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The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is a high-definition remaster for the Nintendo Switch system of the 2011 Wii game The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, released worldwide on July 16, 2021. It was developed by Tantalus, which also worked on Twilight Princess HD for the Wii U. It features an upgraded resolution and graphics, increased frame-rate, amiibo support, and new button-only controls.[1]
Features
Gameplay
As in the original, Skyward Sword HD features motion controls through the use of two Joy-Cons. However, it will now also support button controls for its use on portable mode, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, and the Nintendo Switch Lite system. For that, the direction of Link's swings are determined by the right joystick.[2]
Presentation
The game's presentation is more "smooth" and has an upgraded resolution, up to 1080p in docked mode and 720p in portable mode. In addition to improved graphics, the game will run at 60 frames-per-second, unlike the original which ran 30 frames-per-second.[3]
Amiibo
The game will now have Amiibo support, which wasn't introduced at the time of the original game's release in 2011. An amiibo figure featuring Zelda and a blue Loftwing has been announced and will allow the player to transport between Skyloft and any location within the surface world. The player must first summon Fi and then select "Use amiibo". Once scanned, they player is given the option to return to the sky or the area the amiibo is first used on the surface world.[4]
Nintendo has specifically confirmed that it is the only amiibo supported for the game.[5]
General
Other changes include controller and interface adjustments. More general changes are expected.
Differences and changes from the original
Release
The game will be released on July 16, 2021 worldwide on the Nintendo Switch.
Reception
Pre-release
The announcement was met with mixed reactions, with viewers divided over the game's $60 pricing compared to the original's $50. The game's amiibo functionality announcement was also met with backlash, with criticism focused on the pricing of the Zelda and Loftwing figure, but more importantly the fact that it is the only way to access the "fast travel" function.[6][7]
Sales
As of the end of 2021, Nintendo announced that the game had sold 3.85 million units worldwide. As of the end of March 2022, the game reached 3.91 million units sold.
Trivia
- Skyward Sword HD is the first:
- 3D Zelda entry to run at 60fps, and its first re-release to upgrade frame rates.
- Overall, it is the third Zelda game running in that frame rate.
- Wii-exclusive entry to be re-released on Nintendo Switch.
- 3D Zelda entry to run at 60fps, and its first re-release to upgrade frame rates.
- It is the second Zelda game remastered by Australia-based Tantalus, following The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD for the Wii U.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Will Feature amiibo Support, File Size Revealed (Nintendo Life) Date: February 18, 2021. Author: Ryan Craddock.
- ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD – Announcement Trailer – Nintendo Switch Date: February 17, 2021.
- ↑ Splatoon 3 heads to new, unsplatted territory when it launches on Nintendo Switch in 2022 (Nintendo) Date: February 17, 2021.
- ↑ Zelda and Loftwing amiibo revealed to celebrate Zelda: Skyward Sword HD (Nintendo Everything) Date: May 18, 2021.
- ↑ New Zelda & Loftwing amiibo Figure Launches Alongside The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD on July 16! (Nintendo) Date: May 18, 2021.
- ↑ Zelda fans furious as Skyward Sword HD appears to lock massive feature behind amiibo (Dexerto.com) Date: May 19, 2021. Author: Brent Koepp.
- ↑ Yes, Link's Improved "Fast Travel" In Skyward Sword HD Really Does Seem To Be Locked Behind An amiibo (Nintendo Life) Date: May 19, 2021. Author: Liam Doolan.
