Ocarina of Time Remake Gameplay is finally here! Nintendo has officially revealed its plans for The Legend of Zelda’s 40th anniversary, and the celebration is much bigger than a simple collection of merchandise.
During a special Nintendo Direct presentation, Nintendo announced new games, accessories, concerts, collectibles and experiences planned for 2026 and 2027. The biggest announcement, at least for a lot of us, was The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake.
The classic Nintendo 64 adventure is being remade for Nintendo Switch 2 with new visuals, updated controls, expanded dialogue, fully voiced cutscenes and orchestral music. It will launch on November 5, 2026.
As someone whose content has been deeply connected to Ocarina of Time, seeing Nintendo bring this version of Hyrule into a new era feels incredibly special.
Ocarina of Time Returns on Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo shared the first gameplay footage of the new version of Ocarina of Time Remake during the anniversary presentation.
The game has been rebuilt with completely updated visuals, including redesigned locations and new textures. Nintendo is also improving performance, shortening loading times and refreshing the game’s sound.
Movement will be different from the original Nintendo 64 release. Players will be able to use new button commands to run and jump, while the Right Stick will provide more direct camera control.
The day and night cycle will also continue while Link is inside towns. This should make Hyrule feel more connected and active than it did in the original game.
You can learn more on the official Ocarina of Time Nintendo Switch 2 page.
Fully Voiced Cutscenes and Expanded Dialogue
One of the biggest changes is the addition of fully voiced cutscenes.
Characters will also have more dialogue, giving players new opportunities to learn about the people and places found throughout Hyrule. Nintendo says locations have been fully remodelled and now include additional details.
For longtime fans, this could change the way familiar scenes feel without replacing the story that made the original game so memorable.
I am especially curious to hear how Nintendo approaches the voices of characters such as Zelda, Ganondorf, Navi and the Sages. Voice acting is a major change for a game that many of us have known for decades.
Threads of Time Will Help Players Follow the Story
A new feature called Threads of Time will let players review their progress and check their next objective.
As the adventure continues, a large tapestry will gradually fill with moments from Link’s journey. This sounds like a useful addition for new players, especially those who may not know where to go after taking a break from the game.
It could also provide a beautiful visual record of the story for longtime fans returning to Hyrule.
Players Can Hum Ocarina Songs
Nintendo is taking the word “ocarina” very seriously this time.
Using the Nintendo Switch 2 system’s built-in microphone, players will be able to hum one of the songs Link has learned. If the game recognizes the melody, Link will perform it on his ocarina.
Nintendo is also planning two physical ocarinas. One will be a playable instrument, while an electronic version from HORI will play notes or complete songs with the press of a button.
The game will be able to respond to these instruments when they are played within range of the Nintendo Switch 2 microphone.
It is a creative idea that connects the real-world experience of playing an ocarina with one of the game’s most important mechanics.
A Special Physical Edition Is Coming
The first print run of the physical version will include special packaging with textured foil cover art. It will only be available while supplies last.
Nintendo has not described this release as a collector’s edition, but the limited first-print packaging will likely interest collectors and longtime Zelda fans.
The game will be released on November 5, 2026, one week after Nintendo launches its anniversary-themed hardware and accessories.
Zelda 40th Anniversary Nintendo Switch 2 and Accessories
On October 29, 2026, Nintendo will release a dedicated Nintendo Switch 2 system celebrating The Legend of Zelda’s 40th anniversary.
The celebration will also include:
- A Zelda 40th Anniversary Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
- A version of the Pro Controller packaged with a display stand
- A Zelda-themed carrying case
- A screen protector
- Triforce designs across the anniversary accessories
According to Nintendo, the Pro Controller package with the display stand will be exclusive to Nintendo Store.
Young Link and Young Zelda amiibo Arrive in 2027
New amiibo figures based on Young Link and Young Zelda from Ocarina of Time will launch in 2027.
These figures can unlock special masks that give the game a retro-inspired graphical style. Nintendo has not yet provided the exact release date.
A Mineru’s Construct amiibo for Tears of the Kingdom will also be released on September 17, 2026.
ZELDA NOTES Adds Ocarina of Time Features
Ocarina of Time will receive support through ZELDA NOTES in the Nintendo Switch App.
Planned features include:
Today’s Record
Players can review a timeline of their daily progress, including accomplishments and statistics such as the number of enemies defeated.
Gossip Quest
Players will receive an image showing a location somewhere in the game. Finding that place will award points that can be used toward music scores.
Play Ocarina
The smartphone touchscreen can become a virtual ocarina. Players will be able to follow a guide, listen to songs automatically or create music that can be shared through QR codes.
Ocarina of Time Quiz
A daily quiz will test players with a collection of more than 2,000 questions. Additional attempts can be unlocked by spending rupees earned in the game.
Zelda’s 40th Anniversary Concert Goes on Tour
The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Concert series will travel around the world in 2027.
The tour will begin in Tokyo in January, followed by:
- Chicago in February
- London in April
- Melbourne in May
The concerts will feature music from across the series, combining classic themes with more recent Zelda soundtracks.
Additional dates and locations will be shared through the official Zelda concert website.
LEGO Ocarina of Time and an Electronic Master Sword
Nintendo’s partners are also joining the celebration.
A LEGO The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – Link & Epona set will arrive in spring 2027. The set will contain 1,750 pieces and is being designed as a collectible display model for adults.
Hasbro is also creating a 27-inch electronic Master Sword with more than 15 sounds activated through touch and movement. It is also scheduled for spring 2027.
The Legend of Zelda Movie Arrives in 2027
Nintendo also confirmed that the live-action movie, officially titled The Legend of Zelda, will open in theatres worldwide on April 30, 2027.
The movie is being produced by Nintendo, Arad Productions Inc. and Sony Pictures Entertainment, Inc. Nintendo describes it as an original film inspired by the stories, ideas and concepts established throughout the series’ 40-year history.
My Thoughts on the New Character Designs
After watching the gameplay reveal, there is one thing I’m still trying to get used to: the new character designs.
If I’m being completely honest, I’m not entirely sold on the new looks for Link and Princess Zelda yet. There’s a slightly more doll-like appearance to them than I expected, and as someone who grew up playing the original Nintendo 64 version, it wasn’t quite what I imagined when thinking about an Ocarina of Time remake.
That said, when I compare the new designs side-by-side with the original character models and artwork, they really aren’t as different as some people are making them out to be. In many ways, Nintendo appears to have remained surprisingly faithful to the source material while modernizing the visuals for a new generation of players.
It may simply be a matter of time and adjustment.
What makes me a little sad, however, is seeing how much of the conversation online has turned into arguments about how the characters look. Everyone seems ready to become a critic before they’ve even had the opportunity to experience the game for themselves.
Personally, I’d rather wait until the game is released before making any final judgments. If the remake ends up not being for you, that’s perfectly okay. The original Nintendo 64 version still exists, and the Nintendo 3DS remaster remains one of the best ways to experience this incredible adventure.
At the end of the day, we’re all here because we love The Legend of Zelda. Whether you prefer the original, the 3DS version, or this new remake, I think there’s room for all of them to coexist.
For now, I’m choosing to keep an open mind and focus on what excited me most from the presentation: finally seeing gameplay, learning the release date, and getting ready to return to Hyrule on November 5.
This Is Only the Beginning
The Legend of Zelda has changed significantly since its first adventure launched in 1986, but every generation has its own connection to Hyrule.
Some players began with “It’s dangerous to go alone.” Others remember Navi shouting “Hey! Listen!” A newer generation first heard Zelda telling Link to open his eyes.
For me, Ocarina of Time will always hold a particularly important place in that history.
Nintendo appears to understand how much this game means to its fans. The updated visuals are exciting, but I am most interested in seeing how the remake balances new ideas with the atmosphere, music and storytelling of the original.
The wait until November 5 has officially begun.
What was your favourite announcement from the Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct? Are you excited about the return of Ocarina of Time, or is another part of the celebration at the top of your list?
