The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is a remaster of the 2011 game Skyward Sword released on the Nintendo Switch.

Changes and Additions

Graphics

The game now has a standard resolution of 1080p and runs at 60 FPS.^[2]

Gameplay Elements

Players can choose to replace motion controls with button controls, allowing the game to be played in both handheld mode and on the Nintendo Switch Lite.^[3] The camera can be fully manipulated with the right stick when playing with motion controls or by also pressing the L button while playing with button controls or in handheld mode.

Most of Fi's advice is now optional and must be triggered manually. Dialogues can be fast-forwarded by pressing the A button, and skipped entirely by pressing the B button. Instead of interrupting, some characters will now have a speech bubble over them when wanting to talk to Link. Cutscenes can be skipped with the minus button. Item information only appears the first time an item is obtained, with the lone exception of Gratitude Crystals. The introduction of the game has been made faster; for instance, Link does not need to talk to Horwell the second time during the climbing tutorial.

The game now has an autosave feature. As a result, the option of saving after completing a dungeon has been removed. When using a Bird Statue, it is now possible to save to any of the three save files.

The game also features amiibo support. By using the Zelda & Loftwing amiibo, Link can travel between saved points in the Sky and on the surface.^[4]

Other Changes

An image of where the game is saved at is now found on each save file.
The Rupee count is now on the bottom left of the screen.
Character names have been added during dialogue. Fi, Ghirahim and Impa are not initially identified until their names are revealed.
The character icons seen on the map have been revamped.
Upon retrieving Mia from the Knight Academy's roof, Horwell will now give Link a Red Rupee as a reward.
The Sheikah Stone has been removed entirely.
Hero Mode now has its own slot in the main menu.
Various areas like the Thunderhead (before Bilocyte is defeated) and Tentalus' boss arena now have a rain effect attached to the camera.