Ocarina of Time Remake Tops Metacritic 2026 with a 96 on Nintendo Switch 2

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The Ocarina of Time remake has opened to unanimously strong critical reception on Nintendo's latest hardware.

Released for the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026, the remade classic — published by Nintendo — has already achieved a Metascore of 96 on Metacritic based on 81 critic reviews, placing it at the top of the site's Best Games of 2026 list and high on Metacritic's all-time rankings.

Metacritic standings and context

At the time of reporting, the remake's 96 Metascore positions it ahead of several high-profile releases on Metacritic's 2026 chart.

Sektori holds a 93 score in second place, followed by Resident Evil 2: Deluxe Edition at 93, The Witcher III: Wild Hunt - Remaster at 92, and Big Walk at 91.

On Metacritic's all-time list, the Ocarina of Time remake sits at number 27, above notable entries such as Skyrim and Half-Life.

The original The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remains the site's highest-rated game with a Metascore of 99.

The remake is also the highest-rated Nintendo Switch 2 release on Metacritic to date, surpassing Tears of the Kingdom - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (95), Hades II (95), and Breath of the Wild - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition (94).

Metacritic rankings are dynamic and can change as additional critic reviews are added to the aggregate.

Rewriting the notable line

A popular one-liner capturing the conversation around the remake — "Your move, GTA" — can be restated in clear journalistic terms: the remake's strong critical reception puts the ball in Rockstar Games' court, highlighting how a major legacy re-release can set a high benchmark for forthcoming AAA launches.

Why the numbers matter

Beyond headline Metascore figures, the remake's performance is notable for how it reflects both the enduring legacy of the 1998 original and Nintendo's ongoing ability to reintroduce legacy IP on new hardware.

For industry observers, the game's placement on year-end and all-time charts will be a useful data point when tracking Nintendo Switch 2 software performance and consumer response to remakes.

Where to follow updates

Readers looking for the latest on rankings and critic coverage can monitor Metacritic for changes to the Metascore and consult official Nintendo channels for updates related to the remake, including eShop availability and post-launch support details.

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