Legend of Zelda fans were initially disappointed when series producer Eiji Aonuma appeared in person during today’s Nintendo Direct event to announce that there would be no news regarding the upcoming sequel to Breath of the Wild. However, there was one exciting announcement in store: previous main series title Skyward Sword is coming to the Nintendo Switch in just a few months. The re-release will officially be titled The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD.
Originally designed for the Wii console, Skyward Sword was unique in that it took advantage of the console’s motion-based controls in combat. Players would use the Wii Remote and Nunchuk attachment in tandem to swing Link’s sword and raise his shield in battle. These motion-based elements will translate to the Switch re-release, with the right JoyCon corresponding to the sword and the left to the shield. Players will also be able to utilize both JoyCons in tandem in order to wield a bow.
However, for players who own a Switch Lite console, wish to play in handheld mode, or simply don’t want to bother with the motion, the re-release will introduce button-based controls for the first time in Skyward Sword’s history. Players will be able to use the joysticks to swing the sword and raise the shield, rather than the entire JoyCon.
In addition, the Nintendo Direct presentation also saw the announcement of, rather appropriately, a new set of limited edition Zelda-themed JoyCons for the Nintendo Switch. In honor of Skyward Sword’s controls, the JoyCons are inspired by hero Link’s classic weapons from throughout the series, the Master Sword and the Hylian Shield.
Both Skyward Sword HD and the themed JoyCons are currently scheduled to be released on July 16, 2021. Regarding the Breath of the Wild sequel, Aonuma was able to say only that more news would be coming some time later in 2021.
Are you hyped for Skyward Sword HD, or are you mostly disappointed about the lack of BOTW 2 news? Let us know!
