Title image: @jen.the.nerdy.gem
In short: The Zelda Ocarina of Time remake launches on 5 November 2026, exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2. It retells the story of the 1998 N64 classic with new graphics, voiced cutscenes, a jump button and ocarina songs you can play into the console's microphone if you like.
Link has waited 28 years for this moment. If you stepped onto Hyrule Field for the first time in 1998 with an N64 controller in your hands, you know the feeling: Ocarina of Time was the first big 3D adventure for many of us and cost us plenty of sleepless nights. Now the classic returns as a remake. I've gathered what we know, what's new and how to celebrate the launch in style. You'll find fitting fan merch in our Zelda collection.
When is the Zelda Ocarina of Time remake released?
The remake launches on Thursday, 5 November 2026, and only on Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo announced the game with a short teaser in a Nintendo Direct on 9 June 2026. The Direct celebrating The Legend of Zelda's 40th anniversary on 8 September 2026 then revealed the first gameplay and the release date.
The idea isn't entirely new: Ocarina of Time 3D already brought a reworked version to the Nintendo 3DS in 2011. The new remake goes much further and rebuilds Hyrule from scratch for the big console.
What's new in the Ocarina of Time remake?
The story stays as it was: Link travels between two eras of Hyrule to stop Ganondorf. Around it, plenty has changed. Link can now sprint, swims faster and jumps at the press of a button instead of automatically. The camera is fully controllable, you can aim with motion controls if you want and you switch items by scrolling like in Breath of the Wild.
For the first time, the cutscenes are fully voiced. Castle Town is now a place you can explore freely instead of a backdrop with a fixed camera. And time keeps moving everywhere, even in towns and buildings where it stood still in the original. If you lose track, the new Threads of Time log gives you a story recap and your current goal.
My favourite detail: you can play the ocarina songs yourself into the Switch 2 microphone. Whether your neighbours enjoy that at midnight is another question. In a game that revolves around time, the Zelda Hyrule Logo Pocket Watch helps you keep an eye on it. By the way, Nintendo deliberately kept some loading screens to preserve the feel of the original.
Why Ocarina of Time has stayed with fans since 1998
In 1998, Ocarina of Time showed what an adventure in 3D could feel like. The moment Link draws the Master Sword in the Temple of Time and wakes up seven years later as an adult is one of the strongest scenes in gaming history for me. If you'd like that moment on your wall, go for the Zelda Master Sword Light-Up Wall Art.
Then there are the melodies that still stick in your head and the wide expanse of Hyrule Field, which you gallop across on Epona. You can bring the field to your breakfast table with the Zelda Hyrule Field Mug. And if you'd rather wear the Master Sword than hang it up, grab the Master Sword in the Forest T-Shirt.
Recurring characters and highlights in Ocarina of Time
Much of what still defines the Zelda series began in Ocarina of Time or found its best-known form there. You'll meet these characters and ideas again in the remake.
Ganondorf. In Ocarina of Time, the King of the Gerudo appears in human form for the first time. Before that, fans mainly knew him as the monster Ganon. Ever since, Ganondorf has been the villain every new Zelda game gets measured against.
Epona. Link's loyal mare makes her debut here. As a child, you learn Epona's Song from Malon. As an adult, you use it to gallop across Hyrule Field. For me, one of the most beautiful moments in the whole game.
Navi. The little fairy accompanies Link from the very start and gives him tips. Sometimes helpful, sometimes a bit too often. Her "Hey! Listen!" has long since become a meme among fans.
Skull Kid and the Happy Mask Salesman. You already meet both in Ocarina of Time, but their big moment comes in Majora's Mask. If you look closely, you'll spot the first traces of the sequel here.
The ocarina songs. With melodies like Zelda's Lullaby or the Song of Time, you open paths, call Epona or change the time of day. Many of them return in later games in the series.
Z-Targeting. Locking onto enemies at the press of a button and circling them: Ocarina of Time introduced this in 1998 and many 3D action games adopted it later. Add a day and night cycle that made Hyrule feel truly alive for the first time.
The new graphics: why fans are debating
Ever since the first gameplay showing, fans have been arguing about the new look. Some find the more realistic characters take getting used to, others praise the detailed landscapes. Nintendo wants the style to evoke how fans remember the original. I'm relaxed about it: The Wind Waker and Breath of the Wild also caused an outcry at first and in the end many people fell in love with exactly that style.
How to celebrate the launch at home
A release this big deserves a proper gaming night. My suggestion: clear the sofa, dim the lights and make Hyrule as cosy as Link's treehouse in Kokiri Forest. For long nights in the temples, the Zelda Hylian Shield Cushion makes a great back rest. It won't help against monsters, but it will help against backache.
If you're playing as a pair or taking turns on the temples, raise a toast with the Zelda Link & Zelda Glasses Set of 2. For hot chocolate in between, the Zelda Shield Mug is just right. And the Link Cushion keeps your seat warm while you grab more snacks. As the photo shows, cats love it too. So every guest knows which realm they're entering, put the Zelda Triforce Logo Doormat by the door.
For more ideas for cosy November evenings, check out the post on advent calendars for adults. And if the remake gives you a gift idea, the post on Secret Santa gifts for fans has you covered.
After the credits: Majora's Mask awaits
If you've finished Ocarina of Time, you know what comes next: Majora's Mask arrived in 2000 as a direct sequel, built on the same engine and with a much darker tone. Fittingly, amiibo of Young Link and Young Zelda are due in 2027 and will unlock special masks in the remake.
Until then, the Zelda Majora's Mask Light-Up Statue brings just the right amount of creepiness to your shelf. If you prefer something softer, cuddle up with the Zelda Majora's Mask Cushion. I promise it only stares a little.
FAQ about the Ocarina of Time remake
When is Zelda Ocarina of Time released for Switch 2?
The remake launches on 5 November 2026. Nintendo announced the date on 8 September 2026 in the Direct for Zelda's 40th anniversary.
Is the remake also coming to the original Nintendo Switch?
No, the remake is only available on Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo hasn't announced a version for the original Switch.
Is the story the same as in 1998?
Yes, the story and gameplay stay true to the original. New additions include the graphics, controls, voiced cutscenes and a freely explorable Castle Town.
Can you really play the ocarina yourself?
Yes, if you want to. You can play the songs into the Switch 2 microphone, and the classic button controls are still available too.
Is this the first Ocarina of Time remake?
No, the first was Ocarina of Time 3D for the Nintendo 3DS in 2011. The Switch 2 remake is the second and rebuilds the world from scratch.
And now: off to Hyrule
On 5 November, the Temple of Time opens its doors a second time. Reclaim the sofa, get your ocarina ready and browse our Zelda collection beforehand. Hyrule is waiting.
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