Nintendo Reveals List of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Improvements

Nintendo has revealed a bunch of improvements included The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD, and honestly? The Wii version of the game now feels redundant.

skyward sword
Credit: Nintendo

Revealed during February’s Nintendo Direct Livestream, the remastered version of Skyward Sword is set to feature increased performance, improved graphics and a “smoother and more intuitive” control scheme. However, thanks to a recent press release, we now also have a list of quality of life improvements included in the game. Check it out!

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD improvements:

  • Optional help from Fi: Fi only appears in cut-scenes or when necessary and can otherwise be summoned manually to provide advice or guidance.
  • Enhanced framerate: The game runs at 60 frames per second, resulting in smoother gameplay
  • Fast-forward dialogue: Text shown on-screen can be fast-forwarded by pressing the B Button
  • Streamlined item information: Explanations for collectable items, such as insects and materials, only appear the first time the item is collected
  • Skippable cutscenes: Cutscenes can be skipped by pressing the – Button
  • Autosave: Game progress will be saved automatically, in addition to the existing manual save option
  • Skippable tutorial dialogues: The introductory player tutorials have been refined to be less intrusive
skyward sword
Credit: Nintendo

If you’ve played the original Skyward Sword recently, you’ll know that the game has aged somewhat. However, the HD edition’s various tweaks and upgrades could transform the Wii adventure into a modernised classic. Sure, the game still has Wii-inspired motion controls, but being able to play with a conventional controller at 60 frames per second will likely freshen up this adventure.

Fast Travel Trouble!

Of course, if you’ve been paying attention to Skyward Sword HD’s development, you’ll know that the game also has a new fast travel system. I don’t know about you, but being able to zip across the map sounds great. However, the feature is locked behind a specific Skyward Sword HD amiibo. So, if you’d rather not explore the surface on foot, you’ll need to splash out on a cute Skyward Sword collectable.

Zelda_Loftwing_amiibo
Credit: Nintendo

Hopefully, Skyward Sword HD elevates the Wii adventure beyond its 2011 release. While the Switch version of the game is, strictly speaking, a remaster, the HD edition’s newfound controls and features should appeal to fans both old and new.

Are you going to pick up Skyward Sword HD? Why not pre-order a copy via the GameByte Shop!

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Featured Image Credit: Nintendo