Nintendo used its Zelda 40th Anniversary Nintendo Direct to reveal a full remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
The presentation, held to mark four decades of the franchise, included the first gameplay footage, a confirmed release date and a slate of anniversary hardware, merchandise and events that will run into 2027.
Series producer Eiji Aonuma unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of Ocarina of Time and confirmed the game will launch on Nov. 5, 2026.
Aonuma framed the project as a comprehensive modernization of Link’s landmark 1998 adventure, rebuilt for modern hardware with updated systems and presentation.
What’s new in the Ocarina of Time remake
- Overhauled visuals and performance: Textures, assets and performance have been reworked for smoother frame rates and faster load times, accompanied by refreshed sound design and newly recorded symphonic orchestral music.
- Controls and camera: Movement has been expanded with additional button-based actions and improved camera control using the right stick, adapting the original design for contemporary controller layouts.
- Fully voiced characters and expanded scenes: Cutscenes and many character interactions have been enhanced with full voice acting and new dialogue to increase immersion.
- Playable ocarina features: Nintendo confirmed players can hum melodies into the Nintendo Switch 2’s built-in microphone, and Link will replicate those tunes in-game.
Nintendo also announced a playable ocarina and an electric HORI ocarina accessory arriving later this year.
ZELDA NOTES, hardware and anniversaries
Nintendo is expanding ZELDA NOTES — the companion features accessible through the Nintendo Switch App for compatible smart devices — to support Ocarina of Time with tools like Today’s Record, the Gossip Quest image-based location hints, a virtual touchscreen ocarina, and an Ocarina of Time quiz with over 2,000 questions.
Separate anniversary hardware and merchandise were detailed: a Nintendo Switch 2 – The Legend of Zelda – 40th Anniversary Edition system and related Pro Controller editions arriving Oct. 29; first-print physical copies of Ocarina of Time with special textured foil packaging while supplies last; new amiibo including Mineru’s Construct (Sept. 17) and Young Link/Young Zelda amiibo slated for 2027; and partner collectibles such as LEGO’s Ocarina of Time set and Hasbro’s Electronic Master Sword in spring 2027.
Events tied to the anniversary include a global Zelda 40th concert tour (Japan, North America, Europe and Australia dates announced) and expanded programming at the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto, with museum activities and a Super Family Restaurant opening in fall 2026.
For pre-orders, additional details and to purchase digital and physical editions, Nintendo points users to the Nintendo Store and Nintendo eShop.
The Direct positioned the Ocarina of Time remake as a major centerpiece of Zelda’s 40th Anniversary line-up across Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 platforms.
The presentation, held to mark four decades of the franchise, included the first gameplay footage, a confirmed release date and a slate of anniversary hardware, merchandise and events that will run into 2027.
Series producer Eiji Aonuma unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of Ocarina of Time and confirmed the game will launch on Nov. 5, 2026.
Aonuma framed the project as a comprehensive modernization of Link’s landmark 1998 adventure, rebuilt for modern hardware with updated systems and presentation.
What’s new in the Ocarina of Time remake
- Overhauled visuals and performance: Textures, assets and performance have been reworked for smoother frame rates and faster load times, accompanied by refreshed sound design and newly recorded symphonic orchestral music.
- Controls and camera: Movement has been expanded with additional button-based actions and improved camera control using the right stick, adapting the original design for contemporary controller layouts.
- Fully voiced characters and expanded scenes: Cutscenes and many character interactions have been enhanced with full voice acting and new dialogue to increase immersion.
- Playable ocarina features: Nintendo confirmed players can hum melodies into the Nintendo Switch 2’s built-in microphone, and Link will replicate those tunes in-game.
Nintendo also announced a playable ocarina and an electric HORI ocarina accessory arriving later this year.
ZELDA NOTES, hardware and anniversaries
Nintendo is expanding ZELDA NOTES — the companion features accessible through the Nintendo Switch App for compatible smart devices — to support Ocarina of Time with tools like Today’s Record, the Gossip Quest image-based location hints, a virtual touchscreen ocarina, and an Ocarina of Time quiz with over 2,000 questions.
Separate anniversary hardware and merchandise were detailed: a Nintendo Switch 2 – The Legend of Zelda – 40th Anniversary Edition system and related Pro Controller editions arriving Oct. 29; first-print physical copies of Ocarina of Time with special textured foil packaging while supplies last; new amiibo including Mineru’s Construct (Sept. 17) and Young Link/Young Zelda amiibo slated for 2027; and partner collectibles such as LEGO’s Ocarina of Time set and Hasbro’s Electronic Master Sword in spring 2027.
Events tied to the anniversary include a global Zelda 40th concert tour (Japan, North America, Europe and Australia dates announced) and expanded programming at the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto, with museum activities and a Super Family Restaurant opening in fall 2026.
For pre-orders, additional details and to purchase digital and physical editions, Nintendo points users to the Nintendo Store and Nintendo eShop.
The Direct positioned the Ocarina of Time remake as a major centerpiece of Zelda’s 40th Anniversary line-up across Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 platforms.
