There’s one key difference between the Wii U andNintendo Switchthat makes the former console superior and it’s all down to the game library. It’s hard to deny how the Switch has managed to outperform the Wii U, thanks in no small part to the console’s innovative hybrid play style and stellar first-party lineup. Despite this,some of the dedication and support the Switch has given to one of Nintendo’s franchises leaves a lot to be desired. That franchise isThe Legend of Zelda.
With the enormous success ofZeldatitles released on the Switch, likeBreath of the WildandTears of the Kingdom, it would be easy to assume the console has done a lot to continue to build the franchise’s popularity. Yet, with the influx of new fans these entries introduced,Nintendo has squandered an opportunity with the Switch to truly showcase all that theZeldaseries has to offer. Not only that, the Switch’s less successful predecessor, the Wii U, did a far better job at catering to the series, revealing some major pitfalls that Nintendo’s next console should avoid.
The Wii U Was An Unparalleled Machine For Zelda Games
The Console Was Home To Almost Every Zelda Title
The Wii U’s support of theZeldaseries far exceeded that of the Switch simply due to the former’s dedication to the franchise’s legacy. While the Wii U’s original games were limited to one main entry and a spinoff,Nintendo made a clear effort to make almost everyZeldaentry accessible, either through backwards compatibility, virtual console, or even remasters. Including original releases, theWii U’sZeldacatalogincluded:
Almost everyZeldagame released prior to the Wii U’s launch was made accessible on the console. This was a major selling point for a console struggling with its own first-party lineup. By allowing fans both old and new to experience all that theZeldaseries has to offer in one place,it showed a recognition of how important the franchise isand its impact on the industry. Up until the closure of the Wii U eShop in 2023, the console was a showcase of what theZeldaseries means to Nintendo, an attitude that wasn’t shared by its successor.
Nintendo Switch 2 Should Continue The Zelda Legacy
Zelda’s History Should Always Be Preserved
Despite the undeniable acclaim and impact of the Switch’s own entries, the console’s support of theZeldafranchise’s legacy has been lackluster. While boasting the classics from the NES era to the N64 era thanks to the Nintendo Switch Online service, the console seems to have a blatant disregard for the entries in the GameCube and DS eras. The decision to omit these eras is baffling whenthey’re home to some of theZeldafranchise’s highest-rated entries, includingWind WakerandTwilight Princess, both of which received full remasters on the Wii U.
When the Switch 2 console is released,it’s paramount thatZelda’s history does not get left behind. As much as the series should continue to move forward, there has to be recognition of what came before and to continue to allow the opportunity for these beloved experiences to be shared among the increasing number of players being introduced to theZeldafranchise. As one ofNintendo’s most popular and highly acclaimed franchises, more of an effort should be made to give theZeldaseries' legacy the love and appreciation it deserves.
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is the successor to 2012’s Wii U console. The Nintendo Switch allows gamers to easily switch between playing on a TV to a handheld console. The first model was released in 2017, followed by the Nintendo Switch Lite, which is strictly a handheld console. In October 2021, Nintendo released an upgraded Switch console with an OLED screen.
