The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker#Release and promotion

File:The Legend of Zelda The Wind Waker screenshot.jpg blur, making the game look stylistically similar to a cartoon and setting it apart from other games in the series.]]

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is an action-adventure game with role-playing elements. The control scheme is comparable to its predecessors: the player moves the protagonist Link in three dimensions from a third-person perspective.{{r|manual|p=8, 16}} Link fights with a sword and shield as well as a variety of other weapons and items. He interacts with non-player characters and objects via the action button.{{r|manual|p=9, 12, 16-18}} Like the previous games, The Wind Waker features a targeting system allowing Link to "lock on" and constantly face an enemy or target.{{r|manual|p=12, 19}} A new feature is the ability to move the camera system around Link.{{r|manual|p=8, 11}} Onscreen meters track Link's health and magic; Link can expand his health meter by finding "heart containers" and container pieces in the game.{{r|manual|p=11, 28}}

The game world comprises 49 gridded sections of the "Great Sea", each containing an island or island chain. Some must be explored to continue the story, while others are optional.{{cite book|last=Ali|first=Imran|date=September 19, 2012|title=Virtual Landscapes: The Modern Era (2002–2012)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2etGJLRk0YsC&q=%22wind+waker%22|publisher=Zayn Creative|pages=43–44|isbn=978-0957408654|access-date=November 3, 2020|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817181254/https://books.google.com/books?id=2etGJLRk0YsC&q=%22wind+waker%22#v=snippet&q=%22wind%20waker%22&f=false|url-status=live}} Like all Zelda games, The Wind Waker features several dungeons—large, enclosed areas where Link fights enemies, finds items, and solves puzzles to continue. Each dungeon quest concludes with a battle against a boss, a singularly powerful enemy.{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/9/18/4743554/the-legend-of-zelda-the-wind-waker-hd-review-sail-away|title=The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD review: sail away|last=Riendeau|first=Danielle|date=September 18, 2013|website=Polygon|access-date=June 27, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130920115429/http://www.polygon.com/2013/9/18/4743554/the-legend-of-zelda-the-wind-waker-hd-review-sail-away|archive-date=September 20, 2013|df=mdy-all}} In addition to the main story, the game includes many sidequests, minor objectives the player can optionally complete to attain rewards. For example, Link can use the "Picto Box" – an in-game camera – to take pictures to fulfill quests.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/08/22/the-legend-of-zelda-wind-waker-hd-offers-a-definitive-experience|title=The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD Offers a Definitive Experience|last=Otero|first=Jose|date=August 22, 2013|website=IGN|access-date=June 27, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822170314/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/08/22/the-legend-of-zelda-wind-waker-hd-offers-a-definitive-experience|archive-date=August 22, 2013|df=mdy-all}}

Throughout the game, Link acquires items and weapons that provide new abilities.{{r|manual|p=20-21}} Items are often needed to reach certain areas, defeat bosses or other enemies, and advance the story. For example, the grappling hook is necessary to pass obstacles and defeat the boss in the Dragon Roost Cavern dungeon; it can then be used to enter previously inaccessible areas elsewhere. The "Tingle Tuner" is a special item allowing a second player to control the character Tingle if the system is connected to a Game Boy Advance by a link cable.{{r|manual|p=20, 25}}

A significant portion of the game is spent sailing between islands on Link's boat, the King of Red Lions. The boat's sail is driven by wind that blows across the game world in one of eight directions; a tailwind behind the boat will give it top speed, while sailing against the wind is difficult. The Great Sea features enemies and obstacles different from those found on land; additionally, some items serve new purposes while Link is aboard the King of Red Lions. The grappling hook, for example, serves as a crane for recovering sunken treasure.{{r|manual|p=22-23}} Link explores the sea with the help of a sea chart, which can be updated with information on each square and island. Through the game, Link acquires additional charts pointing the way to treasure chests and significant locations. On land, dungeons feature similar maps.{{r|manual|p=14-15}}

Early in the game, Link receives the Wind Waker, a baton which allows him to control the wind and harness other powers by "conducting" specific melodies. The player controls the Wind Waker by moving the joypads to change pitch and time signature. The first melody, the "Wind's Requiem", enables Link to change the wind's direction, allowing him to sail anywhere. Link can learn five other tunes for the Wind Waker, which provide abilities such as warping to other regions and turning night to day.{{cite thesis|last=Teetsel|first=Sarah|date=August 2015|title=Musical Memory of the Player, Characters, and World of The Legend of Zelda Video Game Series|type=Master of Music thesis|publisher=Bowling Green University|pages=6–7, 51–67|url=https://etd.ohiolink.edu/!etd.send_file?accession=bgsu1431710749&disposition=inline|access-date=June 29, 2016|format=PDF|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216162426/https://etd.ohiolink.edu/%21etd.send_file?accession=bgsu1431710749&disposition=inline|archive-date=February 16, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

{{Further|The Legend of Zelda#Fictional chronology|label1=Fictional chronology of The Legend of Zelda}}

According to The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia, Nintendo's official Legend of Zelda chronology, The Wind Waker takes place in the "New World" timeline, one of several parallel timelines in which Zelda games are set following the events of Ocarina of Time. The game follows the "Adult Link" timeline, after Link, the "Hero of Time", defeats Ganondorf and time-travels back to his childhood. A crisis emerges when Ganondorf returns with his Triforce of Power in his hand to gets revenge, but Link does not. Centuries later, the people live on islands in the Great Sea. They preserve Link's story as a legend, but his kingdom's fate is unknown. The main character, a young boy also named Link, lives on Outset Island, where boys dress in green like the Hero of Time when they come of age.{{cite book |editor-last= Thorpe |editor-first= Patrick |year= 2016|title= Hyrule Historia|publisher= Dark Horse Books|pages=69, 122–129 |isbn=978-1616550417}}

While Link is celebrating his coming of age, a gigantic bird drops pirate captain Tetra into Outset Island's forest. Link rescues Tetra from monsters, but the bird carries off Link's sister Aryll. Tetra agrees to help Link find his sister, and they sail to the Forsaken Fortress, where the bird, the Helmaroc King, has been taking girls with long ears, having mistook them for Tetra. Link finds Aryll and other kidnapped girls, but the Helmaroc King captures him and takes him to a man in black, who orders Link thrown into the sea.

Link is rescued at Windfall Island by a sentient sailboat, the King of Red Lions, who explains that the bird's master is a returned Ganondorf. To defeat him, Link must find the Hero of Time's power, which requires the three Pearls of the Goddesses. Link finds Din's Pearl on Dragon Roost Island, home of the avian Rito and the dragon Valoo; Farore's Pearl in Forest Haven, home of the Great Deku Tree and the plant-like Koroks; and Nayru's Pearl with the water spirit Jabun on Outset Island. The King of Red Lions then takes Link to the Tower of the Gods, where he faces trials before descending beneath the ocean to a castle suspended in time. Here Link finds the Hero of Time's weapon, the Master Sword.

Link returns to the Forsaken Fortress. Tetra's crew arrive and rescue Aryll and the girls, but Ganondorf easily overpowers Link and Tetra; the Master Sword has lost its power. Ganondorf recognizes Tetra's Triforce necklace and realizes she is the incarnation of Princess Zelda he is seeking. Link's Rito allies and Valoo save Link and Tetra from Ganondorf. The King of Red Lions brings the two back to the underwater realm, explaining it is the legendary kingdom of Hyrule, which the goddesses submerged long ago to contain Ganondorf while the people fled to the mountaintops. The King of Red Lions reveals himself to be Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule, the last King of Hyrule, and Tetra is his heir, Zelda, keeper of the Triforce of Wisdom.

Tetra remains in the castle while Link and the King journey to the two sages who provided the Master Sword's power. They discover Ganondorf's forces murdered them both, so Link must awaken new sages, the Rito Medli and the Korok Makar, and guide them through the Earth and Wind Temples. The sages restore the Master Sword, but the King learns that Ganondorf has abandoned the Forsaken Fortress and fears an attack. They then track down the eight shards of the missing Triforce of Courage, once kept by the Hero of Time, and the gods recognize Link as the Hero of Winds.

Link and the King return to Hyrule to discover that Ganondorf has captured Tetra. Link follows them to Ganon's tower, defeating Ganondorf's minions before Ganondorf overcomes him. Ganondorf joins Link's and Tetra's Triforce pieces with his own Triforce of Power, forming the complete Triforce, which will grant his wish to rule the world. Before he can act, the King of Hyrule appears and wishes that the Goddesses wash Ganondorf and Hyrule away, and grant Link and Tetra hope for their own future. Link and Tetra battle Ganondorf with the Master Sword and magical arrows as water pours around them; with the final blow, the Master Sword turns Ganondorf to stone. Link and Tetra rise to the surface as the King and Hyrule are submerged. After reuniting with their friends, the heroes sail off to find a new land.

File:GameCube-Console-Set.png

Nintendo's Zelda team initiated plans for a new game early in the development of the GameCube system, before Majora's Mask was completed for the Nintendo 64 in 2000. Eiji Aonuma, director of Majora's Mask, returned to helm the project, while Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka, the creators of the Zelda series, served as producers.{{cite web|url= http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/12/04/miyamoto-and-aonuma-on-zelda|title= Miyamoto and Aonuma on Zelda|author= |translator= Bill Trinen|date= December 4, 2002|website= IGN|access-date= June 30, 2016|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160307102406/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/12/04/miyamoto-and-aonuma-on-zelda|archive-date= March 7, 2016|df= mdy-all}}{{cite web|last=Iwata|first=Satoru|author-link=Satoru Iwata|url=http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/wiiu/wind-waker/0/0|title=Iwata Asks: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD|website=iwataasks.nintendo.com|publisher=Nintendo|year=2013|access-date=June 24, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725233103/http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/wiiu/wind-waker/0/0|archive-date=July 25, 2015|df=mdy-all}} Early concepts generally followed Ocarina of Time{{'}}s designs, with graphics enhanced for the new system's capabilities.{{cite web|url= http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/10/25/the-story-of-zelda-wind-waker|title= The Story of Zelda: Wind Waker|last= MacDonald|first= Keza|date= October 25, 2013|website= IGN|access-date= June 24, 2016|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160817051222/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/10/25/the-story-of-zelda-wind-waker|archive-date= August 17, 2016|df= mdy-all}} The team hastily created a brief clip of Link fighting Ganondorf for a demonstration at the 2000 Space World exposition, where Nintendo announced the GameCube. The clip resonated with fans and commentators who hoped it previewed the next Zelda game.{{cite web|url= http://kotaku.com/5768870/the-great-zelda-switcheroo|title= The Great Zelda Switcheroo|last= Plunkett|first= Luke|date= February 24, 2011|website= Kotaku|publisher= Gawker Media|access-date= June 24, 2016|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160531063103/http://kotaku.com/5768870/the-great-zelda-switcheroo|archive-date= May 31, 2016|df= mdy-all}}{{cite web|title=Zelda on Nintendo Gamecube|website=IGN|date=August 23, 2000|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/083/083960p1.html|access-date=June 24, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207170145/http://cube.ign.com/articles/083/083960p1.html|archive-date=February 7, 2012|df=mdy-all}}

The Zelda team, however, had exhausted its ideas for this style and format. Aonuma hated the demo, finding it derivative of past Zelda games. The team explored other directions until designer Yoshiki Haruhana created a cartoonish drawing of a young Link that caught their eye. Design manager Satoru Takizawa drew up an enemy Moblin in a similar style, and the team seized on the new gameplay and combat possibilities afforded by the stylized cartoon aesthetic. To achieve this look, they used cel shading on 3D models, giving the look of an interactive cartoon.{{cite web|url= http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/09/iwata_asks_explores_the_origins_of_toon_link_and_the_process_behind_making_the_wind_waker_hd|title= Iwata Asks Explores The Origins of Toon Link and The Process Behind Making The Wind Waker HD|last= Green|first= Andy|date= September 13, 2013|website= Nintendo Life|access-date= June 28, 2016|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170214234728/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/09/iwata_asks_explores_the_origins_of_toon_link_and_the_process_behind_making_the_wind_waker_hd|archive-date= February 14, 2017|df= mdy-all}}{{cite book|last1= Newman|first1= James|last2= Simons|first2= Iain|year=2007|title= 100 Videogames|publisher=British Film Institute|page= 99|isbn=978-1844571611}} The developers built the game with Alias/Wavefront's Maya 3D tool and a custom game engine.{{cite web|url= http://www.gamezone.com/news/gz_interview_the_legend_of_zelda_guilty_of_having_revolutionary_graphics_authorities_say_maya_is_to_blame|title= The Legend of Zelda guilty of having revolutionary graphics; authorities say Maya is to blame|last= Bedigian|first= Louis|date= September 27, 2011|website= GameZone|access-date= July 6, 2016|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170215113849/http://www.gamezone.com/news/gz_interview_the_legend_of_zelda_guilty_of_having_revolutionary_graphics_authorities_say_maya_is_to_blame|archive-date= February 15, 2017|df= mdy-all}} Aonuma initially kept the development quiet as he worried that Miyamoto would take issue with the cartoon style.{{cite web|url= https://www.kotaku.com.au/2022/06/miyamoto-hated-wind-waker-art-style/|title= Miyamoto Apparently 'Cringed' When First Shown Wind Waker's Art Style|last= Innes|first= Ruby|date= June 27, 2022|website= Kotaku|publisher= Gizmodo Media Group|access-date= September 4, 2022|quote= If I had gone and talked to him from the very beginning, I think he would have said, 'How is that Zelda?'. Miyamoto had trouble letting go of the realistic Link art style until the very end.|archive-date= September 5, 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220905051649/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2022/06/miyamoto-hated-wind-waker-art-style/|url-status= dead}}

File:Eiji Aonuma at E3 2013 (cropped headshot).jpg, the game's director, pictured at E3 2013.]]

With this decision, development proceeded swiftly. The team quickly decided the setting would be islands in an ocean, determining it would provide interesting visuals and mechanics in the cel-shaded style. This in turn inspired the central sailing feature. As Aonuma predicted, some features drew skepticism from producers Miyamoto and Tezuka. For instance, they requested an explanation for the characters' exaggeratedly large eyes. Aonuma's team jokingly suggested having Link shoot beams from his eyes before deciding to have him focus his gaze on significant objects nearby, giving hints to observant players about what to do next.{{cite web|url= http://www.polygon.com/2013/9/19/4747570/the-legend-of-zelda-the-wind-waker-designers-contemplated-having|title= The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker designers contemplated having beams shoot out of Link's eyes|last= Gera|first= Emily|date= September 19, 2013|website= Polygon|access-date= June 24, 2016|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170216075343/http://www.polygon.com/2013/9/19/4747570/the-legend-of-zelda-the-wind-waker-designers-contemplated-having|archive-date= February 16, 2017|df= mdy-all}} Miyamoto remained dubious of the art direction and reminded Aonuma that it was not too late to change course. Ultimately Miyamoto relented due to the team's enthusiasm about the cartoon style and the fact that it could have taken a decade to make a more realistic Zelda with their resources.

{{anchor|Celda}}

Nintendo presented a demo clip of the new game at the 2001 Space World. Response to the cel-shaded design was divided. While some attendees enjoyed the new look, there was backlash from disappointed fans who had hoped for a more realistic Zelda like the previous year's demo.{{cite web|url= http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/08/27/ign-presents-the-history-of-zelda?page=5|title= IGN Presents the History of Zelda|last1= Fahs|first1= Travis|last2= Thomas|first2= Lucas|date= August 27, 2010|website= IGN|page= 5|access-date= June 26, 2016|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160408010133/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/08/27/ign-presents-the-history-of-zelda?page=5|archive-date= April 8, 2016|df= mdy-all}} Critics derisively dubbed the game "Celda". Miyamoto was surprised at the response and decided to limit revealing further information about the game until the team finished a playable demonstration, hoping to shift focus from the graphics to the gameplay.{{cite web|url= http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/05/11/nintendos-history-at-e3-2002|title= Nintendo's History at E3: 2002|last1= George|first1= Richard|last2= Thomas|first2= Lucas M.|date= May 10, 2011|website= IGN|access-date= June 26, 2016|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160428060906/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/05/11/nintendos-history-at-e3-2002|archive-date= April 28, 2016|df= mdy-all}}{{cite web|date=December 4, 2002|title=Miyamoto and Aonuma on Zelda|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/379/379358p3.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106003117/http://cube.ign.com/articles/379/379358p3.html|archive-date=January 6, 2009|access-date=June 28, 2016|website=IGN|page=3|df=mdy-all}}

Miyamoto introduced a playable demo at the next year's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), alongside another upcoming Zelda title for the GameCube, Four Swords Adventures. Miyamoto encountered glitches while he attempted to demonstrate Link's new ability to use enemies' dropped weapons. However, reception was more positive than that for the Space World demo. The game received the 2002 Game Critics Awards for Best Console Game at E3.{{cite web|title=2002 Winners|url=http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/2002winners.html|website=Game Critics Awards|access-date=March 14, 2024|archive-date=April 10, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080410064402/http://gamecriticsawards.com/2002winners.html|url-status=live}} IGN editor Fran Mirabella said the cartoon look "works very nicely" and that "it feels very much like Zelda".{{cite web|last=Mirabella III|first=Fran|date=May 22, 2002|title=E3 2002: Legend of Zelda|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/05/22/e3-2002-legend-of-zelda?amp=1|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060109230309/http://cube.ign.com/articles/360/360408p1.html|archive-date=January 9, 2006|access-date=January 21, 2006|website=IGN|df=mdy-all}} The whimsical style was compared to A Link to the Past and promotional artwork from previous Zelda games. The E3 demo also introduced new features, such as the ability to connect to the Game Boy Advance and receive help from Tingle.{{cite web|last=Harris|first=Craig|date=May 23, 2002|title=E3 2002: Zelda GameCube-to-GBA Link Revealed|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/05/23/e3-2002-zelda-gamecube-to-gba-link-revealed?amp=1|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060213020254/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/360/360557p1.html|archive-date=February 13, 2006|access-date=January 21, 2006|website=IGN|df=mdy-all}} However, the art direction continued to divide audiences.{{cite book|last= Newman|first= James|year=2004|title= Videogames|publisher=Psychology Press|pages= 153–154|isbn=0415281911}}

Development continued through late 2002, with targeted release dates of December in Japan and early 2003 in North America.{{cite web|date=October 25, 2002|title=Official Legend of Zelda GCN Title|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/10/15/official-legend-of-zelda-gcn-title?amp=1|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207170215/http://cube.ign.com/articles/374/374428p1.html|archive-date=February 7, 2012|access-date=June 28, 2016|website=IGN|df=mdy-all}} During the final stages, two dungeons that fell behind schedule were cut and replaced with a quest to recover Triforce pieces around the Great Sea. Elements of these dungeons were recycled for later Zelda games. On October 15, 2002, Nintendo revealed the game's Japanese subtitle, Kaze no Takuto (Wind Baton), to emphasize the role of wind in the game. The company announced the English title, The Wind Waker, on December 2 the same year.{{cite web|date=December 2, 2002|title=Zelda Gets Official Name|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/12/02/zelda-gets-official-name?amp=1|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207170241/http://cube.ign.com/articles/379/379057p1.html|archive-date=February 7, 2012|access-date=June 28, 2016|website=IGN|df=mdy-all}} In the gap between the Japanese and North American releases, the designers reworked some segments, notably shortening the lengthy Triforce quest.{{cite web|last=Casamassina|first=Matt|date=March 21, 2003|title=Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/03/21/legend-of-zelda-the-wind-waker|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060114100253/http://cube.ign.com/articles/390/390314p1.html|archive-date=January 14, 2006|access-date=January 20, 2006|website=IGN|df=mdy-all}}{{cite book|last= Kohler|first= Chris|year=2016|title= Power-Up: How Japanese Video Games Gave the World an Extra Life|publisher=Courier Dover Publications|page=197|isbn=978-0486801490}}

The music in The Wind Waker was composed by Kenta Nagata, Hajime Wakai, Toru Minegishi, and Koji Kondo.{{cite book|last= Michael|first= Sweet|year= 2014|title= Writing Interactive Music for Video Games|publisher= Pearson Education|page= 97|isbn=978-0321961587}} The sound team was significantly larger than for other contemporary projects to accommodate Nintendo's desire for a high caliber of work in the rushed development schedule. Koji Kondo, the primary composer for The Legend of Zelda series, contributed to the score but did not serve as sound director.{{cite thesis|last= Teetsel|first= Sarah|date= August 2015|title= Musical Memory of the Player, Characters, and World of The Legend of Zelda Video Game Series|type= Master of Music thesis|publisher= Bowling Green University|pages= 14–15|url= https://etd.ohiolink.edu/!etd.send_file?accession=bgsu1431710749&disposition=inline|access-date= July 1, 2016|format= PDF|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170216162426/https://etd.ohiolink.edu/%21etd.send_file?accession=bgsu1431710749&disposition=inline|archive-date= February 16, 2017|df= mdy-all}}{{cite web|url= http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/12/10/a-music-trivia-tour-with-nintendos-koji-kondo|title= A Music Trivia Tour with Nintendo's Koji Kondo|last= Otero|first= Jose|date= December 10, 2014|website= IGN|access-date= July 1, 2016|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141210204914/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/12/10/a-music-trivia-tour-with-nintendos-koji-kondo|archive-date= December 10, 2014|df= mdy-all}} However, the score incorporated some of his pieces from older Zelda games, modifying them to emphasize the time passed between the stories.

The soundtrack is primarily environmental; it modulates between various tracks depending on location, time and other conditions.{{cite encyclopedia|last= Medina-Gray|first=Elizabeth|editor-last= Donnelly|editor-first= K. J.|editor-last2= Gibbons|editor-first2= William|editor-last3= Lerner|editor-first3=Neil|encyclopedia= Music In Video Games: Studying Play|title= Meaningful Modular Combinations: Simultaneous Harp and Environmental Music in Two Legend of Zelda Games|year= 2014|publisher= Routledge|isbn= 978-1134692040|pages= 104–108}} Much of the score is inspired by traditional Irish music and is overall lighter and more upbeat than previous scores in the series.{{cite magazine|date=September 2005|title=Inside Zelda Part 4: Natural Rhythms of Hyrule|url=https://archive.org/details/NintendoPowerVol195September2005/page/n55/mode/2up|magazine=Nintendo Power|volume=195|pages=56–58}}{{cite thesis|last=Teetsel|first=Sarah|date=August 2015|title=Musical Memory of the Player, Characters, and World of The Legend of Zelda Video Game Series|type=Master of Music thesis|publisher=Bowling Green University|page=6|url=https://etd.ohiolink.edu/!etd.send_file?accession=bgsu1431710749&disposition=inline|access-date=July 1, 2016|format=PDF|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216162426/https://etd.ohiolink.edu/%21etd.send_file?accession=bgsu1431710749&disposition=inline|archive-date=February 16, 2017|df=mdy-all}} The advancement of MIDI technology allowed the soundtrack to more closely approximate the sounds of real instruments than was possible in previous installments. The score features strings, winds, brass, percussion, and wordless vocals. The vocals are especially prominent in the tunes Link conducts with the Wind Waker, singing in D major.{{cite thesis|last= Teetsel|first= Sarah|date= August 2015|title= Musical Memory of the Player, Characters, and World of The Legend of Zelda Video Game Series|type= Master of Music thesis|publisher= Bowling Green University|pages= 6–7, 14–15|url= https://etd.ohiolink.edu/!etd.send_file?accession=bgsu1431710749&disposition=inline|access-date= July 1, 2016|format= PDF|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170216162426/https://etd.ohiolink.edu/%21etd.send_file?accession=bgsu1431710749&disposition=inline|archive-date= February 16, 2017|df= mdy-all}} Shigeru Miyamoto reportedly played the mandolin featured in the "Title Theme".{{cite web|first=Michael|last=Cole|title=GDC 2004 - Eiji Aonuma Zelda Roundtable|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/interview/2180/gdc-2004-eiji-aonuma-zelda-roundtable|work=Nintendo World Report|date=May 17, 2004|access-date=October 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151010203811/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/interview/2180/gdc-2004-eiji-aonuma-zelda-roundtable|archive-date=October 10, 2015|url-status=live}} Scitron Digital Content released a two-disc, 133-track soundtrack album, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker Original Sound Tracks, on March 19, 2003.{{Cite AV media notes|title= The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker Original Sound Tracks|others= Kenta Nagata, Hajime Wakai, Toru Minegishi, and Koji Kondo|date= March 19, 2003|type= Album cover|publisher= Scitron Digital Content}}

The Wind Waker was released on December 13, 2002, in Japan, on March 24, 2003, in North America,{{cite web|date=December 4, 2002|title=Zelda Gets US Release Date|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/12/04/zelda-gets-us-release-date|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212232613/http://cube.ign.com/articles/379/379325p1.html|archive-date=February 12, 2012|access-date=June 28, 2016|website=IGN|df=mdy-all}} and on May 2, 2003, in Europe.{{cite news|last= Kennedy|first= Colin|date= October 15, 2004|title= Zelda: The Wind Waker Review|url= http://www.empireonline.com/gaming/zelda-wind-waker/|newspaper= Empire|access-date= July 5, 2016|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160309074243/http://www.empireonline.com/gaming/zelda-wind-waker/|archive-date= March 9, 2016|df= mdy-all}} To promote the release, Nintendo offered a bonus disc as a pre-order incentive which included a GameCube port of Ocarina of Time as well as its previously unreleased expansion, Ura Zelda.{{cite web|url= http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/02/27/legend-of-zelda-ocarina-of-time-master-quest|title= Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time / Master Quest|last= Schneider|first= Peer|date= April 15, 2003|website= IGN|access-date= July 6, 2016|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150129135809/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/02/27/legend-of-zelda-ocarina-of-time-master-quest|archive-date= January 29, 2015|df= mdy-all}}{{cite web|date=November 22, 2002|title=More Zelda for Japan|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/11/22/more-zelda-for-japan?amp=1|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306032917/http://cube.ign.com/articles/378/378378p1.html|archive-date=March 6, 2012|access-date=July 6, 2016|website=IGN|df=mdy-all}} Ura Zelda, largely an adaptation of Ocarina of Time with some changes, including new dungeon challenges, had been developed for the Nintendo 64's 64DD peripheral, but was shelved when that system failed. Ura Zelda was named Ocarina of Time Master Quest in North America and Europe.{{cite web|date=December 4, 2002|title=Zelda Bonus Disc Coming to US|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/379/379346p1.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222050058/http://cube.ign.com/articles/379/379346p1.html|archive-date=February 22, 2012|access-date=July 6, 2016|website=IGN|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|date=April 15, 2003|title=Limited Edition Zelda in Europe|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/393/393625p1.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306032928/http://cube.ign.com/articles/393/393625p1.html|archive-date=March 6, 2012|access-date=July 6, 2016|website=IGN|df=mdy-all}} Ocarina of Time/Master Quest discs became popular items in their own right in North America, with some customers making and then cancelling pre-orders to get them. To avoid this issue in Europe, Nintendo released the item only in two-disc packages with The Wind Waker.

In May 2003, Nintendo bundled The Wind Waker with limited edition GameCubes in North America and Europe.{{cite web|title=European Zelda Bundle|website=IGN|date=March 26, 2003|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/03/26/european-zelda-bundle|access-date=July 6, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421230454/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/03/26/european-zelda-bundle|archive-date=April 21, 2016|df=mdy-all}} On November 17 that year, Nintendo launched another promotion via a compilation disc, The Legend of Zelda Collector's Edition. The disc includes ports of the original Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, Ocarina of Time, and Majora's Mask, as well as a Wind Waker demo and two featurettes. Never sold commercially, the Collector's Edition was included in another GameCube bundle and was made available to existing GameCube owners who either registered their system or subscribed to Nintendo Power.{{cite web|date=November 4, 2003|title=Zelda Bundle at $99|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/11/04/zelda-bundle-at-99?amp=1|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817232641/http://cube.ign.com/articles/457/457897p1.html|archive-date=August 17, 2012|access-date=July 6, 2016|website=IGN|df=mdy-all}} The compilation became a coveted item among fans; in the United Kingdom and Ireland, the 1000 allotted copies were claimed within minutes. To satisfy frustrated customers there, Nintendo offered additional copies to those who purchased select GameCube games.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/new-zelda-promotion-for-uk-6086040|title=New Zelda promotion for UK|last=Calvert|first=Justin|website=GameSpot|date=January 5, 2004|access-date=March 19, 2007|archive-date=November 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107014246/http://www.gamespot.com/news/new-zelda-promotion-for-uk-6086040|url-status=live}}

{{Infobox video game

| title = The Legend of Zelda:
The Wind Waker HD

| image =

| developer = Nintendo EAD

| publisher = Nintendo

| director = Daiki Iwamoto

| producer = Eiji Aonuma

| artist = Satoru Takizawa

| writer = {{plainlist|

• Mitsuhiro Takano
• Hajime Takahashi
• Eiji Aonuma

}}

| composer = {{plainlist|

• Kenta Nagata
• Hajime Wakai
• Asuka Hayazaki
• Atsuko Asahi

}}

| series =

| platforms = Wii U

| released = {{Video game release|NA|September 20, 2013|JP|September 26, 2013{{cite web|title=Earnings Release for the Three-Month Period Ended June 2013|url=http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2013/130731_3e.pdf|work=Nintendo Japan|date=July 31, 2013|access-date=August 8, 2013|archive-date=February 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226103841/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2013/130731_3e.pdf|url-status=live}}|EU|October 4, 2013{{cite web|last=Phillips|first=Tom|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-08-07-nintendo-names-zelda-the-wind-waker-hd-release-date|title=Nintendo names Zelda: The Wind Waker HD release date|publisher=Eurogamer|date=August 28, 2013|access-date=September 9, 2013|archive-date=November 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117021013/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-08-07-nintendo-names-zelda-the-wind-waker-hd-release-date|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD Confirmed for 4th October in North America|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/08/the_legend_of_zelda_the_wind_waker_hd_confirmed_for_4th_october_in_north_america|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|publisher=Nintendo Life|date=August 28, 2013|access-date=August 28, 2013|archive-date=June 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608234640/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/08/the_legend_of_zelda_the_wind_waker_hd_confirmed_for_4th_october_in_north_america|url-status=live}}}}{{vgrelease|AUS|October 5, 2013{{cite web|title=NINTENDO LAUNCHES ANIMAL CROSSING PLAZA ON Wii U|url=https://www.nintendo.com.au/index.php?action=news&nid=2979&pageID=6|publisher=Nintendo Australia|date=August 8, 2013|access-date=August 25, 2013|archive-date=October 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020061958/http://www.nintendo.com.au/index.php?action=news&nid=2979&pageID=6|url-status=dead}}}}

| genre = Action-adventure

| modes = Single-player

| programmer = Kenji Higashiyama

}}

File:Wind_Waker_HD_comparison_(small).jpg version.|alt=A comparison of the graphics of Wind Waker HD and the original GameCube release, Wind Waker, with the original on the top and the remake on the bottom.]]

In 2013, Nintendo developed a high definition re-release of The Wind Waker, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD, for the Wii U. The inspiration came when staff converted elements from various games to explore the system's capabilities while planning for Breath of the Wild.{{cite web|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QyMsF31NdNc&feature=youtu.be|title=Breaking Conventions with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - YouTube|website=YouTube|date=March 10, 2017|access-date=February 10, 2022|archive-date=October 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003155106/https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=QyMsF31NdNc|url-status=live}} The developers experimented with several Zelda games, but were especially struck by how well The Wind Waker translated into high definition.{{cite news|last=Kohler|first=Chris|date=July 13, 2013|title=Q&A: Zelda's Producer Crafting New Legends for 3DS, Wii U|url=https://www.wired.com/gamelife/2013/07/aonuma-zelda-wii-u/all|access-date=February 28, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220153737/http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2013/07/aonuma-zelda-wii-u/all/|archive-date=February 20, 2014|df=mdy-all}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/51839/nintendo-tested-twilight-princess-and-skyward-sword-on-wii-u/|title=Wii U News: Nintendo tested Twilight Princess and Skyward Sword on Wii U|magazine=Official Nintendo Magazine|access-date=September 22, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130707094236/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/51839/nintendo-tested-twilight-princess-and-skyward-sword-on-wii-u|archive-date=July 7, 2013}} When the team determined it would take less than a year to remaster the entire game, Aonuma approached Miyamoto about developing it. He faced considerable reluctance from management due to players' mixed response in 2003, but Miyamoto ultimately greenlit development as Nintendo staff had found that opinions of the game had warmed over the years. Aonuma served as producer, while Daiki Iwamoto served as director. The soundtrack was updated by Kenta Nagata, Hajime Wakai, Asuka Hayazaki, and Atsuko Asahi. While the game was developed in-house at Nintendo Entertainment Analysis & Development (EAD), high-resolution textures were produced with the help of a few external companies.{{cite web|last=Iwata|first=Satoru|author-link=Satoru Iwata|url=http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/wiiu/wind-waker/0/3|title=Iwata Asks: The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD: Archeology|publisher=Nintendo|date=August 28, 2013|access-date=September 9, 2013|archive-date=December 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217205722/http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/wiiu/wind-waker/0/3|url-status=live}} The entire project took six months to develop.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/zelda-wind-waker-hd-took-6-months-develop/|title=Zelda: Wind Waker HD took 6 months to develop|author=Connor Sheridan|date=October 5, 2013|publisher=Game Revolution|work=GamesRadar|access-date=February 10, 2022|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817181257/https://www.gamesradar.com/zelda-wind-waker-hd-took-6-months-develop/|url-status=live}}

The Wind Waker HD features high definition graphics and improved lighting. The Wii U GamePad's touchscreen serves as a map and inventory, eliminating the need to toggle between gameplay and the menu interface. Players can use motion controls to control the Wind Waker.{{cite web|author=GameCentral|title=Zelda: The Wind Waker HD & Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze hands-on preview – mostly new|url=http://metro.co.uk/2013/07/11/zelda-the-wind-waker-hd-donkey-kong-country-tropical-freeze-hands-on-preview-mostly-new-3876819/|work=Metro|date=July 11, 2013|access-date=August 9, 2013|archive-date=June 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629021710/https://metro.co.uk/2013/07/11/zelda-the-wind-waker-hd-donkey-kong-country-tropical-freeze-hands-on-preview-mostly-new-3876819/|url-status=live}} Some weapons, like the bow, can be aimed using the GamePad's gyroscope, as in Ocarina of Time 3D. The game supports Off-TV Play, which enables the player to play the game solely on the Wii U GamePad. The game can also be played on the Wii U Pro Controller, a controller similar to the one used in the original game.{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wiiu/bczj/detail/index.html|title=ゼルダの伝説 風のタクト ＨＤ：ソフト詳細 (English: The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD: Soft Description)|language=ja|publisher=Nintendo Japan|access-date=September 9, 2013|archive-date=September 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922111117/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wiiu/bczj/detail/index.html|url-status=live}} The developers made some changes to the gameplay as well: they introduced a new item, the "Swift Sail", allowing for faster sailing on the Great Sea.{{cite web|url=http://www.zeldauniverse.net/zelda-news/aonuma-explains-the-wind-waker-hds-swift-sail/|title=Aonuma explains The Wind Waker HD's "Swift Sail"|author=Reece|publisher=Zelda Universe|date=August 13, 2013|access-date=September 9, 2013|archive-date=December 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131222030650/http://www.zeldauniverse.net/zelda-news/aonuma-explains-the-wind-waker-hds-swift-sail/|url-status=live}} They also streamlined the Triforce quest, improved the Picto Box, and replaced the Tingle Tuner, which had required connectivity with a Game Boy Advance, with a Tingle Bottle item that connected to the Miiverse service prior to its shutdown on November 8, 2017.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/08/22/the-legend-of-zelda-wind-waker-hd-offers-a-definitive-experience|title=The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD Offers a Definitive Experience|last=Otero|first=Jose|publisher=IGN|date=August 22, 2013|access-date=September 9, 2013|archive-date=August 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822170314/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/08/22/the-legend-of-zelda-wind-waker-hd-offers-a-definitive-experience|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url= https://venturebeat.com/2013/08/22/heres-whats-new-in-the-legend-of-zelda-wind-waker-hd/|title= Here's what's new in The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD|last= Valdes|first= Giancarlo|date= August 22, 2013|website= VentureBeat|access-date= February 28, 2017|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161229190842/http://venturebeat.com/2013/08/22/heres-whats-new-in-the-legend-of-zelda-wind-waker-hd/|archive-date= December 29, 2016|df= mdy-all}}

A limited-edition console bundle that combines both a digital version of the game and the Deluxe Wii U console was released on September 20, 2013, in North America. The black console features a GamePad with a golden Hylian Crest and golden The Wind Waker-styled Hylian letters and symbols. A redemption code for a digital copy of The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia was also included.{{cite web|last=Mallory|first=Jordan|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/28/zelda-a-link-between-worlds-and-mario-party-island-tour-hit-3d/|title=Zelda: A Link Between Worlds and Mario Party: Island Tour hit 3DS Nov. 22|publisher=Joystiq|date=August 28, 2013|access-date=September 9, 2013|archive-date=August 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130830202657/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/28/zelda-a-link-between-worlds-and-mario-party-island-tour-hit-3d|url-status=live}} A Ganondorf figurine was released with a special edition copy of the game, available exclusively through GameStop.

{{Video game reviews

|MC = 96/100{{efn|Based on 80 reviews}}{{cite web|title=The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|website=Metacritic|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-legend-of-zelda-the-wind-waker/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube|year=2017|access-date=March 2, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811205841/http://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/the-legend-of-zelda-the-wind-waker|archive-date=August 11, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

|Allgame = {{Rating|4.5|5}}{{cite web|last=Alan|first=Scott|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=36973&tab=review|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114214104/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=36973&tab=review|archive-date=November 14, 2014|title=The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker—Review|website=allgame|date=October 3, 2010|access-date=March 2, 2017|url-status=dead}}

|CVG = 10/10{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=91219|title=Review: Zelda The Wind Waker|date=May 15, 2003|magazine=Computer and Video Games|access-date=March 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061201170700/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=91219|archive-date=December 1, 2006|url-status=dead}}

|Edge = 9/10{{cite magazine|date=May 2003|title=The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker Review|url=http://www.edge-online.com/reviews/legend-zelda-wind-waker-review|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120529220600/http://www.edge-online.com/reviews/legend-zelda-wind-waker-review|archive-date=May 29, 2012|magazine=Edge|volume=123|access-date=March 2, 2017|url-status=dead}}

|EGM = 29.5/30{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/electronic-gaming-monthly-issue-165-april-2003/page/122/mode/2up|date=April 2003|title=Review Crew: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|last1=MacDonald|first1=Mark|last2=Bettenhausen|first2=Shane|last3=Sewart|first3=Greg|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|publisher=Ziff Davis|volume=165|pages=122–126}}

|EuroG=9/10{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_zelda_gc|title=The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|last=Bramwell|first=Tom|date=January 5, 2003|website=Eurogamer|access-date=March 6, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415122314/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_zelda_gc|archive-date=April 15, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

|Fam = 40/40{{cite news|date=June 30, 2006|title= ニンテンドーゲームキューブ - ゼルダの伝説 風のタクト|work=Weekly Famitsu|volume=915|issue=2|page=101}}{{cite web|url= http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/8104/zelda-kaze-no-takuto-reviewed-in-famitsu|title=Zelda: Kaze no Takuto reviewed in Famitsu|last=Powers|first=Rick|date=December 10, 2002|website=Nintendo World Report|access-date=March 6, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305002217/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/8104/zelda-kaze-no-takuto-reviewed-in-famitsu|archive-date=March 5, 2017|df=mdy-all}}

|GI = 10/10{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200304/R03.0731.1638.23684.htm|title=Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker review|magazine=Game Informer|first=Andrew|last=Reiner|access-date=December 23, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080427232533/http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200304/R03.0731.1638.23684.htm|archive-date=April 27, 2008|url-status=dead}}

|GamePro = {{rating|5|5}}{{cite magazine|last=Dingo|first=Star|title=Review: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|magazine=GamePro|date=March 21, 2003|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/28620/the-legend-of-zelda-the-wind-waker/|access-date=March 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080420135821/http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/gamecube/games/reviews/28620.shtml|archive-date=April 20, 2008|url-status=dead}}

|GameRev= A−{{cite news|last=Liu|first=Johnny|date=March 15, 2013|title=The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker Review|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/the-legend-of-zelda-the-wind-waker|work=GameRevolution|access-date=March 2, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529235008/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/the-legend-of-zelda-the-wind-waker|archive-date=May 29, 2016|df=mdy-all}}

|GSpot = 9.3/10{{cite web|last=Gerstmann|first=Jeff|author-link=Jeff Gerstmann|title=The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker review|website=GameSpot|date=March 21, 2003|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-legend-of-zelda-the-wind-waker-review/1900-6023591/|access-date=January 20, 2006|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104124856/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-legend-of-zelda-the-wind-waker-review/1900-6023591/|archive-date=November 4, 2013|df=mdy-all}}

|GSpy = 97/100{{cite web|url=http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/march03/zeldawindwakergcn/|title=The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (GCN)|last=Williams|first=Bryn|date=March 31, 2003|website=GameSpy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629001500/http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/march03/zeldawindwakergcn/|archive-date=June 29, 2011|access-date=March 2, 2017|url-status=dead}}

|IGN = 9.6/10

|NGC = 96%{{cite web|url=http://gamesradar.msn.co.uk/reviews/default.asp?page=2&subsectionid=168&pagetype=2&searchstring=&articleid=64895|title=The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|last=Nicholson|first=Zy|date=February 7, 2017|magazine=NGC|publisher=GamesRadar|access-date=March 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030630144424/http://gamesradar.msn.co.uk/reviews/default.asp?page=2&subsectionid=168&pagetype=2&searchstring=&articleid=64895|archive-date=June 30, 2003|url-status=dead}}

|NP = {{Rating|5|5}}{{Cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/nintendo-power-issue-167-april-2003/page/132/mode/2up|date=April 2003|title=Now Playing: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|last1=Averill|first1=Alan|last2=Shepperd|first2=Christopher|last3=Joffe Stein|first3=Jessica|last4=Thomason|first4=Steve|last5=Grimm|first5=Steven|magazine=Nintendo Power|publisher=Nintendo of America|volume=167|page=132}}

|NWR = 10/10{{cite web|url=http://www.planetgamecube.com/reviews.cfm?action=profile&id=319|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030416192640/http://www.planetgamecube.com/reviews.cfm?action=profile&id=319|title=Reviews: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|last=Berghammer|first=Billy|website=Planet GameCube|date=March 24, 2003|archive-date=April 16, 2003|access-date=April 24, 2023|url-status=dead}}

|award1 = Game of the Year

|award1Pub = GameFAQs,{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/poll/index.html?poll=1492|title=Best of 2003: Game of the Year|date=January 8, 2004|website=GameFAQs|access-date=March 1, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526183026/http://www.gamefaqs.com/poll/index.html?poll=1492|archive-date=May 26, 2013|df=mdy-all}} Games,{{cite news|last= McDonald|first= Thomas L.|date= December 2003|title= 2004 Buyer's Guide To Games|url= http://i.imgur.com/OQggiXv.jpg|magazine= Games|publisher= GAMES Publications|volume= 27|issue= 196|page= 53|issn= 0199-9788|access-date= May 12, 2017|archive-date= August 17, 2024|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240817181322/http://i.imgur.com/OQggiXv.jpg|url-status= live}}
GameSpot,{{cite web|title=GameSpot's 2003 Game of the Year|website=GameSpot|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2003/day6_2.html|access-date=March 10, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040218040539/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2003/day6_2.html|archive-date=February 18, 2004}}Nintendo{{nbsp}}Power,{{Cite magazine|date=June 2004|title=Nintendo Power Awards|magazine=Nintendo Power|volume=180}}
Planet GameCube{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/2165/the-planet-gamecube-louie-awards-2003-game-of-the-year-gamecube|title=The Planet GameCube Louie Awards 2003|date=January 31, 2004|website=Nintendo World Report|access-date=March 1, 2017|archive-date=August 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812201402/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/2165/the-planet-gamecube-louie-awards-2003-game-of-the-year-gamecube|url-status=live}}

}}

The Wind Waker received widespread critical acclaim.{{cite book|last1=Newman|first1=James|last2=Simons|first2=Iain|year=2007|title=100 Videogames|publisher=British Film Institute|page=100|isbn=978-1844571611}} Review aggregator website Metacritic calculated a score of 96/100 based on 80 reviews, indicating "universal acclaim". It was the fourth game to receive a perfect score from the Japanese magazine Famitsu, and additionally earned perfect scores from Computer and Video Games, Game Informer, Game Pro, Nintendo Power, and Planet GameCube. It received high marks from many other reviewers as well, although it did not reach the levels of critical acclaim that had greeted Ocarina of Time.

While often noting fans' ambivalence about the cel shading, critics praised the game's visuals. Reviewers likened the game to a playable cartoon, with several positively comparing the animation to the films of Disney and Hayao Miyazaki. In particular, critics appreciated the characters' unique expressiveness, and found that the fine details and environments added richness to the game world. Famitsu{{'}}s reviewers wrote that the rich design brings all the game's elements together into a cohesive whole. Electronic Gaming Monthly{{'}}s reviewers found the animation quality unparalleled in games and wrote that "The Wind Waker{{'}}s new look is as effective as it is unique". Matt Casamassina of IGN said that though some fans hold distaste for the graphics, Nintendo's execution represented the pinnacle of the GameCube's capabilities and of cel shading technology. Jeff Gerstmann of GameSpot said that skepticism about the visuals was "unfounded" and wrote that the character design "adds emotional weight" to the storyline. Steve Thomason of Nintendo Power wrote that though he was initially skeptical, the visuals worked "brilliantly, framing the most enjoyable game play experience I've had since Ocarina of Time".

Critics also lauded the gameplay, in particular the responsive control system, fluid combat, and puzzles. Several reviews noted the similarity of its gameplay to that of Ocarina of Time, though they praised enhancements such as the ability to move the camera, perform counterattacks, and use enemy items. Casamassina reassured players that beyond visual differences between The Wind Waker and Ocarina, "these two games are very much alike". Andrew Reiner of Game Informer wrote that the gameplay expanded upon that in its predecessors to become "far greater, deeper, and more complex", while Shane Bettenhausen of Electronic Gaming Monthly said that "Wind Waker{{'}}s core gameplay is the best the series has ever had". On the other hand, Edge said that while the game would awe new players, its similarity to previous Zelda games meant that veteran players may find it "'merely' brilliant". Famitsu wrote that the game's user friendliness would appeal even to novice players. Casamassina praised the intuitive controls, the especially interactive environment, and the variety of game actions, which "can be executed with a precision that few other games could offer". Gerstmann appreciated the breadth of items that can be used. Bettenhausen said that the high variety of options for progressing through fights and puzzles kept the game from ever getting boring. GamePro{{'}}s Star Dingo enjoyed the variety of combo attacks and puzzles, calling the game "a combination of vivid artistry and timeless gameplay".

Other elements that commonly received praise include the expansive game world and level design, especially in the dungeons. The storyline also received praise; Nintendo Power{{'}}s Steven Grimm called the game "a masterpiece of style and storytelling". Several critics lauded the score and soundtrack, though some cited the lack of voice acting as a drawback.

The heavy emphasis on sailing was the game's most common criticism, especially later in the game when Link must trek around the ocean to collect Triforce pieces. Gerstmann wrote that while the main quest "starts out in a very brisk manner", by the last third of the game, the "focus on sailing ... is pretty tedious". Edge wrote that the sailing was "convincingly organic", but even with the warp feature, "there remains an awful lot of relatively dull seafaring activity". Others complained about having to use the Wind Waker so frequently to change wind direction. Casamassina wrote that using the device became "a tedious nuisance" and that the inability to skip the accompanying animation was "more bothersome still". Some reviewers enjoyed the sailing; Electronic Gaming Monthly{{'}}s Bettenhausen and Greg Sewart appreciated the combat, exploration, and side quests available at sea. Another common criticism was the game's comparatively low level of difficulty. Casamassina wrote that once the player added enough hearts to Link's health meter, "he becomes nearly invincible, which is a true shortcoming as far as we{{sic}} concerned".

Several publications named The Wind Waker Game of the Year, including GameSpot, Nintendo Power, GameFAQs, Planet GameCube, and Games magazine. IGN gave it the Readers' Choice award for 2003 and named it Best Adventure Game for the GameCube.{{cite web|url=http://bestof2003.ign.com/overall.html|title=Overall Game of the Year|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423035303/http://bestof2003.ign.com/overall.html|archive-date=April 23, 2009|date=2004|website=IGN|access-date=March 2, 2017|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://bestof2003.ign.com/gcn.html|title=GameCube: Best Adventure Game|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202214352/http://bestof2003.ign.com/gcn.html|archive-date=February 2, 2009|date=2004|website=IGN|access-date=March 2, 2017|url-status=dead}} The game was ranked 157th in Electronic Gaming Monthly's "The Top 200 Video Games of Their Time" in 2006.{{Cite magazine|date=February 2006|title=The Top 200 Video Games of Their Time|url=https://archive.org/details/electronicgamingmonthlyissue200feb2006600dpi/Electronic%20Gaming%20Monthly%20Issue%20200%20%28Feb%202006%29%20%28Searchable%29/page/n75/mode/2up|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|location=United States|publisher=EGM Media|issue=200|pages=76|access-date=February 24, 2021}} It received the Excellence in Visual Arts award at the 2004 Game Developers Choice Awards and was a finalist for the GDCA Game of the Year award.{{cite web|title=Game Developer Choice Awards Archive/Visual Arts|website=gamechoiceawards.com|publisher=Game Developers Choice Awards|url=http://www.gamechoiceawards.com/archive/gdca_4th.html|access-date=March 1, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415190322/http://www.gamechoiceawards.com/archive/gdca_4th.html|archive-date=April 15, 2012|df=mdy-all}} The Wind Waker won "Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction" at the 7th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards; it also received eight other nominations: "Game of the Year", "Console Game of the Year", "Console Platform Action/Adventure Game of the Year", "Outstanding Innovation in Console Gaming", and outstanding achievement in "Game Design", "Gameplay Engineering", "Visual Engineering", and "Character or Story Development".{{cite web|title=2004 Interactive Achievement Awards – The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|website=interactive.org|publisher=Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences|url=http://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2004&idGame=258|access-date=March 1, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801055827/http://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2004&idGame=258|archive-date=August 1, 2016|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|title=7th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards Winners|url=http://www.interactive.org/awards/IAA-7/winners.asp|publisher=Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040603030536/http://www.interactive.org/awards/IAA-7/winners.asp|access-date=28 June 2023|archive-date=June 3, 2004}}

Player response to the game remained divided over the cel-shaded design.{{cite book|last1= Newman|first1= James|last2= Simons|first2= Iain|year=2007|title= 100 Videogames|publisher=British Film Institute|pages= 98–100|isbn=978-1844571611}} Reception was comparatively warm in Japan, where various media commonly borrow an anime aesthetic, but was much more divided in North America.{{cite book|last= DeWinter|first= Jennifer|year=2015|title= Shigeru Miyamoto|publisher=Bloomsbury|page= 95|isbn=978-1628923865}} Some players appreciated the design and Aonuma's vision, but others found it childish and too far removed from the more realistic designs of previous games. According to Stephen Totilo of Kotaku, much of the backlash came from a contemporary anxiety that Nintendo was losing its edge by focusing on games for children, as opposed to the more mature, realistic fare developed by competitors.{{cite web|url= http://kotaku.com/the-internets-2001-hate-for-one-of-the-most-beautiful-1441105533|title= The Internet's 2001 Hate For One Of The Most Beautiful Video Games Ever|last= Totilo|first= Stephen|date= October 4, 2013|website= Kotaku|access-date= February 22, 2017|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161019103112/http://kotaku.com/the-internets-2001-hate-for-one-of-the-most-beautiful-1441105533|archive-date= October 19, 2016|df= mdy-all}}

The Wind Waker generated the most successful pre-order campaign in Nintendo history at the time.{{cite web|title=Wind Waker Tops 560,000 Pre-Orders|website=IGN|date=March 12, 2003|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/389/389019p1.html|access-date=January 24, 2006|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060109231719/http://cube.ign.com/articles/389/389019p1.html|archive-date=January 9, 2006|df=mdy-all}} However, sales did not live up to expectations; director Aonuma noted that purchases were disappointing in both Japan and North America. Japanese sales suffered from a general decline in the video game market caused by consumers shifting away from games, a phenomenon known as "gamer drift".{{cite speech|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Reflections in the Hourglass|section=Eiji Aonuma's GDC 2007 Presentation|section-url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/13085/eiji-aonumas-gdc-2007-presentation|first=Eiji|last=Aonuma|author-link=Eiji Aonuma|translator=Bill Trinen|date=March 2007|event=Game Developers Conference|work=Nintendo World Report|access-date=February 24, 2017|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/13085|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130820135416/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/13085|archive-date=August 20, 2013|df=mdy-all}} The overall market remained strong in North America, but The Wind Waker{{'}}s sales were slow there and had declined markedly by the time they reached one million.{{cite speech|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Reflections in the Hourglass|section=The fate of Wind Waker 2|section-url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/13087/eiji-aonumas-gdc-2007-presentation-the-fate-of-wind-waker-2|first=Eiji|last=Aonuma|author-link=Eiji Aonuma|translator=Bill Trinen|date=March 2007|event=Game Developers Conference|work=Nintendo World Report|access-date=February 24, 2017|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/13085|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130820135416/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/13085|archive-date=August 20, 2013|df=mdy-all}} The Wind Waker sold 4.6 million copies, far below the 7.6 million record set by Ocarina of Time.{{cite book|last= DeWinter|first= Jennifer|year=2015|title= Shigeru Miyamoto|publisher=Bloomsbury|pages= 142, 144|isbn=978-1628923865}} Nintendo of America attributed the game's comparatively weak North American sales in large part to the cel-shaded graphics, which turned off many players, particularly older teenagers who made up The Legend of Zelda{{'}}s traditional audience. Miyamoto further blamed a failure to introduce major innovations to excite established players or attract new ones.

The Wind Waker HD was critically acclaimed; Metacritic calculated a score of 90/100 based on 70 reviews.{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-legend-of-zelda-the-wind-waker-hd/critic-reviews/?platform=wii-u|title=The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD for Wii U Reviews|work=Metacritic|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=February 25, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812133549/http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii-u/the-legend-of-zelda-the-wind-waker-hd|archive-date=August 12, 2017|df=mdy-all}} The improved graphics of the game from the original received positive commentary. Dan Ryckert of Game Informer noted that the upgrade was immediately apparent, and that "the vivid colors and crashing waves of the flooded Hyrule [look] fantastic".{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/games/the_legend_of_zelda_the_wind_waker_hd/b/wii_u/archive/2013/09/18/wind-waker-hd-review.aspx|title=Wind Waker HD Review – Even Better Than You Remember|last=Ryckert|first=Dan|author-link=Dan Ryckert|date=September 18, 2013|magazine=Game Informer|publisher=GameStop Corporation|access-date=September 18, 2013|archive-date=September 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130920191725/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/the_legend_of_zelda_the_wind_waker_hd/b/wii_u/archive/2013/09/18/wind-waker-hd-review.aspx|url-status=dead}} IGN's Jose Otero stated that the game "looks great".{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/09/17/the-legend-of-zelda-the-wind-waker-hd-review|title=Smooth Sailing|last=Otero|first=Jose|date=September 17, 2013|website=IGN|publisher=IGN Entertainment|access-date=September 18, 2013|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112013428/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/09/17/the-legend-of-zelda-the-wind-waker-hd-review|url-status=live}} Andrew Fitch of Electronic Gaming Monthly claimed that the game "enhances the already excellent Wind Waker visuals with HD flair".{{cite magazine|url=http://www.egmnow.com/articles/reviews/egm-review-the-legend-of-zelda-the-wind-waker-hd/|title=Come Sail Away|last=Fitch|first=Andrew|date=September 18, 2013|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|publisher=EGM Media|access-date=September 18, 2013|archive-date=April 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410083118/http://www.egmnow.com/articles/reviews/egm-review-the-legend-of-zelda-the-wind-waker-hd/|url-status=live}}

The game's first week sales in Japan were 30,000 physical copies.{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2013/10/02/week-sales-zelda-wind-waker-hd-fails-impress/|title=This Week In Sales: Zelda: Wind Waker HD Fails To Impress|date=October 2, 2013|work=Siliconera|access-date=October 2, 2013|archive-date=October 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002203346/http://www.siliconera.com/2013/10/02/week-sales-zelda-wind-waker-hd-fails-impress/|url-status=live}} In the week following the release of Wind Waker HD, sales of the Wii U console increased by 685% in the UK.{{cite web|url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/wii-u-uk-sales-spike-685-on-zelda-launch/0122477|title=Wii U UK sales spike 685% on Zelda launch|last=Dring|first=Christopher|date=October 11, 2013|work=MCV|access-date=October 14, 2013|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817181322/https://mcvuk.com/business-news/consoles/wii-u-uk-sales-spike-685-on-zelda-launch/|url-status=live}} As of September 2023, it has worldwide sales of 2.37 million units.{{cite web|date=September 30, 2023|title=Top Selling Title Sales Units|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/wiiu.html|access-date=March 14, 2024|website=Nintendo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103004519/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/wiiu.html|archive-date=January 3, 2024|url-status=live}}

Nintendo initially planned a direct sequel for the GameCube, developed by Aonuma's Zelda team under the working title Wind Waker 2. However, The Wind Waker{{'}}s underwhelming reception in North America, combined with the downturn in the Japanese video game market, convinced Aonuma that the only avenue to success would be a more realistic Zelda game that would appeal to the stronger North American market. He persuaded Miyamoto, who authorized development of a realistically styled game using The Wind Waker{{'}}s engine, Twilight Princess, which proved to be a major success for the GameCube and the newly released Wii.{{cite web|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/513/513962p1.html|title=E3 2004: New Legend of Zelda Details|website=IGN|date=May 12, 2004|access-date=December 5, 2006|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060925042309/http://cube.ign.com/articles/513/513962p1.html|archive-date=September 25, 2006|df=mdy-all}}

The Wind Waker originated the variant of the Link character named "Toon Link", who appeared in several later Nintendo games. The Wind Waker received two direct sequels for the Nintendo DS handheld system. Wanting to continue The Wind Waker{{'}}s story and art style, in 2007 Aonuma produced Phantom Hourglass, which follows Link and Tetra as they explore new reaches of the Great Sea.{{cite web|url= http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/08/27/ign-presents-the-history-of-zelda?page=6|title= IGN Presents the History of Zelda|last1= Fahs|first1= Travis|last2= Thomas|first2= Lucas|date= August 27, 2010|website= IGN|page= 6|access-date= July 11, 2016|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170118051308/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/08/27/ign-presents-the-history-of-zelda?page=6|archive-date= January 18, 2017|df= mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gamernode.com/e3-07-the-director-phantom-hourglass-and-zeldas-future/|title=E3 '07: The Director, Phantom Hourglass and Zelda's Future|work=GamerNode|date=July 13, 2007|access-date=July 11, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219062443/http://www.gamernode.com/e3-07-the-director-phantom-hourglass-and-zeldas-future/|archive-date=February 19, 2017|df=mdy-all}} Spirit Tracks (2009) is set roughly a century later and features a new Link and Zelda, the latter a descendent of Tetra, as they traverse New Hyrule with a magical train.{{cite web|url= http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/08/27/ign-presents-the-history-of-zelda?page=7|title= IGN Presents the History of Zelda|last1= Fahs|first1= Travis|last2= Thomas|first2= Lucas|date= August 27, 2010|website= IGN|page= 7|access-date= July 11, 2016|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161221173028/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/08/27/ign-presents-the-history-of-zelda?page=7|archive-date= December 21, 2016|df= mdy-all}}{{cite web|url= http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/11/06/the-legend-of-zelda-spirit-tracks-impressions|title= The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks|last= Carris|first= Craig|date= November 6, 2009|website= IGN|access-date= July 11, 2016|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160322143424/http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/11/06/the-legend-of-zelda-spirit-tracks-impressions|archive-date= March 22, 2016|df= mdy-all}} Toon Link also returned in indirectly related Legend of Zelda games such as Four Swords Adventures (2004), The Minish Cap (2005), and Tri Force Heroes (2015).{{cite web|url= http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/06/first_impressions_linking_up_in_the_legend_of_zelda_tri_force_heroes|title= First Impressions: Linking Up in The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes|last= Sleeper|first= Morgan|date= June 18, 2015|website= Nintendo Life|access-date= July 11, 2016|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160830163053/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/06/first_impressions_linking_up_in_the_legend_of_zelda_tri_force_heroes|archive-date= August 30, 2016|df= mdy-all}} He also features as a playable character in Nintendo's Super Smash Bros. crossover fighting game series, and along with other Wind Waker characters, in the 2016 Zelda pastiche Hyrule Warriors Legends.{{cite web|url= https://venturebeat.com/2013/09/26/toon-link-from-zelda-wind-waker-joins-super-smash-bros-wii-u3ds-roster/|title= Toon Link from Zelda: Wind Waker joins Super Smash Bros. Wii U/3DS roster|last1= Fahs|first1= Travis|last2= Thomas|first2= Lucas|date= September 26, 2013|website= VentureBeat|access-date= July 11, 2016|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160529131243/http://venturebeat.com/2013/09/26/toon-link-from-zelda-wind-waker-joins-super-smash-bros-wii-u3ds-roster/|archive-date= May 29, 2016|df= mdy-all}}{{cite web|url= http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/09/08/toon-link-joins-hyrule-warriors-legends-as-a-playable-character|title= Toon Link Joins Hyrule Warriors Legends as a Playable Character|last= Osborn|first= Alex|date= September 8, 2015|website= IGN|page= 6|access-date= July 11, 2016|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150909092232/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/09/08/toon-link-joins-hyrule-warriors-legends-as-a-playable-character|archive-date= September 9, 2015|df= mdy-all}}

Conductors of the concert tour The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses have used custom-made Wind Waker batons.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2016/04/27/replica-of-wind-waker-baton-from-zelda-available-for-pre-order.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160430052345/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2016/04/27/replica-of-wind-waker-baton-from-zelda-available-for-pre-order.aspx|url-status=live|archive-date=April 30, 2016|title= Replica Of Wind Waker Baton From Zelda Available For Pre-Order|last= Shea|first=Brian|date= April 27, 2016|magazine= Game Informer|access-date= September 28, 2017}} The Wind Waker also influenced 2017's Breath of the Wild, which features a similarly stylized art design, but with more realistic proportions.{{cite web|url= https://venturebeat.com/2017/03/01/the-legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-looks-like-wind-waker-for-a-reason/|title= The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild looks like Wind Waker for a reason|last= Minotti|first= Mike|date= March 1, 2017|website= VentureBeat|access-date= May 16, 2017|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170319172445/http://venturebeat.com/2017/03/01/the-legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild-looks-like-wind-waker-for-a-reason/|archive-date= March 19, 2017|df= mdy-all}} Breath of the Wild also includes species from The Wind Waker among other references, leading some fans to speculate that it follows the "Adult Timeline" established by The Wind Waker.{{cite web|url= http://kotaku.com/breath-of-the-wild-doesnt-fit-anywhere-on-the-zelda-tim-1793130754|title= Breath of the Wild Doesn't Fit Anywhere On The Zelda Timeline|last= Jackson|first= Gita|date= March 9, 2017|website= Kotaku|publisher= Gizmodo Media Group|access-date= May 16, 2017|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170403180902/http://kotaku.com/breath-of-the-wild-doesnt-fit-anywhere-on-the-zelda-tim-1793130754|archive-date= April 3, 2017|df= mdy-all}}

The Wind Waker has continued to be acclaimed by critics. It has appeared in various lists of the best video games, including those compiled by Electronic Gaming Monthly,{{cite magazine|url=http://www.1up.com/features/egm-200-greatest-videogames|title=The Greatest 200 Videogames of Their Time|date=February 6, 2006|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|access-date=March 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017222736/http://www.1up.com/features/egm-200-greatest-videogames|url-status=dead|archive-date= October 17, 2012}} Nintendo Power,{{Cite magazine|date=February 2006|title=NP Top 200|magazine=Nintendo Power|volume=200|pages=58–66}}{{Cite magazine|date=December 2012|title=NP's All Time Favorite Games|magazine=Nintendo Power|volume=285|page=26}} and IGN.{{cite web|title=Readers' Picks Top 100 Games: 1–10|url=http://uk.top100.ign.com/2006/001-010.html|website=IGN|access-date=April 26, 2014|year=2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103141811/http://uk.top100.ign.com/2006/001-010.html|archive-date=November 3, 2013}}{{cite web|title=Top 100 Games of All Time 2008: 29. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|url=http://top100.ign.com/2008/ign_top_game_29.html|website=IGN|access-date=March 1, 2017|year=2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313091755/http://top100.ign.com/2008/ign_top_game_29.html|archive-date=March 13, 2016|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|website=IGN|title=The Top 125 Nintendo Games of All Time|date=September 24, 2014|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/09/24/the-top-125-nintendo-games-of-all-time?page=9|access-date=September 26, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140926072042/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/09/24/the-top-125-nintendo-games-of-all-time?page=9|archive-date=September 26, 2014|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url= http://www.ign.com/lists/top-100-games/96|title= Top 100 Games of All Time: 96. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|last= Sanchez|first= Miranda|date= October 2015|website= IGN|access-date= March 1, 2017|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170109145319/http://www.ign.com/lists/top-100-games/96|archive-date= January 9, 2017|df= mdy-all}} Nintendo Power named The Wind Waker the fourth best game to ever appear on a Nintendo console, while Official Nintendo Magazine placed it 12th.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=7297|title=100 Best Nintendo Games|magazine=Official Nintendo Magazine|access-date=February 25, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228105305/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=7297|archive-date=February 28, 2009}} Nintendo Power listed its ending as one of the greatest in Nintendo history, due to the final battle's climax.{{cite book|title=Nintendo Power 250th issue!|year=2010|location=South San Francisco, California|page=46}} UGO listed The Wind Waker on their list of the "Top 50 Games That Belong On the 3DS".{{cite web|url=http://www.ugo.com/games/the-top-50-games-that-belong-on-the-3ds?page=3|title=The Top 50 Games That Belong On the 3DS|publisher=UGO|author=Sal Basile|date=July 6, 2010|access-date=April 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110916211759/http://www.ugo.com/games/the-top-50-games-that-belong-on-the-3ds?page=3|archive-date=September 16, 2011}} In a retrospective on the GameCube, IGN named The Wind Waker the fourth best game ever released for the system.{{cite web|date=March 16, 2007|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/772/772300p5.html|title=The Top 25 GameCube Games of All Time|website=IGN|access-date=March 18, 2007|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070320012608/http://cube.ign.com/articles/772/772300p5.html|archive-date=March 20, 2007|df=mdy-all}} Nintendo Power named The Wind Waker the second best GameCube game of all time, behind only Resident Evil 4.{{cite magazine|magazine=Nintendo Power|volume=273|title=Think Inside the Cube—Top 25 GameCube Games|page=60|author=Nintendo Power staff|date=November 2011}}

Later pieces have noted that The Wind Waker's divisive reputation among fans improved over time and that it has come to be seen as a classic.{{cite web|url= https://venturebeat.com/community/2014/06/28/maturing-into-wind-waker-and-nintendo/|title= Mature content has nothing to do with whether a game is good|last= Wynne|first= James|date= June 28, 2014|website= VentureBeat|access-date= February 22, 2017|archive-date= August 12, 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170812201402/https://venturebeat.com/community/2014/06/28/maturing-into-wind-waker-and-nintendo/|url-status= live}}{{cite web|url= http://www.avclub.com/article/readers-wonder-why-zelda-fans-railed-against-wind--213244|title= Readers wonder why Zelda fans railed against the Wind Waker look|last= Gerardi|first= Matt|date= December 19, 2014|website= The A.V. Club|access-date= February 22, 2017|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160831154528/http://www.avclub.com/article/readers-wonder-why-zelda-fans-railed-against-wind--213244|archive-date= August 31, 2016|df= mdy-all}}{{cite web|url= http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/02/16/a-tale-of-redemption-the-legend-of-zelda-wind-waker|title= A Tale of Redemption- The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker|last= Drake|first= Audrey|date= February 11, 2016|website= IGN|access-date= February 22, 2016|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160731121117/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/02/16/a-tale-of-redemption-the-legend-of-zelda-wind-waker|archive-date= July 31, 2016|df= mdy-all}}{{cite web|url= http://www.shacknews.com/article/81410/the-legend-of-zelda-the-wind-waker-hd-almost-perfects|title= The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD (almost) perfects a classic|last= Watts|first= Stephen|date= October 3, 2013|website= Shacknews|access-date= February 23, 2017|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170702133120/http://www.shacknews.com/article/81410/the-legend-of-zelda-the-wind-waker-hd-almost-perfects|archive-date= July 2, 2017|df= mdy-all}} Several writers have said that the game and its stylized aesthetic aged well, whereas contemporary games with more realistic graphics often became dated. The graphics that initially divided opinion have become a favorite feature; some former skeptics have written about revising their initial opinions. Nintendo representatives describe this turnaround as a particularly dramatic example of the "Zelda cycle", in which fans' negative responses to Zelda games improve over time. In 2013, Keza MacDonald of IGN wrote that The Wind Waker had outlived its initial reception and become "popularly considered among the very best Zeldas".

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist|refs=

{{cite book|title= The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker Instruction Booklet|url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/GCN_Legend_of_Zelda_the_Wind_Waker.pdf|location=United States|publisher=Nintendo|year=2003|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821005009/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/GCN_Legend_of_Zelda_the_Wind_Waker.pdf|archive-date= August 21, 2016|df= mdy-all}}}}

• {{cite book|last=Ali|first=Imran|date=September 19, 2012|title= Virtual Landscapes: The Modern Era (2002–2012)|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=2etGJLRk0YsC&q=%22wind+waker%22|publisher= Zayn Creative|isbn=978-0957408654}}
• {{cite book|last=DeWinter|first=Jennifer|year=2015|title= Shigeru Miyamoto|publisher=Bloomsbury|isbn=978-1628923865}}
• {{cite book|last=Kohler|first=Chris|year=2016|title= Power-Up: How Japanese Video Games Gave the World an Extra Life|publisher=Courier Dover Publications|isbn=978-0486801490}}
• {{cite encyclopedia|last=Medina-Gray|first=Elizabeth|editor-last=Donnelly|editor-first=K. J.|editor-last2= Gibbons|editor-first2=William|editor-last3=Lerner|editor-first3=Neil|encyclopedia=Music In Video Games: Studying Play|title=Meaningful Modular Combinations: Simultaneous Harp and Environmental Music in Two Legend of Zelda Games|year=2014|publisher= Routledge|isbn=978-1134692040|pages=104–121}}
• {{cite book|last=Newman|first= James|year=2004|title=Videogames|publisher=Psychology Press|isbn=0415281911}}
• {{cite book|last1=Newman|first1=James|last2=Simons|first2=Iain|year=2007|title=100 Videogames|publisher=British Film Institute|isbn=978-1844571611}}
• {{cite thesis|last=Teetsel|first=Sarah|date=August 2015|title=Musical Memory of the Player, Characters, and World of The Legend of Zelda Video Game Series|type= Master of Music thesis|publisher= Bowling Green University|url= https://etd.ohiolink.edu/!etd.send_file?accession=bgsu1431710749&disposition=inline|access-date= June 29, 2016|format= PDF|archive-date= February 16, 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170216162426/https://etd.ohiolink.edu/%21etd.send_file?accession=bgsu1431710749&disposition=inline|url-status= dead}}

{{Wikiquote}}

• {{official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20040622023431/http://www.zelda.com/gcn/index.jsp}} (Wayback Machine copy)
• {{moby game|/legend-of-zelda-the-wind-waker}}

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