The Legend of Zelda series has evolved since its first installment in 1986. Though the plot has usually remained the same with Link saving Princess Zelda, the franchise has introduced new worlds, mechanics, and artistic styles along the way. Over the years, the games have explored dark, mysterious settings in Twilight Princess, vast open landscapes in Breath of the Wild, and even charming, miniature-like designs in Echoes of Wisdom​​​​​​. Each entry into the series has brought something unique to the table, but some leave a lasting impression in a way that's hard to forget.

With the Switch 2 coming soon, it's a great time to revisit a classic Zelda game with a unique charm. It wasn't just the story or dungeons that made it unique; its bold, expressive style made it stand out. Recent games have used watercolor or toy-like visuals, but this classic still stands out and deserves another chance. With the power of Nintendo's next console, bringing back this vibrant art style could make for an unforgettable adventure.

Wind Waker's Art Design Was Controversial, Then Praised

Some Believed Wind Waker's Art Design Was Too Childish

When The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker was first revealed, it sparked debates among fans who had been expecting a more realistic art style. Instead, Nintendo went in a completely different direction, introducing a bright, cel-shaded world that looked more like a cartoon than anything the series had done before. Some were captivated by its charm. Others, not so much, believing the game seemed too childish. I was one of those who thought the game was too childish at first, but quickly fell in love with the art style as soon as I started playing it.

At the time, realistic graphics were becoming the norm, and many thought Wind Waker was a step backward. Despite the negativity, Nintendo stuck to its vision, and when the game finally released, it didn’t take long for opinions to change. Once players actually got their hands on Wind Waker, they realized just how well the art style worked.

Wind Waker, unfortunately, had some content cut from its final release.

The bold, colorful visuals made the world feel alive, with expressive characters and animation that gave everything a unique personality. The ocean shimmered under the sun, storms rolled in with dramatic lighting, and Link’s exaggerated facial expressions made every moment feel more alive.

Over time, Wind Waker earned the recognition it deserved. The art style, once criticized, helped the game age well, avoiding the outdated look of many early 3D games. When Nintendo remastered Wind Waker for the Wii U, the graphics still looked great. What started as a controversial choice became one of Zelda’s most praised.

A Zelda Game On Switch 2 Should Repeat Wind Waker's Style

It's Been 22 Years Since We've Had Such A Unique Art Style

Every new Zelda game brings something new to the table, often in of artistic style. Recent titles like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom have used a soft, watercolor style, while games like Link’s Awakening and Echoes of Wisdom have a toy-like feel. These styles are great, but with the Switch 2 coming, it’s the perfect time to bring back something bold, like Wind Waker’s bright, cel-shaded art.

While other games from that era may seem outdated, Wind Waker still holds up. A new Zelda with this style could stand out like no recent game has.

Wind Waker stood out not just for its gameplay but also for its art, which made the world feel alive. The bright colors, expressive characters, and smooth animation gave it a timeless look that still looks great today. While other games from that era may seem outdated, Wind Waker still holds up. A new Zelda with this style could stand out like no recent game has.

This style also makes storytelling more fun. Wind Waker’s animations gave characters a lot of personality, from Link’s big expressions to how NPCs reacted to events. The world felt full of life, making every moment more engaging. With today’s technology, a new game could take this even further, with smoother animations, richer environments, and even more expressive characters.

It’s been over 20 years since Wind Waker, and no Zelda game has looked quite like it. Now is the perfect time to change that.

The Switch 2 Could Make Toon Link & Characters Look Even Better

The Switch 2 Has Better Hardware Than The Gamecube

Undoubtedly, Toon Link is now seen as an iconic figure in Zelda’s history. His expressive, cartoony look in Wind Waker was a big part of what made the game so entertaining. His big facial expressions, smooth animations, and colorful world made every moment fun. While the art style was initially controversial, it has since become one of the most beloved in Zelda history. This style could look even better with the Switch 2’s upgraded hardware.

One of the best things about Wind Waker’s design was how much emotion was shown through simple animations. Link’s surprised eyes, serious frown, and little smirks made him feel more alive. Other characters, like Tetra and the King of Red Lions, had strong personalities that came through in their designs. With better graphics and animation, these details could become even more expressive.

The environments could also look even better with the Switch 2’s power. Wind Waker’s cel-shaded world was already beautiful, but with modern lighting and effects, it could look richer. The ocean could sparkle under the sun, islands could feel fuller, and towns could have even more character. The bold, colorful art style could stand out more, making every location feel like a painting come to life.

Bringing back Toon Link and Wind Waker’s art style wouldn’t just be for nostalgia. It would be a smart choice. Many modern games go for realism, but a stylized world can be just as amazing. The Switch 2 could make this art style shine brighter than ever, offering a Zelda game that feels unique, timeless, and visually unforgettable.

A Wind Waker Remake On Switch 2 Wouldn't Be Enough

Forget A Wind Waker Remake, We Deserve Something New

A Wind Waker remake on the Switch 2 would be exciting, but it wouldn’t be enough. The game already had an HD remaster on the Wii U, which improved the visuals and fixed some gameplay issues. While a port of that version would be nice, what Zelda really needs is a brand-new game that captures what made Wind Waker so special.

A remake would bring back the bright, cel-shaded art style fans love, but it wouldn’t push the series forward. Zelda thrives on reinvention, and just replaying Wind Waker wouldn’t capture the same magic. Instead of revisiting an old adventure, a new game or even a sequel to Wind Waker could take the bold visuals, charm, and freedom of Wind Waker and create something new and exciting.

The Switch 2’s better hardware could bring a bigger, more detailed world to life. Wind Waker’s ocean was large but felt empty, with small islands spread across a huge map. A new game could improve this with better environments, exploration, and even smoother sailing mechanics. The art style could be refined with improved animations, more expressive characters, and a world that feels more alive.

Most importantly, a new game would offer newer gameplay ideas. Wind Waker had unique mechanics like the sailing system and the Wind Waker baton. A new game could add new tools, creative puzzles, and a new story, all while keeping the adventurous spirit of the original.

A Wind Waker remake would be nice, but Zelda deserves more. Instead of just looking back, Nintendo has the chance to bring back the playful, colorful world of Wind Waker in a completely new adventure. The Switch 2 could make that The Legend of Zelda vision a reality in a way that no simple remake ever could.