It doesn’t seem as if The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword had accessibility taken into consideration when Nintendo created its latest amiibo. Announced today, Nintendo revealed that those looking to pick up the upcoming Legend of Zelda Skyway Sword HD edition for Nintendo Switch will also be able to purchase an amiibo that appears to lock an accessibility benefit away. Users online haven’t been much too impressed with this announcement because it’s locking what can be an accessibility feature implemented into the game for free behind a hefty price tag.
In the Nintendo Wii version of The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword that launched in 2011, Link was able to transition from the ground to air through the use of bird statues scattered around different points of the world.
However, Nintendo’s explanation of the new amiibo that features Zelda and Loftwing standing side-by-side, notes that by scanning the figure, Link can transition from ground-to-sky or the other way round at any point. Even if you’re deep in a dungeon.
With this essentially being instant fast travel, the community has been sharing its frustration that Nintendo is locking a handy feature behind the requirement of purchasing an extra item on top of the cost of the game. The game itself costs $60 with the amiibo coming in at an additional $15 which seems to be the usual price for all amiibos depending on the size of them.
And it makes sense to be frustrated, as instant fast travel is certainly something that could have been an updated part of the game’s remastered design without the price barrier. It would also mean that those jumping into Skyward Sword would be able to use it for accessibility, such as getting out of a dungeon if they begin to feel fatigued, etc.
As you can see in the above trailer for the amiibo, it shows the player using specific points to travel to the sky. When using the amiibo, you can just fast travel when you want. It also clarifies that you can use the feature when in not only dungeons but also in buildings when you’re in the sky.
The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword being ported to the Switch has already had accessibility conversations circulating when the announcement trailer revealed that players would no longer be forced to use motion controls. But now the conversation is surrounding locking players out of being able to fast travel.
Nintendo hasn’t yet commented on the concerns being raised. The Legend of Skyward Sword is to launch July 16, 2021, for the Nintendo Switch.
