Nintendo hasn’t made a big show of it, but The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is seeing a real boost in performance on the Nintendo Switch 2—particularly when it comes to motion controls. While Nintendo has been upfront about enhancements for a few titles, Skyward Sword HD isn’t officially on the list. Even so, fans are starting to notice that something feels different—and better.
In a recent test by GVG, the YouTube creators explored how motion controls handle on the new hardware. Skyward Sword was a key focus, and the results speak for themselves. Sword swings, bow aiming, flying the Loftwing, and even shield parries all held steady, with no noticeable drift or need for constant recalibration. The gyro just works—and that’s a big deal for a game that once divided players over its control scheme.
What’s Changed with Switch 2’s Motion Controls?
The motion controls on Switch 2 Joy-Cons and the updated Pro Controller seem significantly more refined. They maintain stability even during rapid inputs or wide gestures, which previously would throw the calibration off on the Wii or original Switch. One theory, shared by YouTuber minecrafter3448, suggests the new controllers use an internal accelerometer to auto-adjust the gyro in real time—essentially self-correcting as you play. That small change could be the reason behind the big leap in responsiveness.
Whether or not Nintendo ever formally acknowledges these updates, the community has already started to feel the difference.
Why Now’s the Time to Revisit Skyward Sword
Even a decade later, Skyward Sword remains one of the most debated entries in the Zelda timeline. The story—set at the very beginning of Hyrule’s history—is often praised as one of the best in the series, but it originally struggled under the weight of inconsistent controls and a more rigid structure. The HD version for Switch 1 softened some of those edges with optional button controls, but the motion control improvements now seen on Switch 2 give the game a new lease on life.
Despite its linearity, Skyward Sword delivers some of the strongest dungeon design, world-building, and emotional beats in the franchise. And with the Switch 2 offering smoother input and more consistent gameplay, there’s never been a better time to give it another chance—especially while we wait for the next major Zelda adventure.
