The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Graphics and Performance Switch VS Wii

[@sanai8963]

It’s kinda strange because the remake is what I thought the game looked like when I used to play it

[@SoraKingdom3]

That's a very commun feeling with older games, not gonna lie ^^'. When HD Remasters release, we usually don't find them impressive until we have comparative video showing the differences between the two, even with SD games. Our mind has quite the ability to trick what we see or remember seeing ^^'...

[@danbooke2001]

This is an HD upres, not a remake or even a remaster.

[@SoraKingdom3]

@@danbooke2001 Usually an HD upres is what you call a remaster. That's the difference between this and a remake like Crash and Spyro had where every assets were remade

[@Jason_Van_Stone]

@@danbooke2001 exactly. Demon's Souls for the ps5....was a remake

[@Vincent-fv1ch]

It has looked way better than the remake on the emulator for almost 10 years now...

[@wmaneker]

My comparison analysis: Wii: Left door opens out Switch: right door opens in

[@buster5661]

Wow! What an amazon job Nintendo did with this re release. I’ll be happy to spend another 60 bucks to replay it again

[@臭い-x5t]

@@buster5661 It's worth it :D

[@No_Ones_gay_for_moleman]

@@buster5661 Another? Original was $50 lol

[@buster5661]

@@No_Ones_gay_for_moleman Don’t forget about the stupid Link’s arrow adventure. You’re gunna have to buy that shit again and the stupid gun attachment thing for your switch controllers

[@Mehwhatevr]

@@No_Ones_gay_for_moleman inflation?

[@RiftFishing]

This is excellent. I was expecting side by side comparisons with zoom ins, but you went above and beyond what the others are doing. The texture and model changes, how the filters originally worked compared to now and the intro re-rendering all explained very clearly. Amazing work.

[@DindouFarmer]

Couldn't say better than you did. Amazing work and very interesting explanations.

[@RafzCampz]

The textures didn’t change at all they just got a smooth effect and they look kinda weird in game

[@MrGollysnake]

Love learning things like this, I’m playing go fest this weekend can’t wait to play Monday.

[@uroboric]

@@RafzCampz as he said it's upscaled by ai

[@yusofplayed]

Wow this guy ACTUALLY has technical and artistic knowledge about games rather than just "it was 30 fps and now it's 60"... INCREDIBLE.

[@triangularfish6487]

Definitely the best analysis of the differences on YT rn. This should be way more popular.

[@B36-x2v]

Everyone Just waiting for digital foundary

[@bmac2814]

@@B36-x2v digital foundry has been wrong so many times that is WAY beyond me as to why people even listen to them and their "tech analysis". Is it bc they worked around electronics previously? Its that easy to gain the publics 100% trust? Lol

[@notquitekeanu]

@@bmac2814 what have they been wrong about? I only watch them on occasion and don’t follow too closely

[@Clawthorne]

The fact that they re-rendered the cutscene rather than upscale it makes me think that they saved more than just the cutscene project files. The textures are probably not AI upscaled, but rather the original textures from the original project, just not downscaled to work with the Wii. Artists always work in insanely large image resolutions for the sake of detail work and comfort, and it would make no sense for them to just go "Ok I'm done with this wall texture now, time to re-save the photoshop file in 128x128 resolution and delete the original 8K one!".

[@alastormedial]

I uh, definitely do the latter. All the time. Oops. D:

[@Clawthorne]

@@mathdantastav2496 Artists always use higher resolution so that they can zoom in and out and make detail touches without having to whip out the pixel pen tool and play sprite artists. The numbers I gave were arbitrary, but the meaning is the same. Artists will work at a higher resolution, then zoom out until the texture is the same resolution as intended for the platform to see if it looks good, and if it doesn't they will zoom back in and work at a resolution that is comfortable. Nintendo probably had those original files in higher resolution, and could export higher res textures.

[@milddiffuse]

@@mathdantastav2496 I'm going to dissagree with both of you and say you're probably both right. I do think some textures and assets might be stuff pre optimization and that some of the other stuff has definitely been ai upscaled. There might be some original textures with texture filtering in there too tbh, but hard to tell.

[@milddiffuse]

​@@mathdantastav2496 Nice comparison shot! I'm unsure wether or not AI upscaling was used for that HD texture pack in that video you sent, but to me it looks like it might have been made by hand. What I can tell you is that whatever AI / software Nintendo used to upscale its textures is far less aggressive. Nintendo basically didn't add much detail where there was none in the original game, they just tried to increase the resolution without adding too much blur. You can definitely see on the ground texture that there are some minor differences. I don't know if Nintendos upscaler is smart enough to add simple brush strokes on ontop of the textures or if there was some manual tweaking involved, but it is different alright. Also the texture on the bed and table also show off the differences pretty well I think. Especially that cloverleaf kind of shape on the table looks like there is some haloing going on and the shape is a bit deformed. That's usually the marks of AI upscaling. Final thing about the bloom, there might be something else going on here like texture filtering, maybe it's part of the textures themselves or also changed lighting, but generally speaking we basically know Skyward Sword HD will have a decreased bloom since that effect is linked to the resolution. We saw the same thing with Twilight Princess HD and even more clear Donkey Kond Country Tropical Freeze for the Switch. With DKC we actually saw a decrease of Bloom in Docked mode and more bloom like it was in the original in Handheld mode, which illustrated that fact as well. TLDR: sorry for long comment, but I'm very sure they upscaled the textures, wether it was all done automatically by software or not. Also I'm not really saying they "improved" everything, although I think it does generally look a bit better in my eyes.

[@Clawthorne]

@@mathdantastav2496 The moment you start resorting to insults to prove your argument, you lose. Have a nice day. 👋

[@fernandobignardi6716]

Sad they didn’t change 25th anniversary to 35th at the wing ceremony

[@elli_senfsaat]

Welp, they didn't do anything anniversary-like in RL, either

[@nam9085]

makes sense why they didnt do it, it wouldnt make sense at all for the HD version to happen 10 years after years after the original

[@lisscat]

@@elli_senfsaat there was anniversary release for the game that included a copy of the orchestra track and I believe some skyward sword exclusive accessories for the wii as well

[@elli_senfsaat]

@@lisscat I know. I didn't mean the 25th, but this year's 35th :p

[@Cosmopavone]

@@lisscat I got it, it came with the soundtrack cd and with a zelda golden wiimote

[@electricgigolo]

Don't forget that the HD release has full camera control too. Having to tap a button on the Wii nunchuck to set the camera always bothered me.

[@isaac_aren]

Full camera control if you are using motion controls. If you are only using button controls, then it does not work

[@jonathand.4088]

@@isaac_aren with button controls the camera is controlled by holding L and moving the right stick

[@fernandomartin9190]

@@jonathand.4088 yep, but if you run (hold B) and try to move the camera, doesn't work.

[@weirdo7319]

@@fernandomartin9190 Yes it does, you just need to use extra fingers

[@msnight04]

@@fernandomartin9190 That's the same as motion controls as well. Either 1. use your thumb to hold B or move analog stick or 2.use more fingers to do both.

[@brianavner4186]

I was thinking to myself, “wow they pretty much look the same.” Then I realized I was watching this on my phone on 360p smh.

[@kahp1072]

Personally, i think giving high resolution textures would make the game age pop up way more. Being slightly blurry makes sense in the artstyle and doesn't make the game look so old, compared to TPHD.

[@theblowupdollsmusic]

I agree. I still find the textures a bit blurry.

[@penguinoucy3018]

8:47 I love how the shadow can’t make up its mind.

[@Klffsj]

Haha! That's actually really funny. It's happening on both versions, changing the shadow according to the nearest light source. It's just happening too fast in the HD version.

[@hir3508]

Plot twist: it's midna

[@EliasSchnetzer]

@@Klffsj Maybe because of the 60fps 🤔

[@juanjosedelpinorivas7099]

There's DEFINITELY room for improvement in that field, that's for sure. They could have put two shadows moving opposite according to the lights, at least just in that particular location.

[@fabiomurru4995]

​@@juanjosedelpinorivas7099 Unfortunately, it's not that easy. Handling multiple light points it's not straightforward and they'd had to change substantially the rendering system of the game, that's work for a remake, not a remaster like this one

[@ConsciousCloud]

This was a great comparison and it looks prettier for sure. I have the original and bought it on launch day 10yrs ago, got the special edition with the gold wiimote which I still have. I remember thinking the game looked great but always felt like it could really benefit from being in HD and here we are! I wasn't planning on buying the Switch version since I 100% completed the old one but your reviews are really tempting me to buy again.

[@Yeti_SploofZ]

If you pre order it now you will get a key chain and a steel book with it

[@airq12]

same!!! so excited to play my favorite zelda in HD :D

[@Quebecdelta798]

@@Yeti_SploofZ where??? I preorder it on amazon?? am i going to get a steel book??

[@Yeti_SploofZ]

@@Quebecdelta798 you get it if you pre-order from game or the official Nintendo store but I'm pretty sure it might only be for uk

[@geminisfl]

I'm having the same feeling. I loved it and enjoyed it very much on WII... .but seeing it so beautifuly crafted on the switch, makes me want to buy it again.

[@MerryBlind]

4:18 Very glad to hear the painterly DoF effect is still present but just much more subtle! I imagine it's going to be more noticeable in person because it barely shows through KZbin's compression! I wonder if the effect is more apparent in handheld mode since the resolution is lower?

[@garywillig5143]

In some of the scenes in the trailers the lighting effects looked improved to me, and possibly the particle effects as well. Can you elaborate on the AI texture upscaling? How is that different from the new textures they made for Twilight Princess HD? Is it the same texture. If so how can it be higher resolution?

[@NinWRTV]

Hey that's an excellent question. IA texture upscaling is software that looks at an image (in this case a texture) and then tries to do its best to guess at what extra detail would be present at a higher resolution. This can have mixed results if you give it a realistic more complex image, for example the pre-rendered backgrounds in PS1 final fantasy games. But in Skyward Sword's case the textures are generally very simple and the patterns the AI needs to identify to recreate them at a higher resolution are easier recognize. So AI is really a great solution for a game like this. Meanwhile something like Twilight Princess had a more hands on approach to recreating its textures due to the fact that they're much more realistic and an AI would likely not have produced consistent results.

[@garywillig5143]

@@NinWRTV ​ @Nintendo World Report TV Did you not see any lighting changes? I'm sure the scene of Fi dancing at 0:41 of the announcement trailer for the HD version has different lighting and probably improved particle effects from the same scene in the Wii version.

[@NinWRTV]

The smaller sample size on the watercolor effects can definitely give the impression of a brighter image for the reasons mentioned in the video. That may be what you're seeing as lighting differences. Particle effects would also benefit from the same AI upscaling present in the traditional textures.

[@dampflokfreund]

not much was done. If they would add modern rendering effects like SSAO, higher res handmade textures, PBR, screen space reflections, global illumination, dynamic shadows and more, it would look generations better. But Nintendo was just too lazy to put any effort into it, because people will buy it anyway. By the way before you post: No, the Switch does not lack the hardware power for these effects. BOTW did them all and it looks much better.

[@Jedzelex]

@@dampflokfreund Not surprised that the ignorant dufus pushing the tiresome "lazy devs" narrative is also the dumbo that ignores that the HD port of Skyward Sword wasn't done by Nintendo. It was actually a project from Aussie developer, Tantalus. This developer uses texture upscaling technology in their Switch ports (yes, this wasn't their first project for said system) and they recompiled the game to run natively on the Switch. They even created a new emulator for the GPU because the game needed to be partially emulated. Sure sounds like a "lazy dev" doesn't it? Sheeeeesh!

[@TheCayDawg]

8:55 I have no idea how I noticed this but there are more flowers at the base of the stairs now Also this is a great comparison! I never really notice how different the remastered versions of games look right away so this was nice to see. It looks BEAUTIFUL

[@scacknewman]

well it's fairly obvious, that's probably how you noticed it

[@amandahugginkiss9119]

I forgot how terrible everything used to look. It looked so good back then

[@sonicandroxas]

@Cristian the great toast how old are you?

[@yuh2620]

@Cristian the great toast he basically means when it came out, he thought it looked great only to find out now, the graphics were kinda bad

[@wiilov]

Eyes adjust to quality

[@Animaniafreak]

@Cristian the great toast It makes sense, what do you mean?

[@syntheticpew978]

I forgor💀

[@Mimas2115]

This is the perfect channel. Small yet somewhat big, frequent uploads, and stays updated! keep up the good work!

[@JE551E_JAME5]

Huh, I wasn't expecting so much from a comparison video. Interpolation, dithering, bokeh, rendering, keyframe easing... I'm guessing you went to film school. Great job on this video!

[@NinWRTV]

We can confirm John does indeed have an IMDB page ;) Thanks for watching!

[@elliot2028]

Thank you!!! I didn't know I needed this. As soon as I saw the trailer I knew that the graphics were a bit better than before but it's much easier to see the difference when it's clearly explained and shown.

[@reala90]

Holy crap the 60fps update with that watercolor artstyle looks so good!

[@TomTKK]

It's not worth 1 dollar per frame though

[@childishgambino7018]

@@TomTKK that’s not the only reason to buy it tom

[@Lethamos]

@@TomTKK yes? it is?

[@TomTKK]

@@childishgambino7018 Many reasons not to

[@TomTKK]

@@Lethamos And its not. It really says a lot about a game if the improvements of a re-release are things that needed to be removed In the first place. The only thing added into the game is the graphical boost, which is 720p and doubling frames if you play it portable 👍

[@unOrigiNik]

This is without a doubt one of the most thoughtful and informative videos I've seen as a comparison to the old Wii version. Well done, and thank you

[@mnmmcg3543]

I don't think this art style has aged as nearly as well as The Wind Waker's, but it definitely has aged a whole heck of a lot better than Twilight Princess's.

[@logical_chaos]

Stylized art styles tend to age better than more "realistic" ones since technology changes. It makes sense that WW>SS>TP in terms of aging style since SS is kinda in between the two with a watercolor-esque style.

[@senorsnipey1595]

I disagree. Looking at the original WW and not the HD version. I love the OG wind waker but I find it hard to go back to after the HD version. I love the style of the original but Skyward Sword looks much more rich and populated

[@milovogels]

@@senorsnipey1595 i agree with you

[@rac1equalsbestgame853]

@@senorsnipey1595 I prefer OG Windwaker. The HD port has disgusting ammounts of bloom.

[@senorsnipey1595]

@@rac1equalsbestgame853 sorry man. Glad you have your opinion but WW HD is a beautiful game period and the character models are so much better. Not to mention the countless improvements to the gameplay

[@Lyle_Plays]

This was very interesting, I most definitely do not regret buying the HD version of SS ☺️ I actually never managed to finish the game when I was younger, and then high school happened and i couldn't play as regularly. So I'm happy I can enjoy this game with revamped graphics. Thank you for your analysis! Really nice editing!

[@HarmonicWave]

Funny, the Wii version came out right about the time I got married (July 2011) so I was just not into Nintendo games at the time (though I grew up with the NES, SNES, etc.), too busy setting up our apartment and spending time together as newlyweds. Finally got a Wii a bit later and eventually started Skyward Sword.

[@geminisfl]

2:57 I have noticed in several videos that shadows are more defined now too. And that doesn't depend on resolution, I think they changed the way shadows are rendered too.

[@robotortoise]

This was very informative, thank you! There are a few more prerendered cutscenes in the Wii version. Most notable is the end credits scroll, where the screen flashes to scenes involving Zelda. On Wii, this was a prerendered cutscene file because the game was unable to load so many scenes so quickly. On Switch, I'm not sure!

[@darkestmoonoriginal]

Thank you for such a detailed analysis, lots of reviewers out there saying that the watercolor effect was removed completely from this version when it isn't the case

[@SuperSavajin]

This was really good and answered a lot of my questions. Nice job.

[@katalbinson6562]

FINALLY someone who correctly calls the game a “REMASTER” and not a “remake” or “port”.

[@mr.magiccrow2168]

U now why people call it a "port", because it feels like one. This game is so far away from an so called "remaster", I get ur point, but just wanted to make this out.

[@jimmulator3902]

@@mr.magiccrow2168 another lazy Nintendo “port” that Nintendrones will undoubtedly pay for. Can’t wait to get the Steam Deck and an emulator.

[@suzuhare3541]

@@mr.magiccrow2168 it was the same with dark souls remastered, just because there wasn't any "new" content people called it a lazy port, but in fact a remaster is in it's core quality of life fixes, like the frame rate in dsr and the motion controls in skyward. If the devs want to add things like the extra dungeon in twilight princess or the epilogue in xenoblade DE is up to them. A port, like it's name implies is just porting the game without any fix/change whatsoever, like the re4 port of wii to wiiU that looked horrible

[@twewymuncher]

@@jimmulator3902 go buy your steam deck then

[@mr.magiccrow2168]

@@suzuhare3541you know, what an Remaster also should do? Update the games to the todays technical standers. And yes it is putting it on the nowadays standrs.... of the Switch lul. In my Opinion a good Remaster, which also is calling itself one, is Diablo 2. At least from the Graphic side which is my main complain here... making this was not that big of a deal and just Nintendo being lazy as always (in the last time). And I totaly agree with the Dark Souls Remaster, there are many REmasters I dont really see as ones. But this here, Nintendo right now is a very bad situation. And I now they wont stop, because its gonne sell like bread.

[@rendelldraw]

Ah, so the paintbrush effect is still there. Wish there was an option to enlarge the blobs a bit and change how far the effects are applied. Still, I'm glad it's still there.

[@oAndreGabs]

Did someone noticed in 8:45, that was not mentioned in the video? the lighting effects are improved, look how Link's shadow moves following the light source

[@ThoughTMusic]

Playing it on the WiiU through HDMI cables was fantastic.

[@jpballer100]

Could you elaborate? I've recently had to sell my switch though have a voucher and was thinking of getting this from the wii u e-shop. Would you say it's worth doing still or holding out as I'll probably pick up a switch late in the year again. Thanks

[@papaya160]

@@jpballer100 i'm playing it on a wii u, looks totally playable

[@HarmonicWave]

I got an hdmi adapter that plugs directly into my Wii video output port, so I play it on my Wii still with hdmi.

[@ThoughTMusic]

@@HarmonicWave Same. Mine had a Switch between 720 or 1080 and I always rocked the 1080.

[@NikolasAmodeo]

Very well done video. This is the best comparison I’ve seen yet. Looks really good.

[@reinaldopereira1268]

Excellent analysis, guys! Really much better than I expected. 😍😍😍😍

[@dampflokfreund]

not much was done. If they would add modern rendering effects like SSAO, higher res textures, PBR, screen space reflections, global illumination, dynamic shadows and more, it would look generations better. But Nintendo was just too lazy to put any effort into it, because people will buy it anyway. By the way before you post: No, the Switch does not lack the hardware power for these effects. BOTW did them all and it looks much better.

[@reinaldopereira1268]

@@dampflokfreund I meant their analysis was much better than I expected. I see Nintendo didn't invest much time or care into this remaster.

[@dampflokfreund]

@@reinaldopereira1268 ah I see. Well that's totally fair!

[@reinaldopereira1268]

@@dampflokfreund I saw a review before theirs that was intolerable. The reviewer thought his Groose jokes were funny.

[@thefreeman1970]

Doors look so fucking good. They pretty much look like an oil painting. I would have never seen this in the original

[@jacobi2393]

I kinda like the blurry look in the distance; it really makes it look like an impressionist painting

[@blackkat101]

Very nicely done. I honestly hate how most reviews say they don't feel almost anything has changed and that it probably just had an upscale. I could tell it was more than that at a glance, but I love how you went into the exact details that I would never be able to describe on my own. Will have to point this video out to some friends to see the differences. It's like night and day especially seeing it side by side.

[@starwarstimeline]

Fantastic comparison, by far the best on the internet. I don't even need to watch a review after this. I'll be a happy 1st time Skyward Sword player come Friday!!! Thank you.

[@gwynhwyfar1321]

I somehow can't even properly express how much I appreciate this video. I never knew or realized how much care and attention to detail was put into the graphics of the game. Whenerver I would hear people talk about it one would always just get "yeah it looks painterly or something". Feels like noone really bothered to look at all the technical aspects and work arounds that the devs used to create this game (and artstyle specifically). I think if 10 years ago someone had cared to analyze the artstyle with such care like you did, many people would've been able to appreciate the game a little more. I don't think the game is perfect, but it never deserved the amount of hate and ridicule that it got...

[@ArtsieFrog]

I’m excited for this- it’s my favorite Zelda game and I felt alone on that because I like the motion controls. Stand up and sword fight. Yes please.

[@Kaffelag]

I also love the motion controller, it made me feel I truly held a sword where I needed to ve aware how I slashed with it

[@catrinacoons390]

Yeah! Motion controls are fine! When I played this as a kid, the motion controls weren't the problem, the problem was that I panicked during fights and often started blindly waving the controller around.

[@elli_senfsaat]

Yass. SS is my second fav Zelda game (only beaten by Majora), one of the reasons being the motion controls. It was far from perfect, but tbh, I still enjoyed it even if, no, BECAUSE something went wrong :D Blindly slashing around is one if the experiences every player needs to make to call themselves a true hero lol

[@ArtsieFrog]

@@elli_senfsaat my copy just came in the mail and I really wish I could have gotten the amiibo. This version of Zelda is my fav. Sure BOTW Zelda is an ok character with complexity. Having Zelda be our best friend and potential for that friendship to turn into love feels more emotionally driven than a story from only her point of view where BOTW Zelda started out hating us, and fell for link because he saved her. Then and only then does she start trying to understand him and gains feelings for him. That always rubbed me wrong.

[@SuperRex104]

I honestly didn’t know about their handling of faraway objects. That gives me a whole new appreciation of this game’s art direction.

[@sebastianmedel3325]

Subbed because video is so well-made I can tell it was made with passion cool

[@dovalink744]

This is an amazing comparison video. You should have more subscribers!

[@arctik2596]

When I saw the first 10 seconds of the video I already say most of the differences and goddamn it looks so clean. I'm glad the art style looks this way as it's basically a better version of Wind Wakers. This probably has my second favourite art style with TP having the best.

[@nam9085]

I agree

[@LestaBull]

Love your video bro you earned a sub. You brought a different take and vibe to talking about a game and I really appreciate it. It’s a huge breath of fresh air 😎

[@nicolassagardia8191]

it's funny that the switch version looks like the memory of how I used to see the wii version of the game. We live on a great era!

[@lotteyanson4033]

The improvements may be minimal, but just seeing one of my personal favorite games looking so pretty makes me emotional. Thanks for showing me!

[@Sabebo13]

The fact that nintendo had the files on hand to render again gives me hope that more beta content of zelda games will leak in the future :D Still waiting for the rest of that oot content to leak..

[@Mlcastl]

So far my fav comparison video. Thanks for putting it side to side and noticing the small details. This game looks so pretty, I cant wait to play it again.

[@SamM_Scot]

I adore impressionism art and I'm glad it's not lost in this HD version :-)

[@eboone]

This video is extremely well done, you have a new subscriber

[@alexmanley-ryan8740]

Aw man why is this not above the IGN and gamexplain comparisons? This is far more informative and technical as opposed to just "more frames, looks pretty"

[@monsterofmatica]

thank you so much for this comparison!! i was really torn on whether or not i wanted to get the game because i wasnt sure how the textures and graphics would change but im glad the rumors have been cleared up and the game looks great!

[@theshaggs4023]

Looks better, plays better, definitely going to buy it, only because I will never finish the wii due to the controls, definitely worth the price for what I call "zelda classic".

[@marciamakesmusic]

The controls were fine in the wii release

[@tek3576]

It really isn't though. Other remasters do more or better for less money. A few QoL changes arent worth 60 bucks

[@CommanderBly5052]

@@tek3576 tell me, how much did Twilight Princess HD and WindWaker HD cost?

[@theshaggs4023]

@@tek3576 not true for example go look at the HD remaster for smt iii nocturne, a cult classic

[@xenopixel8877]

@@CommanderBly5052 wind waker hd costed 50 and twilight princess was 60, but it included an amiibo

[@SidNightWalker]

The 60fps alone, ALONE, makes for a dramatically superior experience. Plus it really does look gorgeous in HD, which I wasn't sure from just screens, but video footage confirms it. Nice little animation lesson BTW, hand drawn animation studios invented key frames about oh, 70 years ago? Quite interesting that it's still used in all types of animation out there.

[@raymondjoannette8052]

Too for those who think this game is boring. They truly do not know how much action this game has x)

[@bromine1480]

i never got to actually defeat demise. i really want a rematch

[@flyingplantwhale545]

That’s some really damn good analysis. Helps appreciate the overall visual makeup of the game.

[@jacobw8634]

High quality analysis, very impressive! Makes me want to pick up the remaster, even though I have the original

[@geminisfl]

Same here!

[@MrHellstorm102]

really well done! subscribed!

[@theodorelong7738]

So excited to play this game! Back on the wii I only played it for a few hours but could not deal with the low resolution and wii controls. So here I am finally getting to play the only mainline Zelda game that I have not finished.

[@marciamakesmusic]

Controls were fine, people who complain about them don't know what they're talking about

[@dampflokfreund]

not much was done. If they would add modern rendering effects like SSAO, higher res textures, PBR, screen space reflections, global illumination, dynamic shadows and more, it would look generations better. But Nintendo was just too lazy to put any effort into it, because people will buy it anyway. By the way before you post: No, the Switch does not lack the hardware power for these effects. BOTW did them all and it looks much better.

[@Daigon95]

@@dampflokfreund Dude the game is using an ancient GPU rendering technique(Called Function-Based). If they had to add all those more modern effects tht wuld mean completely rebuilding the games code, which wuld take more effort to the point they wuld not make money off it. (basically close to a "new game" development effort) They wuld hav to settle with breaking even more or less; for trying to switch from the old Function rendering to the modern, Shader rendering. Its already been discovered tht this game runs natively on the CPU but partially emulated on the GPU, on the Switch; just like Mario Galaxy in 3D All-Stars.

[@theodorelong7738]

@@dampflokfreund BOTW was 30fps and had a hard time hitting even that half the time. And it got even worse when not in handheld. The switch is a very weak system by modern gaming standards and will honestly only get worse from here on out if they don't ever release a pro version.

[@theodorelong7738]

@@marciamakesmusic Hahaha oh my bad I didnt realize I wasn't allowed to have an opinion... After playing games for years with a traditional controller I just could not get use to the motion controls. I am still this way, I always disable gyro and motion controls in all my games. But I guess Il just have to be satisfied with "not knowing what I am talking about" and will continue to enjoy games the way I want to enjoy them...

[@trceb]

Wow this was actually surprisingly informative. Great work.

[@TheAbdID]

4:03 is there no more visible wind like in the wii version?? The image looks too clear for me. The visible wind adds more depth. Is it still there?

[@144heartx]

There is! Much less than the original but I definitely saw it. It's just more subtle.

[@landscapingspecialist]

Yes great work here. Best comparison video I e seen. Got the game on launch day but have been to busy to sink my teeth in. Tonight I will be in SS remaster bliss 🤤 thanks for sharing 👍🏻

[@2yoyoyo1Unplugged]

Most of the improvements are QoL and performance fixes/tweaks, plus making motion controls optional and also more consistently working when you choose to use them. Imo all SS needed visually was upresing and getting rid of blurriness.

[@Gavinchi88]

Best Analysis of Skyward Sword I’ve seen. Well done sir. Subscribed 💪

[@rettsams9370]

Fantastic video, wish everyone could make their videos in such a concise and efficient manor

[@shawnbay2211]

I’m terrible at video games so I really loved Skyward Sword when 100% of anyone else didn’t. The vibes were perfect… but I’ve always been waiting for an HD remake because I kept thinking the graphic quality held it back. I told myself I’ll only get a switch if SS(HD) or Mother 3 ever came out… so it might be that time some day.

[@Moshugaani]

I'm pleased to see that most textures and certain objects are also improved instead of just increasing the screen resolution! I'm tempted, but I'm not gonna get it at full price. ;p

[@Hodge-_-Podge]

Good luck with that. Nintendo doesn't understand the idea of depreciating value. That said, I'd be more than happy to pay the full $60. The Wii version on an HD TV gives me headaches and setting it up on Dolphin is nice and all, but it's not portable lmao.

[@Jason_Van_Stone]

Being Nintendo...this game won't be under $60 for another 10 years. So might as well pick it up if you thoroughly enjoyed it before 😄

[@Fermin-hw5pd]

@@Hodge-_-Podge It is portable if you have Dolphin in a laptop though

[@Moshugaani]

Dang, a local shop sells the game for 45€ (which is 53 USD and includes VAT taxes, so $44 without taxes actually), so I'm really tempted! I was already going to nobly refuse to buy another rerelease, but I am a Zelda slut after all.... xD

[@EnigmaBarry]

They look the same....if you watch this video in 144p. Thanks for comparing the two. You and your team are highly knowledgeable about video. You explained the technical details in a way that was easy for non-videophiles to understand.

[@GenZComicReviewer]

High Quality review. I feel more knowledgeably having watched it lol.

[@Liinkgod]

Nice work on the analysis!! Keep up the good job

[@b.h.3312]

Wow, look how much rounder the shield looks on the switch version!

[@kharlanhero4428]

This is the video i needed. Now i really want this game

[@benallen895]

I'm gonna miss the long loading times, it always gave me an excuse to grab a snack

[@HarmonicWave]

There's still a pause button. 😂

[@AlexandraStubbs]

I’m SO glad and grateful they still treated this remake with respect and care. This is my favorite Zelda title of all time. And very excited to play this on a new great system. Thank you for this awesome break down video!

[@KamenRiderBlackSun]

Not gonna lie, Skyward Sword HD has better Graphics than Pokémon sword / shield….

[@SumoCurtain]

One could say that even the Wii version looks better than Sword&Shield, haha. Quality in artstyle, world desing etc. just works better which just speaks for Gamefreak's laziness I guess.

[@cameronwallace8265]

@@SumoCurtain GameFreak's laziness? Or the Pokemon Company rushing them to get a game out?

[@SumoCurtain]

@@cameronwallace8265 That too, absolutely! There's no denying that. It also kind of feels like Gamefreak has sort of lost the passion in making Pokémon games and is cutting some corners here and there. What I mean is they could achieve so much better given how big the franchise is, if they put more time and effort into it. Comparing to other long running series like Zelda or Mario it seems lacking in quality. But yes, I agree 100% the Pokémon Company should give them enough time to actually develope the games and not rush them to make one for almost every year.

[@dragonslayer_yt9676]

@@SumoCurtain I hope that legends arceus looks good .

[@JaylolTV]

Well it was the first proper Pokemon on the Switch. They were still fairly new to developing for Switch. Later entries should be better

[@deku812]

Great work on this video. I didn't know how the original Skyward Sword handled depth of field effect. Very interestng how its explained it here.

[@diadlo777]

Looks surprisingly good with the AI Scaling. Aight sir, you sold me, I'm about to buy it.

[@WalkingCommuter]

Great comparison! FYI your SkywarSwordHD hashtag is missing the letter d in skyward

[@greghiskhan7426]

I’m excited to hear what the soundtrack will be like in the HD version

[@I.K.E.L.O.S]

Holy crap....I was gonna get the remastered anyways since it was my fav zelda but holy crap this blew away my expectations. I totally forgot how low rez the wii version was. How did I even play like that?! That 480 to 1080 is very significant and looks so crisp. I so excited to experience this amazing game again

[@Chuckles_the_Jester]

in the switch version with that intro cutscene, it looks like it was stained with blood!!!

[@icesonic358]

I love it. It makes it more menacing in my opinion.

[@Chuckles_the_Jester]

@@icesonic358 indeed, history written in blood

[@icesonic358]

@@Chuckles_the_Jester Teh story while not experiencing it just seems to be exciting in Skyward sword hd.

[@Slimjim8345]

Just a reminder to everyone to change the quality of the video to 1080p. I was originally watching on 480 and was surprised at how similar it loooked.

[@station428streamarchive]

I can't believe people are hating on this game, it looks and plays better than ever

[@MrTmb64]

Yeah but 60$ for pretty much the same game feels kind of bad... I love SS, but I don't feel like 60 bucks for a game I already own is weird

[@station428streamarchive]

@@MrTmb64 Okay, but some people have never played it, like me, and for us $60 is a good enough price

[@rubendudink9968]

Wonderfull review, you guys up and beyond on figuring out every detail.

[@JaylolTV]

Imagine making all these beautiful textures for the Wii to downscale them to 480p :(

[@danbooke2001]

10 years ago that was the only resolution anyone knew. 720p was just becoming the new HD standard, and 1080i was barely a blip on anyone's radar. They wouldn't have known any better honestly. And in my opinion probably specifically developed for 480p with no other frame of reference really. I'm more surprised it was a consistent 30 fps, there are still PS4 games that can't hit that.

[@PatchworkRose567]

It’s crazy how the remaster looks exactly how I remember it looking when I played it as a kid. It looks so nice, bright, and clear compared to the Wii version. I’m glad this underrated entry gets a new version on modern hardware.

[@Jedzelex]

Meanwhile on Twitter: "Nintendo fans always keep buying these lazy ports! UGH!!!"

[@bigPauliee]

These improvements were the bare minimum, and would be better suited to a 40 dollar price at the most, other companies will completely remake games for full price and even Nintendo put more effort in when they made WW and TP HD versions.

[@Perplexum]

@@bigPauliee I'd say it's on the same Level with the TP remaster at least.

[@michelletoni3067]

Yea, I am so tired of these prices, for what we get, nintendo sucks….. I have both a regular switch & the Lite version & all the games I can basically play on my PS5….. except the kiddy games…..;(

[@PMantis013]

they're not wrong though

[@birdwhoknowswhatsgood1483]

I find it so hilarious how people just call it a lazy port when they literally reworked the entire control scheme to include button only controls. The game's controls completely relied on motion and they still found a way to include button only controls

[@katyalupochev9589]

“Fi is much more optional and item descriptions don’t pop up every time you pick one up” worth buying just for that tbh

[@superdaveozy7863]

They complain about the graphics, but this remains: Are you having fun playing the game?

[@charleswinchester1054]

I think this is the game that made link a right handed because of the motion controls the wii brought into the game. It was always a nice touch to know link was left handed though.

[@MethodMobile]

Is the game fun to play? That’s what I want to know….

[@Unari_VR]

Yes. If you've never played a traditional zelda game, this title is a great example of one.

[@MethodMobile]

@@Unari_VR I went from playing the 1st link game on the original Nintendo to breath of the wild!

[@janeilnold5863]

Haven't played the remake yet (hoping to get it tomorrow), but the original was super fun! It's one of my favorite Zelda games.

[@MaulG59]

Really in depth, great video 🙌

[@leydesperez1932]

If they decided to make every old Zelda games with the graphics of the hurtle warriors I would probably buying them all separately for $60. Maybe not all at once but I would eventually get them all

[@BrodyReyno]

Great video! Looking forward to this remaster. Never could get into the old version.

[@Ryuujin1078]

bUt iT’s sTiLl nOt wOrTH $60!!! iT’S jUsT a fAnCy oVeRpRiCeD pOrT…deeerrrrr

[@Alex-lc5dz]

It's still a overpriced port

[@dampflokfreund]

not much was done. If they would add modern rendering effects like SSAO, higher res textures, PBR, screen space reflections, dynamic shadows and more, it would look generations better. But Nintendo was just too lazy to put any effort into it, because people will buy it anyway. By the way before you post: No, the Switch does not lack the hardware power for these effects. BOTW did them all and it looks much better.

[@ErikVeland]

Echoing what others said, an incredibly detailed, informed and thorough comparison presented in a delightful and entertaining manner. Bravo!

[@Jimmy-ph8xn]

Nintendo’s now releasing games like Disney releases enhanced versions of its films. Nostalgia + Marketing + good archiving = easy $$$.

[@kildaver]

...you would rather they do a live action remake instead? Because that seems terrifying.

[@VVaitforme]

1:22 is this limewire logo? ı remember old days man.

[@octaneblue6]

So they barely did anything. The money they're making off this is crazy.

[@watashiyemox]

Holy shit I just subbed my dude this was fucking epic and knowledgeable!