The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Arrives on Wii U Virtual Console for North America

Nintendo's dedication to game preservation and heritage shines once again with the release of The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass on the Wii U Virtual Console in North America.

As part of the Wii U's regular Virtual Console weekly update, the celebrated Nintendo DS classic lands on May 12, offering longtime fans and newcomers alike an opportunity to experience this nautical Zelda adventure on a modern Nintendo console. Originally launching in 2007 for the Nintendo DS, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass holds a critical role within the Zelda franchise canon.

Developed by Nintendo EAD, this title serves as a direct sequel to The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, acclaimed for its charming cel-shaded graphics and maritime exploration.

Phantom Hourglass continues Link’s story, seeing him traverse treacherous seas, solve intricate puzzles, and face off against memorable foes, all leveraging the DS's distinctive touchscreen controls.

Its innovative gameplay and fresh approach solidified its place among the must-play entries in Nintendo's esteemed action-adventure series. The arrival of Phantom Hourglass on the Wii U Virtual Console helps address a longstanding concern among fans regarding regional disparities in the Virtual Console library.

Traditionally, some classic titles have seen staggered or region-limited releases, leaving audiences outside Japan or Europe waiting for their favorite games to become accessible.

Nintendo of America's move to bring Phantom Hourglass to North American audiences demonstrates ongoing efforts to fill in these gaps and provide a more complete legacy library on the Wii U eShop. "Nintendo is working diligently to ensure that beloved classics reach fans across all regions," said a Nintendo spokesperson in a recent statement regarding Virtual Console releases.

The inclusion of Phantom Hourglass follows the wider push by Nintendo to enhance the Wii U's software catalog, particularly as newer hardware and services, such as the Nintendo Switch, continue to reshape the gaming landscape. Phantom Hourglass is the first of two mainline Zelda games originally released for the Nintendo DS, with its companion title, The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks, remaining a subject of high demand and speculation for future Virtual Console offerings.

For North American Wii U owners, this release represents a valuable addition to their digital collection and another chance to experience a piece of Zelda history. Players can purchase The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass directly from the Wii U eShop starting May 12, 2016.

This release continues Nintendo’s broader effort to make classic titles accessible to both dedicated collectors and new fans, preserving the legacy of the Zelda franchise in the digital era.

Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass Wii U Virtual Console Nintendo DS The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker Nintendo of America