Intro
Famitsu, the influential Japanese games magazine, has published its first review for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on the Switch 2, delivering an early critical benchmark for Nintendo’s high-profile release.
The original Ocarina of Time launched on the Nintendo 64 in 1998 and earned widespread acclaim; the 2011 Nintendo 3DS remaster was also widely reviewed.
This new Switch 2 release is drawing immediate attention from Japanese and international outlets alike.
Famitsu verdict and scoring explained
Famitsu uses a four-reviewer system where each critic awards a score out of 10 and the scores are combined for a total out of 40.
In its latest assessment, Famitsu’s panel gave the Switch 2 version individual scores of 9, 9, 9 and 10, producing a combined 37 out of 40.
Put plainly, Famitsu’s reviewers judged the remake highly, though not quite at the “perfect” level the original N64 release once achieved.
Context: historical Famitsu scores
For comparison, Famitsu awarded the original 1998 Nintendo 64 release a perfect 40/40 when it first reviewed the game.
The 2011 Nintendo 3DS re-release of Ocarina of Time received a 37/40 from the same publication.
The Switch 2 score of 37/40 therefore places the new release on par with the 3DS edition in Famitsu’s estimation.
What this means for players and the industry
A 37/40 from Famitsu signals strong critical reception in Japan during the crucial launch window.
Reviews from other outlets, including planned pieces from Nintendo Life, are expected to provide broader international perspective on the Switch 2 release, covering elements such as technical performance on Nintendo’s latest hardware, user interface changes in the eShop, and any enhancements relative to prior versions.
Rewritten statements in journalistic language
- "Famitsu delivers its final verdict": Famitsu’s review team has published its verdict on the Switch 2 remake, presenting the aggregated score from four critics.
- "It’s been well received by the outlet!": Famitsu’s combined score of 37/40 indicates a positive reception, with reviewers awarding mostly nines and one ten.
- "Are you jumping into the remake this week?": Publishers and outlets are asking players for their reactions to the remake now that early reviews are public.
Next steps and where to read more
Readers should expect additional reviews and a roundup of critical responses from English-language outlets over the next 24–48 hours.
For hands-on impressions, check Nintendo's official channels, the Nintendo eShop listing on Nintendo Switch platforms, and dedicated coverage from sites such as Nintendo Life for in-depth analysis and final verdicts.
Famitsu, the influential Japanese games magazine, has published its first review for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on the Switch 2, delivering an early critical benchmark for Nintendo’s high-profile release.
The original Ocarina of Time launched on the Nintendo 64 in 1998 and earned widespread acclaim; the 2011 Nintendo 3DS remaster was also widely reviewed.
This new Switch 2 release is drawing immediate attention from Japanese and international outlets alike.
Famitsu verdict and scoring explained
Famitsu uses a four-reviewer system where each critic awards a score out of 10 and the scores are combined for a total out of 40.
In its latest assessment, Famitsu’s panel gave the Switch 2 version individual scores of 9, 9, 9 and 10, producing a combined 37 out of 40.
Put plainly, Famitsu’s reviewers judged the remake highly, though not quite at the “perfect” level the original N64 release once achieved.
Context: historical Famitsu scores
For comparison, Famitsu awarded the original 1998 Nintendo 64 release a perfect 40/40 when it first reviewed the game.
The 2011 Nintendo 3DS re-release of Ocarina of Time received a 37/40 from the same publication.
The Switch 2 score of 37/40 therefore places the new release on par with the 3DS edition in Famitsu’s estimation.
What this means for players and the industry
A 37/40 from Famitsu signals strong critical reception in Japan during the crucial launch window.
Reviews from other outlets, including planned pieces from Nintendo Life, are expected to provide broader international perspective on the Switch 2 release, covering elements such as technical performance on Nintendo’s latest hardware, user interface changes in the eShop, and any enhancements relative to prior versions.
Rewritten statements in journalistic language
- "Famitsu delivers its final verdict": Famitsu’s review team has published its verdict on the Switch 2 remake, presenting the aggregated score from four critics.
- "It’s been well received by the outlet!": Famitsu’s combined score of 37/40 indicates a positive reception, with reviewers awarding mostly nines and one ten.
- "Are you jumping into the remake this week?": Publishers and outlets are asking players for their reactions to the remake now that early reviews are public.
Next steps and where to read more
Readers should expect additional reviews and a roundup of critical responses from English-language outlets over the next 24–48 hours.
For hands-on impressions, check Nintendo's official channels, the Nintendo eShop listing on Nintendo Switch platforms, and dedicated coverage from sites such as Nintendo Life for in-depth analysis and final verdicts.
