The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker review

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker ranks eighth mainly because it has the strictest hardware requirement here: Nintendo's GameCube library is only available on Nintendo Switch 2. If you own one, the game comes with Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, the same $49.99-a-year membership that includes Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask. Nintendo's GameCube page highlights suspend points for taking a mid-dungeon break in The Wind Waker, a choice between a standard screen and a retro CRT mode, and custom button mapping. Paid members can also buy a $69.99 Nintendo GameCube controller, though it is optional. Nintendo's own pitch for it is to sail the seas. Its drawbacks are the hardware lock, the fact that access is rented, and that original Switch owners are left out. We compared Nintendo's documented features and prices and did not play-test it.

Who it is for

Switch 2 owners who want a sea-faring Zelda

Price

$49.99 per year for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack; the GameCube library needs a Nintendo Switch 2.

Individual membership (1 Nintendo account): $49.99 USD/year
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• Original GameCube version in the Nintendo GameCube library
• Suspend points for mid-dungeon breaks
• Standard or retro CRT screen mode
• Custom button mapping per controller
• Optional $69.99 Nintendo GameCube controller for members

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Included with the same Expansion Pack that covers Ocarina of Time
• Strength: Suspend points suit short sessions
• Strength: Plays on the Switch 2 screen in handheld mode
• Weakness: Requires a Nintendo Switch 2; original Switch cannot run the GameCube library
• Weakness: Subscription access only
• Weakness: The optional GameCube controller costs $69.99 extra

Key facts

• Platform of origin: Nintendo GameCube
• Access: Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
• Hardware: Nintendo Switch 2 only
• Individual price: $49.99 per year
• Optional controller: Nintendo GameCube controller, $69.99

Where it ranks

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is No. 8 in our Best Zelda Games verdict.