Nintendo Direct announces THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: SKYWARD SWORD HD for the Nintendo Switch

During the February Nintendo Direct, one series was on most gamers’ minds: The Legend of Zelda. With the 35th Anniversary of the series just a few days away, many viewers were hoping for news regarding The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2. Towards the end of the Direct, Eiji Aonuma, producer of The Legend of Zelda series, addressed the viewers. While there was no new Breath of the Wild 2 news, there was one exciting Zelda announcement: the release of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD.

Gameplay Update

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword was initially released in 2011 on the Nintendo Wii and is now making its way onto the Nintendo Switch! Much like The Legend of Zelda:Breath of the Wild utilized the unique gaming capabilities of the Nintendo Switch, Skyward Sword required the Wii Motion Plus for play. While the game ultimately received high reviews, many gamers were frustrated by the lackluster motion controls and panned it. But thanks to its release on the Nintendo Switch, Skyward Sword is finally getting a second chance.

Nintendo Direct announces THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: SKYWARD SWORD HD for the Nintendo Switch

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD (Nintendo)

Not only will the game feature improved graphics, but improved gameplay as well! Thanks to the Switch’s advanced processing power, gameplay controls for Skyward Sword HD are smoother and more intuitive than before. Players can choose from utilizing the Joy-Cons for interactive motion gameplay or button-only controls. With the motion controls, the right Joy-Con is Link’s sword and the left Joy-Con is Link’s shield. When you use both together, you can perform various actions, including firing Link’s bow. Moreover, the button-only controls are available for handheld mode or using a Nintendo Switch Lite. In this mode, players control Link’s sword by tilting the right control stick in the desired slashing direction.

If you are a fan of Breath of the Wild, you’ll see many familiar elements in its predecessor. These include the stamina wheel, gliding while using the sailcloth, and even item collection for upgrades. Likewise, Skyward Sword is technically the first title in the Zelda timeline and details the story behind the legendary Master Sword’s creation. So whether you’re a life-long Zelda fan or new to the series, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is a must-play this year.

Legendary Joy-Con Controllers

Additionally, Nintendo is releasing a unique set of Joy-Con controllers in honor of this release. The right Joy-Con features a Master Sword design, and the left Joy-Con features a Hylian Shield design. If you choose to use the motion controls for the game, these Joy-Cons masterfully match the sword and shield and put you right into Link’s Hylian boots! These themed Joy-Con controllers are a beautiful addition to any Nintendo Switch or Legend of Zelda fan’s collection.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD themed Joy-Cons (Nintendo of America)

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD and themed Joy-Con controllers will be available on July 16, 2021, for the Nintendo Switch.

What other Legend of Zelda titles would you like to see ported onto the Switch? Will you be picking up Skyward Sword HD? Let us know in the comments below or on social media!