Link’s landmark Nintendo 64 adventure returns with overhauled visuals, fully voiced cutscenes and modernized controls.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is officially being remade for Nintendo Switch 2.
Series producer Eiji Aonuma revealed the first gameplay during Nintendo’s Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct presentation. The remake will launch on November 5, 2026.
Nintendo also unveiled a Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition Nintendo Switch 2 console, arriving one week earlier on October 29.
Ocarina Of Time Returns With Completely New Visuals
Originally released for Nintendo 64 in 1998, Ocarina of Time became one of the most celebrated and influential video games ever made. The remake rebuilds Link’s landmark adventure for a new generation instead of simply improving the original game’s resolution.
Visuals have been completely overhauled, including updated materials and textures throughout Hyrule. Locations have been remodeled with new details, and players can move the camera more freely to explore their surroundings.
The game will also feature faster loading times, smoother performance and refreshed sound effects. Symphonic orchestral music will give its familiar score a fuller cinematic presentation.
Nintendo says Link’s actions will feel faster and more satisfying. Players can jump and run freely using newly added button commands, while the Right Stick provides improved camera control.
Hyrule Will Feel More Alive
Characters Link meets during his journey will now be fully voiced during expanded cutscenes.
Nintendo has also added more character dialogue throughout the adventure. The change should bring additional personality to Hyrule’s residents while expanding conversations that were limited by the original hardware.
The day-and-night cycle will continue regardless of Link’s location, including towns. In the original game, time stopped in several areas once Link entered them.
These changes are designed to make the world feel more active without abandoning the structure, dungeons and story that defined the 1998 adventure.
Threads Of Time Tracks Link’s Journey
A new feature called Threads of Time will help players follow the story and determine where they need to go next.
Players can check their progress and current objective at any point during the adventure. A large tapestry will gradually fill in as Link’s journey continues, creating a visual record of the story.
The feature should make the game more approachable for newcomers or anyone returning after taking a break. It also addresses an area where older adventure games could leave players unsure about their next destination.
Players Can Hum Ocarina Songs
Ocarina of Time will use the Nintendo Switch 2 system’s built-in microphone for a new musical feature.
Players can hum one of the melodies Link has learned while standing within range of the microphone. Link will recognize the tune and perform the song on his ocarina inside the game.
The feature will also respond to real instruments, including two new ocarinas arriving later this year. One will be a traditional playable instrument, while an electronic version from HORI can produce individual notes or complete songs with the press of a button.
Zelda Notes Adds Quests, Records And Quizzes
Ocarina of Time will receive dedicated support through Zelda Notes, a game-specific service available inside the Nintendo Switch App for compatible smart devices.
Today’s Record will provide a chronological overview of a player’s daily accomplishments. It will also display statistics, including the number of enemies defeated.
Gossip Quest will challenge players to locate places in Hyrule using hint images displayed on their smart devices. Completing these challenges earns points that can unlock music scores for the Play Ocarina feature.
Play Ocarina turns the device’s touchscreen into a virtual instrument. Players can follow a guide, listen to songs automatically or create original music scores that can be shared through QR codes.
An Ocarina of Time Quiz will feature more than 2,000 questions, images and other challenges. Players can take the quiz once per day or spend rupees earned inside the game for additional attempts.
Special Physical Edition And New Amiibo Coming
The first print run of the physical Ocarina of Time remake will feature special packaging with textured foil cover art. The commemorative edition will only be available while supplies last.
New Young Link and Young Zelda amiibo figures will launch in 2027. Both figures can unlock special in-game masks inspired by the retro graphics of the original Nintendo 64 release.
Nintendo did not announce an exact release date for the two figures.
The previously announced Mineru’s Construct amiibo for Tears of the Kingdom will arrive on September 17, 2026.
Zelda Nintendo Switch 2 Console Launches First
The Nintendo Switch 2 – The Legend of Zelda – 40th Anniversary Edition launches on October 29, 2026.
The special-edition console features a Triforce-inspired design celebrating the franchise’s four-decade history. Nintendo will also release a matching Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.
The anniversary controller will be sold separately and offered in another package that includes a display stand. A matching Nintendo Switch 2 carrying case with a screen protector will also be available.
Fans will be able to purchase the commemorative console one week before Link’s remade adventure begins and will have the official movie to look forward to in 2027.
The Nintendo Switch 2 – The Legend of Zelda – 40th Anniversary Edition launches October 29, followed by The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on November 5, 2026.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
