The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword for the Nintendo Wii was originally built from the ground-up for motion controls.
As a result, there's a lot of swinging involved, and well, if you played back in 2011, you might recall how it was quite a workout. Some players also encountered a number of issues. Motion controls didn't always work as intended, and certain actions weren't always registered during the more crucial moments of the game if movements weren't properly executed.
Fortunately, the HD version of the game coming to Switch is ah...switching things up, by allowing players to use a more traditional control method - aka. button and analog inputs. Although Nintendo made this quite clear during the game's recent reveal, it's now spreading the word about this new control option. This not only means you can now play this game on the go (and on a Switch Lite, for that matter) but also makes it much more accessible.
In addition to the "button-only" control system, Skyward Sword on the Switch comes with improved motion control support thanks to the updated tech in the Joy-Con. The right controller wields Link's Sword, while the left one handles his shield. Just like the original game, you'll also be able to perform other actions with motion controls such as shooting Link's bow and arrow.
Are you at all interested in playing with the new button-only controls, or will you be sticking with motion? Tell us down below.
Comments 113
Obviously, I would like to try both control schemes.
I’ve been wanting to play SS again but I just can’t dedicate a bunch of TV time to this game. A portable SS means I’ll probably be able to get through it, which is great as it’s a great game
I play mainly in handheld mode (even at my room with the dock plugged in a 50" 4k tv) so, I'll probably use the button-only scheme
I mostly play Switch games at work on my breaks, so button mode is perfect for me
I use my Switch primarily as a handheld, but I may make a more concerted effort to play on the TV for this one. Depends on how things like shield bashing and navigating the beetle go.
While I play handheld 99% of the time, I am going to make an exception for this one, because I want to experience the game as originally intended (and I miss a good motion-controlled game), and the button-only control scheme just sounds... weird and uncomfortable due to the fact that the game was explicitly designed with motion controls in mind.
Bully was one of my favourite games on Wii precisely because of the ridiculously fun implementation of motion controls, and while I would love to see a Switch port, if they ain't going to bring back the Wii control scheme, then I don't want it.
I suppose time will tell, but I intend to play this docked or at the very least, in tabletop mode.
I play handheld most of the time so this is just right for me.
Normally I'd be fine with using motion controls....if it weren't for the stupid joycons.
I got 3D all stars for about 35usd in Hong Kong retail, the day it came out. If I get another chance like this I'll get skyward sword, but no way am I paying 60usd. Maybe I'll get it second hand in a couple of years.
We already know this Nintendo, now announce some additions to the game, like more islands in the sky!
@Joeynator3000 I know how you feel. I was frustrated with Super Mario Galaxy both with joycon motion controls and the touch screen. It killed a lot of the fun I remember from when I originally loved it on Wii, but still fun, just not as much as before. Controls make a huge difference in enjoying a game.
That's cool. It'll be nice to play this game on the go and with regular controls.
Full motion controls for me, the best part of the game. I’ll never get tired of how fluid the sword fighting feels. That being said, I do wish I could use a Wiimote.
Both schemes shall be utilized!!! And honestly motion whenever I can use the TV. I thought it controlled awesome on the Wii.
@nessisonett wouldn't it be great if they brought back the wii remote? then we wouldn't need those dame joy-cons.
This means there's no camera controls then. Looks like a pain to manage and play with honestly..
The people who hate motion controls play on the couch, immerse yourself, but with button only no complaining now
Control stick mapped for sword swings just sounds weird. Rather use motion.
most importantly there needs to be a mode to turn off the helper
having already tried out a similar control scheme with an emulator, I can say that controlling the sword with a thumbstick feels great - so great that I'd love to see similar controls added to future games. Don't know if it's ever been done before in other games, but I'm surprised it isn't more common.
(one thing I'll say is I'm fairly disappointed they didn't also add camera controls, and they could have easily done so by making camera movement with the right thumbstick the default function, and then sword movement with the right thumbstick and the R shoulder button held down.)
I'm still going all motion on this one.
While even the worst Zelda game is like an 8/10, Skyward was the worst Zelda game I've ever played. Yet I'm still going to buy Skyward HD. Freaking Nintendo has me hooked like a street addict.
Motion controls or not, it's still super linear and the bosses mostly suck.
as a left-handed person who was too used to holding the Wiimote in my left-hand whenever I played other Wii games... I think I will stick to button controls with this Zelda game.
I tried SS on the Wii, when it came out... could never get around the bloody annoying feeling of how wrong it felt to hold a Wiimote in my right hand. So I never really could get immorsed in the game back then.
@Natsura Dude, that's rough. Especially since Link was left handed in every other game.
I’m happy to give this one another shot with the new controls. I really struggled with the motion controls (I always felt like there was a slight delay between my movement and the game actions). My son and I split time on our first playthrough, but I never could beat the final boss (he did eventually, without me). I really enjoyed some of the dungeons in this one, but couldn’t get past the control frustrations.
I mean, it just seems odd that if they’re going to make it useable in handheld, surely pressing ‘B’ for sword seems more... convenient, no?
@Andymad The whole game relies on directional swordplay. So you have to swing vertically, horizontally or diagonally accordingly when presented with certain enemies or obstacles.
@JHDK thanks, and yeah. I really wish the devs implemented a left-handed mode back then.
Whenever I played Wii Sports (Resort and Original), AC:CF, Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2, among other Wiimote games... I always held the Wiimote in my left hand, so... Skyward Sword felt like the devs yelling at me, "YOU ARE A BLOODY MORON FOR HOLDING THE WIIMOTE IN YOUR LEFT-HAND ALL OF THESE DAMN YEARS! WHAT ARE YOU STUPID?! HOLD IT IN YOUR GODDAMN RIGHT HAND LIKE A NORMAL HUMAN BEING!"
So I ended up growing to HATE Skyward Sword within 8 hours of playing the game (over different play sessions... I could never play the game for more than 20 minutes before the awkwardness of holding the Wiimote in my right hand just got to be too much)
As others have said... worst Zelda game... but still a good game. My main issues are constant pop up ‘hints’ and this game is so linear you have to do each section like 3 times. I might hold off until I see what the announcements for ?? other remakes ?? after skyward sword lands
More options are always nice. This isn't news to anyone who saw the Direct, but I know not everyone watched it.
I'm glad we're getting this. But I am surprised and a little let down we aren't getting the other LoZ HD remasters from Wii U. Just imagine having BOTW 1 and 2, SS, Windwaker and Twilight Princess all available on the same machine! How awesome would that be!?
It still could happen. But I think this year was the most likely year for it, with the anniversary and all.
@Natsura
They could have a toggle for this but the way they designed the awful Simon Says combat means they would have had to rework everything for a left handed sword because enemies will position themselves in certain ways to tell you when to do a left and right swing and will punish if you react with a wrong sided swing and instead of realizing this was annoying combat design that makes it difficult for left handed players they did nothing.
Have to say, i really enjoyed Skyward Sword with motion Controls.
Was a good Time!
The annoying Thing about the Game was that "Tutorial" after you collected something that startet all over again if you freshly restarted the Game.
@Natsura Yeah, I really hated that they turned Link, one of video gaming's very few canonically left-handed heroes, into a righty for the game that used motion controls. It meant that for the first time, everyone got to pretend to be their hero, actually swinging the sword like Link - except for those of us who had the misfortune to be lefties LIKE LINK WAS ORIGINALLY.
I totally get why they did it, they practically had to do it or else alienate 90% of the audience, but it was massively disappointing to me as a lefty.
Let's do a 2021 poll since there are more players for the switch community. Let's see who plays portable vs dock in this new poll....come on guys you can do it.
@tonyp1987 I was thinking the same thing. But they do need to include the question of what you own: regular Switch or Lite, to get more specific data.
@basswitch very true how this poll
Which switch do players have as the first poll then
Which way do you play you have the regular switch dock or handheld
Now that Nintendo has given this great-looking game a good control scheme, I can finally play it!
@basswitch @tonyp1987 I was thinking about adding one, but I'm still not sure. I feel like it might be too soon.
The game isn't out until July, and I think it would be better to gauge how everyone is feeling (and which control style they'll be using) around then when we presumably know more about the Switch version.
If the above post isn't updated with a poll, at some point closer to release we'll likely run one (maybe more).
So how would you rotate the camera? As the right stick is used for the sword
I know at least 1 person who would love this, but they're not interested in this remaster at full price. I'm also happy with the Wii version for now, but I'm hoping Nintendo will wow us with more new features
We've seen sword movement now, but what about the rest of the moves set? I would like to see small demos. Like how the flying beetle controls, how bombs are tossed and rolled, how accurate the slingshot and whip are, etc.
@JasmineDragon
Left handed People are possesed by Demons, you really should search help by your local Exorcist.
A good dental Insurance will cover the Costs up.
But to be serious:
The Game came out at a Time where it shouldn't have been a Problem to make it possible to choose your main Hand.
But maybe we have to think more in a military Way.
For example if you are trained to be in a roman Formation, a Phalanx or something else, you can't just use the Hand you like more.
You have to use that Hand that suites the Formation.
And then, Zelda was Fight Night! ^^
I don't get it. Was it really that hard to include option for Press A to swing sideways, press B to swing down etc? I'm playing Dragon's Dogma right now and it has a bunch of controls options for lots of things. So don't tell me it's impossible
This is poor... when a selling point of the ‘improved’ update is that buttons now work... smh. And this is a full £59.99. Only Nintendo would get away with this.
I was initially confused by the wording of the SSHD press release; are the controller options for non-motion control input exclusive to handheld or can I play with a pro controller?
Playing it with motion controls could also help losing weight I guess
I'm playing through (slowly and very casually as I'm wfh) Skyward Sword on my WiiU again at the moment. I dont mind the Motion controls TBH.
But, its a great game, enjoying it again after 10 years.
I may be tempted to pick this version up again later in the year for the standard controls and little bump in visuals.
I know, I know, I'm part of the problem lol
@readyletsgo Ignore them clowns, they're only happy when they're crying...they'll be crying about something else in a couple of days.
Again the complaining about the price. Very simple, if you don't like the price then don't buy the game. Nobody is forcing you.
Wonder what black market I got to go to to get this port cheap this time...
Can't wait for this game to come out.... again! Hahaha Did anybody else notice the DLC for Hyrule Warriors? There are new missions coming twice during the year. Have a look at the dates, are they just random or foreshadowing an announcement about another tie-in?
@UltimateOtaku91 You don't. The Wii version doesn't have camera controls either because the Wiimote doesn't even have a right stick.
If I remember correctly (haven't played Skyward Sword in years) you can only look around in a first person view or press a button to center the camera behind Link.
Yeah this is the selling point for me. I was absolutely done with Motion Controls when this came out and have no desire to go back to them. Being able to play what is almost an entirely new Zelda with controls I don’t hate is an easy day 1 buy.
Even Nintendo admits the SS motion controls were crap, don’t know why people defend them.
@Mattock1987 admitting they were crap would be removing them altogether. There’s no logic in your argument. They had to do this by force for Switch Lite users and... you know... portability? Half of the Switch main feature?
Also, the controls worked like a charm for me during the Wii era.
I hate this game and still want it to try the button controls lol
@UltimateOtaku91 you can't rotate camera in Skyward Sword. You use Z button to move camera behind Link or C button to look around in in first person using nunchuk
@Mattock1987 because they are fun. If you can't use them, well you're good for nothing 🤷
If I pick this one up, I'm not using motion controls. I always felt a disconnect with the controls when playing the Wii version, so rather than immersing me further into the game, there was an extra layer of separation.
Flying, swimming, and the beetle all used the tilt of the remote to control them, but there was a limit to how far you could tilt the remote before it stopped registering a change in value. With an analog stick, you can actually feel when you hit that limit.
The sword swinging was also a pain since I started out under the impression that Link was doing exactly what I was doing, but he's not. Once it detects you're swinging the remote fast enough, Link enters a swinging animation in the direction it detected. This often resulted in the game detecting my backswing as I was getting into position, and ignoring the swing in the direction I intended since Link was still in his animation. Took me way too long to realize I just needed to flick my wrist to get Link to swing in the direction I wanted.
@Natsura
I played it with the remote in my left hand and it worked just fine.
Looking forward to this for the improved graphics AND the motionless controls. I personally have always disliked motion controls. Playing this game again WITHOUT them will be a treat.
I haven't seen them explain how stabbing/thrusting motions will work. I would guess that they're done by clicking the stick in.
Actually now I'm wondering if the HD version will retain the bamboo minigame's overflow glitch, where achieving a score over 64 will roll back to 1 due to storing the score as a 6-bit value of an 8-bit value, or something like that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6_Ty50Kais
Why do I feel this will be more annoying than standard Zelda button controls? I hope I'm wrong, but...
If the people who requested for button controls start complaining about them, I don't know what to expect. You asked for this, so here you go.
@JHDK
At this point, the story should really be the focus, at least I think. Linear gameplay definitely takes away from the replay value, but at least the story holds up, in my opinion.
@Heavyarms55
I think there have been more than enough hints from Nintendo that we should be patient. Isn't it obvious enough why they didn't tweet anything on the anniversary day? Besides, Skyward Sword deserves a chance to have its time in the spotlight. Bringing in everything else would immediately take that excitement away.
@dojmin
More like it's because it would be way too gimmicky for Zelda players to use. What would be used when trying to talk to someone, or perform an action?
@Nameless_Shame
I think the website says that Pro Controller is indeed supported. I'm surprised people are joking about Joy Con drift if they could just use a Pro Controller lol.
@sanderev
I have to agree there. Nintendo's treating it like a "new" game and I'm pretty sure the majority of Wii players haven't played Skyward Sword. This SHOULD be "new" to them.
@TheFullAndy
I think one of the common issues is that some left-handed people aren't used to moving their character with their right thumb and right finger to Z-target; as you know already, virtually every game uses the left side to move, unless there was an option to use southpaw. For Zelda games, Z/L targeting was always well... the left side.
@ModdedInkling
Good point, years of playing FPS games southpaw helped me with that so not as much an issue for me.
Amazing!
Uhm… what else could they show? It’s a low effort port.
@Classic603 on work breaks hmm? (Jk i trust you)
I can only hope that the game comes out better than the craptastic mess that was the 3D All Stars collection. The controls and the cameras in each of those games killed any enjoyment. I would have liked to have seen Nintendo rebuild each of those games from the ground up, just like they did with Link's Awakening. I have also found that the Mario 64 game is extremely glitchy. I have had all types of issues. So here is to hoping that Nintendo really gives this game the "Awakening" treatment.
@AstroTheGamosian Same personally I've never played SS so i'm excited to try it out!
@LUIGITORNADO you can use them thankfully!
As with Mario Galaxy on Switch, I imagine I'll be using buttons only. Motion for aiming if possible, but buttons everything else.
This there only zelda game i gave up on and it was purely due to the motion controls - the amount of times i failed to hit an enemy because the motion controls just didn’t work was so annoying i just stopped playing - glad i get the chance to play it through although by all accounts it’s one of the weakest zelda anyway... but at least i can decide now :0)
Link doesn't have to be left-handed in every game. It's almost like some people believed it's the same Link in each iteration.
The Wii controls were great, but more options are always welcome. I'm more interested in seeing some of the fat cut from the back half of the game, though.
To all those saying that this was the only Zelda game where Link is a righty; sorry to be a pedant but Twilight Princess on Wii was mirrored to make him right handed too- again for the motion controls.
@koekiemonster
How do you know how much effort was put into this port? Or are you just looking for something to complain about.
disgusting......................aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Motion for me!
Since when is a control stick a button?
@nessisonett It was not very left hand friendly though for some reason.
It would be helpful in my opinion if the right stick controlled the camera by default, with contextual directional swordplay accessible by L-targeting when the sword is drawn. I may be vague on it, but are there any instances in the game where an enemy or object that requires a directional slice is not L-targetable? It seems to make sense to do it this way, as L-targeting takes control of the camera away from the player anyway, so the right stick would be free to use.
It's a shame they didn't have a third mode with zero-gimmick, traditional Zelda gameplay, because they would sell so many more copies of SS that way!
@Classic603 did you saw the trailer? That was from the Switch version. So graphically we can judge now. These graphics and adding controls can easily be done with the Dolphin emulator right now.
So…
@Dezzy This might be it for new additions. HD and a button only scheme. Of course we may find out some QoL improvements after release.
@Shiiva They would have to alter the entire game for that. Most of the enemies and puzzles rely on hitting things in a precise direction.
I’ll be using neither control scheme.. as I’m not paying full price for a 10 year old game that I’ve already completed and didn’t think was very good.
I cant wait to try the button scheme on my switch lite!
@francoishenri HEY! LISTEN! BIATCH!
I'm just worried Nintendo is going to pull a Pokemon let's go and not let us play with our pro controller. If that's the case there is no way I'm spending my money on this . Not being able to Lets go with a regular controller absolutely ruined the game for me, it may seem trivial for some, but I don't want to play my videogame with one hand and pretend to throw pokeballs with a joycon.
sorry for ranting but I just hope I can sit on m couch with a pro controller and actually play this game on my 50 inch 4k tv and not have to worry about using real life motion to control my sword.
@Ultrasmiles Psst. This article is about SS not Wii Fit
@blindsquarel SS was still easy sitting on the edge of a couch
@Chrismino45 pretty sure it's confirmed to work with Pro controller
As much as I like Zelda this whole thing makes me consider skipping this one.
@koekiemonster It's telling how they reworked the entire game with Xenoblade Chronicles, a less recognized game, but for their flagship products they're barely trying apparently.
Lol, imagine having drifting problems while slashing 🥳
"Stop it link! Stop"🤣
Nah, but nice adition. Will give it a try.
Ah yes, The Legend of Zelda: Rising Revengence.
@VoidofLight
Yeah I'm skipping this. Motion controls are awful and using a stick to swing the sword sounds stupid too.
Just map it to an actual button N. Motion controls needed to die with the Wii.
it's motion for me. i enjoyed the original with the over-the-top motion controls so i cant imagine skipping that when my copy arrives!
I can't stand motion controls so this is a welcome and unexpected move from my point of view. I thought they'd keep the motion controls only.
Was hoping for an Oracles Remake like Link's Awakening got more than this, but I also wanted Skyward Sword on Switch... as part of a collection. I understand why they'd release any of their back-catalogue solo though because it'll $ell regardless. Still think (and hope) there will be more Zelda Anniversary releases to come this year... 🤞🏾
That being said, I definitely want to play Skyward Sword the way it was intended with motion controls especially now that they're improved, but also I'm concerned about JoyCon drift smh. Glad they mentioned it will have pro controller support too, but that defeats my previous wish 🥴 Also surprised this isn't coming out until July, sheesh.
@braincandy101 The work wouldn't actually be as much as you think. A lot of the puzzles that require a slash in a specific direction could be performed with the skyward slash on the right analogue stick as indicated on the direct, while enemies need only be programmed with basic combat AI. Since it and TP ran on the same system, Nintendo could import the combat from one to the other, and adjust to fit, altering hitboxes is a simple enough task and changing how some of the items work with motion would be equally simple. Time consuming, don't get me wrong, but still relatively simple, especially for a studio like Nintendo.
So is the consensus that Link is left or right-handed now? Or I guess it could be explained as a function of every Link being actually different. Feels like ever since the Wii, Twilight Princess & motion controls they've switched his traditionally lefty ways to a righty on home consoles, somewhat understandably to fit the majority of the world.
But being among the minority of 'Lucky Lefties' myself this always messed with me a bit lol smh.
As a lefty (like Link traditionally), I'm hoping for (but not expecting) some more accessibility & consideration for a smoother personal gameplay experience when playing with motion controls as the game originally intended. Hopefully there are handed options in this remaster!
@koekiemonster Do you have a link to the Dolphin config file for using the stick like this, please?
Been wanting to play it like that for some time since my Wii broke, and I don't have a Wiimote anymore.
@arekdougy
Than how come people complain about the controls. Never said it was hard just easier if you immerse yourself
@Natsura While I think they should have included the option to make Link left-handed, what about the game forced you to hold the Wii remote in your right hand?
Surely seeing Link swing the sword with his right hand when you're using your left would have been less of a problem than trying to use your non-dominant hand?
@UltimateOtaku91 The same way that you did in the original version? There's no right stick on the Wiimote.
@dojmin The game pretty much recognises 8 directional swings, plus sword thrust. A and B aren't going to cut it.
One of my fav parts of SS for Wii WAS the motion controls, cuz it was different than the other Zelda games. Not sure if I'd be a big fan about the button only but we'll see how it goes as we wait for botw2 ;3
I enjoyed the motion controls the first time so I'm really excited to try out how they've improved with the additional processing power of the Switch. But I'll definitely try out the button controls as there are plenty of times where just sitting on my couch would be more comfortable (like when flying the loftwing). Maybe I'll save motion for the sword fights with Ghirahim and the Pirate and a few other more exciting enemies.
@SirPrimalform I couldn't get Link to swing his sword accurately without having to hold the Wiimote in my right hand. Like I'd have to really stretch my left arm so far out just to get him to do a horizontal strike (from right-to-left). And I always recallibrated my Wiimote before playing, but it just wouldn't read accurately, so I was forced to hold my Wiimote in my right hand which again felt really wrong to me.
@Natsura That's really weird considering the Wii doesn't know which hand you're holding the Wiimote in. I did all of my sword slashes with the flick of my wrist and I'm pretty confident that I could do it with my left hand (albeit uncomfortably as doing it with your right was for you).
I can't check easily though, my Wii isn't set up at the moment.
@SirPrimalform yeah I know it is weird, but it is something I had to deal with. Just doesn't make me feel comfortable with playing it for more than 20 minute play sessions (because of how uncomfortable it feels to me).
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