There's one key difference between the Wii U and Nintendo Switch that 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 the Switch has given to one of Nintendo's franchises leaves a lot to be desired. That franchise is The Legend of Zelda.

With the enormous success of Zelda titles released on the Switch, like Breath of the Wild and Tears 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 the Zelda series 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 of the Zelda series 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 every Zelda entry accessible, either through backwards compatibility, virtual console, or even remasters. Including original releases, the Wii U's Zelda catalog included:

• The Legend of Zelda
• Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
• The Legend of Zelda: A Link To The Past
• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
• The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
• The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD
• The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
• The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (either Wii version or HD remaster)
• Link's Crossbow Training
• The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
• The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
• The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
• Hyrule Warriors
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Almost every Zelda game 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 the Zelda series has to offer in one place, it showed a recognition of how important the franchise is and its impact on the industry. Up until the closure of the Wii U eShop in 2023, the console was a showcase of what the Zelda series 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 of the Zelda franchise'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 when they're home to some of the Zelda franchise's highest-rated entries, including Wind Waker and Twilight Princess, both of which received full remasters on the Wii U.

When the Switch 2 console is released, it's paramount that Zelda'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 the Zelda franchise. As one of Nintendo's most popular and highly acclaimed franchises, more of an effort should be made to give the Zelda series' legacy the love and appreciation it deserves.