be enjoyed on the Nintendo Switch Lite system, which lacks motion controllers.
“Take to the skies, draw your sword, and experience the earliest story in the Legend of Zelda series,” a description reads. “Join Link in his high-flying quest to save Zelda, a childhood friend who must confront her destiny. Soar between floating islands and descend to the treacherous surface world in this updated HD version of the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.”
“Swing your sword and angle your slashes to uncover and break through opponents’ defenses using intuitive motion controls. Link will match the angle of each strike you make with the Joy-Con controller, creating immersive swordplay that relies on strategy and accuracy. Movements feel smoother and more immediate thanks to the Nintendo Switch system’s increased processing power and HD graphics. Take advantage of the newly-added button only control scheme—perfect for playing in handheld mode or on the Nintendo Switch Lite system.”
You can check out a trailer of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD below to get a better idea of how the development team translated the Wii’s original control scheme over to the Switch’s Joy-Cons. The Legend of Zelda Series producer Eiji Aonuma also revealed that Nintendo would be releasing a pair of specially themed Joy-Cons designed after Link’s Hylian Shield and the Master Sword.
