Skyward Sword HD Differences and New Features

This is a list of new features and differences for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD for the Nintendo Switch. Read on to learn what's new and see all changes made from the Wii version to Skyward Sword HD!

Skyward Sword HD Differences and New Features

Updated HD Graphics

Original Wii Version

Nintendo Switch

Taking advantage of the Nintendo Switch's processing power, you can play Zelda: Skyward Sword HD with enhanced graphics and smoother gameplay. The original game released in 2011, so it was well overdo for a graphical remake, and the new graphics allow you to see what beauties Skyloft has to offer!

Switch Vs Wii Graphics Comparison

Button-Only Controls

While there is still an option to play Skyward Sword HD using motion controls, you can now play the game using a traditional button control scheme allowing players with the Nintendo Switch Lite to experience the game! This also means that other controller options, such as the Pro-Controller, will be compatible.

As motion controls was one of the largest complaints gamers had about this game, the option to play with both original controls and more conventional controls will open the game to a larger audience.

HD Controls Guide: How to Use Button and Motion Controls

amiibo Compatibility

Zelda: Skyward Sword HD features amiibo compatibility with the Zelda & Loftwing amiibo figure. Scanning this amiibo figure lets you quickly travel to the sky and return to the same spot on the surface. This is especially useful for heading back to Skyloft to upgrade your equipment or restock on potions without having to find a Bird Statue.

amiibo Compatibility: Zelda and Loftwing Amiibo and More!

Optional Help from Fi

As shown in the Quality of Life trailer, Link's sword will glow indicating a hint to a puzzle. You can choose to ignore it and solve the puzzle yourself or call Fi to ask for advice.

Fi: Character Profile and Story Information

Enhanced Frame Rate

In addition to enhanced graphics, Skyward Sword HD has been improved to include enhanced frame rate to take advantage of the Nintendo Switch's processing power.

Streamlined Item Information

In the Quality of Life trailer, the game includes a new improvement called "streamlined item information". This means that you will not be reminded of the item's information every time you pick it up after loading a save file.

List of Items and Equipment

Fast Forward Dialogue

Another addition in the Switch version is the ability to fast forward dialogue. Pressing the B button while talking to a character allows you to skip the text crawl to reveal the entire dialogue.

Skippable Cutscenes

In the original Wii version, the cutscenes cannot be skipped unless you are playing the game in Hero Mode. For the Switch version, a new feature was added to allow you to skip cutscenes.

As show in the above image, you can press the Minus (-) Button to skip the cutscene.

Character's Name Appears in Dialogue

One minor change seen in the trailer is the inclusion of the character's name when talking to them. This is helpful especially if you need to know who to talk to in Side Quests.

List of Characters and Voice Actors

Revamped Quest Logs Screen

In the original Wii version, the Quest Logs screen only shows the name, the number of hearts, as well as the date and time of the save files.

In the Switch version, the Quest Logs displays a snapshot of the save file and play time duration similar to Breath of the Wild. In addition, an autosave slot now appears on top of the three manual save slots.

How to Save using Manual and Autosave

Changes to Dialogue

In the original Wii version, Horwell explains how to dash, the stamina gauge, as well as the autojump in the same scene as the video above. The dialogue was changed in the Switch version, reducing much of the lines explaining the game's controls.

Free Camera Control

In the same video, the player is able to move the camera freely while moving Link to the crates. In the original Wii version, the camera control is limited to centering the camera behind Link using the Z-button.

How to Move the Camera

Absence of Sheikah Stone in Skyloft

In the Wii version of the game, a special Gossip Stone known as the Sheikah Stone appears next to the Sparring Hall after Link receives his Practice Sword. This Sheikah Stone used to give video advice on how to complete certain quests. However, it appears that the Sheikah Stone did not make it to the HD Remaster of the game.

If you get stuck at any point of the game, you may continue to consult Fi for advice. Better yet, check out our guides for strategies, tips, and tricks on how to progress through the game.

Complete Story Walkthrough

Related Guides

Zelda: Skyward Sword HD News