Nintendo’s last conventional Legend of Zelda title is coming to roost on the Switch when Skyward Sword HD releases later this year. The remaster was announced during the Feb. 17 Nintendo Direct shortly after series producer Eiji Aonuma said details on Breath of the Wild 2 will release later this summer.
As the first story in the Legend of Zelda timeline, Skyward Sword explains the origins of the Master Sword and invites players to explore a world both on the ground and up in the clouds. Using the JoyCons, the HD remaster emulates the original Wii Remote Plus motion controls from the base game, providing players that extra bit of action as they step into Link’s comfy boots. The right JoyCon will act as Link’s sword, and the left JoyCon will act as his shield. Moving the JoyCon in any direction will also direct Link’s weapons in the corresponding direction. The game will also support button configurations, however, with the right stick standing in for Link’s sword movements. And why not give the game a go on the new Skyward Sword JoyCons fashioned after the Master Sword and Hylian Shield?
Skyward Sword is also the title that introduced several key features from Breath of the Wild, Aonuma said. The game, originally released in 2011 on the Nintendo Wii, introduced depleting stamina gauges, using the sail cloth to descend in midair, and even collecting items to upgrade gear. Aonuma hopes those who loved Breath of the Wild will also enjoy Skyward Sword, which was the last Zelda title to follow series conventions.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD will be available July 16 for $59.99 USD, and pre-orders are open now.
