If you thought Nintendo was simply giving The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time a shiny new coat of paint, think again.

Nintendo has finally pulled back the curtain on its Ocarina of Time remake for Nintendo Switch 2, and this is looking much bigger than a standard HD remaster. During the September 8, 2026 Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct, series producer Eiji Aonuma revealed the first substantial gameplay footage alongside the game’s release date, pricing, preorder details, physical edition, new gameplay systems, expanded story presentation, upgraded controls and a surprisingly large collection of new features.

The big date to remember is November 5, 2026.

That’s when The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time launches worldwide, exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2.

And Nintendo isn’t treating the legendary 1998 adventure like a museum piece. The remake has been rebuilt with completely overhauled visuals, fully voiced cutscenes, expanded dialogue, modern camera and movement controls, refreshed sound design, symphonic orchestral music and new systems such as Threads of Time.

There is also expanded ZELDA NOTES support through the Nintendo Switch App, microphone-based ocarina functionality, new physical ocarinas, new amiibo planned for 2027 and special Zelda 40th Anniversary hardware.

Here is everything Nintendo has confirmed so far.

If you’re curious how we got here, the road to this reveal has been building for a while. Anniversary Anticipation: our earlier report tracked whether Nintendo would finally give the remake a firm launch window. For more, read our story on the Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct speculation.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake Release Date

The remake launches on:

November 5, 2026

Nintendo has confirmed that the game is exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2. It is not being released as a standard Nintendo Switch title.

Nintendo’s official Japanese listing confirms the November 5 release date, while Nintendo Australia’s official website also lists the same launch date and currently has the game available for preorder.

So, if you’re still playing on the original Switch, there is no standard Switch version of this remake to fall back on.

November is shaping up to be a busy month for long-awaited launches. Launch Window Watch: Capcom recently gave one of its own dormant franchises a firm release date after a long wait. For more, check out our coverage of Onimusha: Way of the Sword’s September 4 launch.

Ocarina of Time Remake Price Confirmed

The pricing that appeared early on the Australian Nintendo Store ahead of the Zelda Direct turned out to be accurate.

The confirmed digital prices are:

Region	Digital price
United States	$59.99 USD
United Kingdom	£49.99 GBP
Europe	€59.99 EUR
Australia	$94.95 AUD

Nintendo officially confirmed the $59.99 USD price as part of its Zelda 40th Anniversary announcement.

Nintendo’s Australian listing confirms the Australian release, preorder information and $94.95 AUD digital price. That price had originally been spotted on the Australian Nintendo Store before the September 8 Direct and was later confirmed following the presentation. The earlier Australian pricing report correctly placed the game between Nintendo’s higher- and lower-priced Switch 2 releases in the region.

Pricing disputes are not unique to Nintendo this year. Money Matters: another major console maker is currently tangled up in a much larger financial fight tied to its hardware. For more, read our story on Sony’s $508 million PS5 tariff refund battle.

There Is a Physical Version — And Collectors Get Something Special

Yes, Ocarina of Time is getting a physical release.

And Nintendo is giving collectors a pretty tempting reason to grab an early copy.

The first print run will feature special packaging with textured foil cover art.

Nintendo says this special packaging will be available while supplies last, so it is being positioned as a limited first-run collectible rather than a permanent packaging design.

In Australia, the earlier Nintendo Store listing showed a physical equivalent price of $109.95 AUD, compared with the $94.95 AUD digital version. That Australian physical price should be treated as the relevant retail figure, although individual retailers may set different final prices or promotions.

Switch 2 owners have had a rocky few weeks outside of preorders too. Hardware Headache: a wave of unexpected account issues recently hit the platform right as this remake was being teased. For more, see our report on the Nintendo Switch 2 ban wave and server error.

How to Preorder Ocarina of Time Remake

Preorders are already open.

Nintendo’s official U.S. store lists the game for $59.99 with preorder availability. Nintendo Australia’s official game page also currently lists the game as “Pre-order now” with the November 5 release date.

For collectors specifically chasing the textured-foil first-print packaging, preordering is worth considering because Nintendo says that special packaging is available only while supplies last.

First Ocarina of Time Remake Gameplay Is Finally Here

The September 8 Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct delivered the first substantial gameplay look at the remake.

Nintendo describes the project as the classic 1998 adventure being “reborn” for Nintendo Switch 2.

That word matters.

This isn’t simply the original game running at a higher resolution. Nintendo has changed how the adventure looks, moves, sounds and presents its story while keeping its core identity intact.

The story still follows Link through Hyrule as he attempts to stop Ganondorf from obtaining the Triforce and taking control of the kingdom.

But almost every part of the presentation has received attention.

Completely Overhauled Visuals

The visual upgrade goes far beyond applying a resolution boost to the Nintendo 64 original.

Nintendo says the visuals have been “completely overhauled down to the textures of each material.”

Locations have been remodeled with additional environmental detail, and the camera can now be freely moved in areas where the original game used a much more restricted presentation.

The goal is to preserve the recognizable structure of Hyrule while making the world look and feel like a modern Nintendo Switch 2 production.

For longtime players, that means familiar locations should still feel like Ocarina of Time—just dramatically reimagined for modern hardware.

Visual and technical upgrades like this are a hot topic across the industry right now. Tech Talk: one recent graphics leak has players experimenting with next-generation visuals well before their official rollout. For more, read our piece on Nvidia’s leaked DLSS 5 already being modded into games.

Fully Voiced Cutscenes and Expanded Character Dialogue

One of the biggest changes for veteran players is the introduction of fully voiced character dialogue during expanded cutscenes.

Nintendo says characters Link encounters will have considerably more to say, with expanded scenes adding dialogue throughout the adventure.

That is a major departure from the original Ocarina of Time, where characters primarily communicated through text boxes and sound effects.

So the remake isn’t merely rebuilding Hyrule. It is also expanding how the game’s story and characters are presented.

QoL Corner: another popular title recently rolled out a fresh batch of tracking and comfort features for its players. For more, see our breakdown of Phasmophobia’s Quality of Life Part 2 update.

Symphonic Orchestral Music Is Coming Too

The soundtrack is getting a major refresh.

Nintendo confirms that the remake features symphonic orchestral music, giving the classic compositions a new presentation while retaining the musical identity that has been associated with Ocarina of Time for decades.

Sound effects have also been refreshed.

For a game this iconic, hearing its familiar music rebuilt with a symphonic presentation could end up being one of the remake’s most memorable upgrades.

Merch Moment: another long-running series recently brought back a rare collectible variant that fans had been chasing for years. For more, read our story on Armored Mewtwo’s return for Pokémon GO Fest 2026.

Link Can Finally Jump and Move More Freely

Movement has also been modernized.

Nintendo says players can now jump and run freely using newly added button commands.

The remake also introduces improved camera control through the Right Stick.

That should make basic traversal feel considerably more intuitive for players who have grown accustomed to modern 3D Zelda games.

It is also a significant change because the original Ocarina of Time was built around the control philosophy of the Nintendo 64 era.

A Much More Flexible Camera

The camera is getting a serious upgrade of its own.

Players can freely move the camera in remodeled locations, while the Right Stick provides modern camera control.

The intention is to make exploration and combat feel more natural for contemporary players without abandoning the game’s classic structure.

In other words, the remake is trying to remove some of the friction of playing a late-1990s 3D adventure without turning it into a completely different game.

Mystery Watch: one recent industry leak reopened an entirely different long-running mystery that fans still can’t get answers on. For more, check out our coverage of the Valve Steam leak reopening the Half-Life 2: Episode Three mystery.

Hyrule’s Day/Night Cycle Now Keeps Moving Indoors

Here’s a smaller change that could make familiar areas feel surprisingly different.

The remake’s day/night cycle continues even when Link is inside towns.

That means the passage of time is no longer as restricted by location as it was in the original experience.

Familiar areas can therefore have a different atmosphere depending on when Link visits them.

It’s a relatively subtle modernization, but it could make Hyrule feel more dynamic.

Threads of Time Gives Players a Better Handle on Their Adventure

One of the remake’s completely new gameplay features is Threads of Time.

The system is designed to help players track their adventure and understand where they currently stand in their progression.

At any point, players can check:

• Their progress through the story
• Their next objective
• Their overall journey

There is also a large tapestry that gradually fills in as the adventure progresses, visually representing the player’s journey.

This appears to function partly as a modern quality-of-life feature for players who might return to the game after a break and completely forget where they were or what they were supposed to do next.

For a sprawling classic adventure, that could be a genuinely useful addition.

Big revivals like this one aren’t limited to Nintendo this year either. What’s Next: another beloved franchise is bringing back a major format with a whole new twist for its next entry. For more, read our story on Danganronpa 2×2’s confirmed January 2027 release date.

You Can Actually Hum Ocarina Songs Into the Switch 2

Nintendo is also making one of the game’s most recognizable mechanics much more interactive.

Players can hum a learned song into the Nintendo Switch 2’s built-in microphone, and Link will play the corresponding melody on his ocarina in the game.

The game can also respond to compatible physical instruments, including new ocarinas arriving later in 2026.

This is easily one of the remake’s strangest—and coolest—additions, and it connects directly to the wider Zelda 40th Anniversary merchandise lineup.

ZELDA NOTES Brings a Whole New Layer of Features

Ocarina of Time will also receive dedicated support through ZELDA NOTES, a game-specific service inside the Nintendo Switch App for compatible smart devices.

Nintendo has already used ZELDA NOTES with the Nintendo Switch 2 versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, but the Ocarina of Time version introduces several new functions.

Today’s Record

Today’s Record lets players track their daily accomplishments.

The feature can display information including:

• Progress made during the day
• Enemies defeated
• Other adventure statistics

Essentially, it acts as an external record of the player’s ongoing journey.

Gossip Quest

Gossip Quest turns exploration into a location-finding challenge.

Players receive a hint image on their smart device and must identify the corresponding location inside the game.

Successfully finding locations earns points toward music scores for the virtual ocarina.

Play Ocarina

The ZELDA NOTES app also includes a virtual ocarina.

Players can use their smart device’s touchscreen to play melodies, follow a guide, let songs play automatically or create their own music scores.

Nintendo says custom scores can be shared using QR codes.

Ocarina of Time Quiz

Think you know Ocarina of Time inside and out?

Nintendo has a daily quiz ready for you.

The Ocarina of Time Quiz contains more than 2,000 questions, including questions involving images.

Players can take the quiz once per day. Additional attempts can be obtained by spending rupees earned in the game.

Mystery Watch: one recent industry leak reopened an entirely different long-running mystery that fans still can’t get answers on. For more, check out our coverage of the Valve Steam leak reopening the Half-Life 2: Episode Three mystery.

New Physical Ocarinas Are Also Coming

Nintendo isn’t stopping at the software.

The company has announced two different physical ocarina products:

• A playable ocarina designed for fans who want to perform melodies themselves
• An electric ocarina from HORI that can play individual notes or entire songs using button presses

Both instruments are scheduled to arrive later in 2026.

The physical instruments can also interact with the game. Nintendo says Ocarina of Time can respond when players use the new instruments within range of the Switch 2’s built-in microphone.

Young Link and Young Zelda Amiibo Are Coming in 2027

Two new Ocarina of Time amiibo figures are also planned.

Young Link and Young Zelda amiibo are scheduled for 2027.

Nintendo says these figures will unlock special in-game masks featuring a retro graphical style.

Existing The Legend of Zelda amiibo figures will also provide in-game extras, so players won’t necessarily need the new 2027 figures to use amiibo functionality.

Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 Arrives Before the Game

The remake is just one part of Nintendo’s larger Zelda 40th Anniversary celebration.

Nintendo is releasing a special Nintendo Switch 2 – The Legend of Zelda – 40th Anniversary Edition on October 29, 2026, exactly one week before Ocarina of Time launches.

The themed console features a Triforce-inspired design across the console and dock.

Nintendo is also producing matching anniversary accessories, including:

• Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller – The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition
• A version of the Pro Controller sold with a display stand
• Nintendo Switch 2 carrying case with screen protector

All of these feature Zelda-themed Triforce designs.

The Pro Controller with display stand has limited availability in the United States and will be sold through Nintendo Store locations as well as Nintendo’s New York and San Francisco stores. Regional availability may differ.

Is Ocarina of Time a Remaster or a Full Remake?

Nintendo is consistently framing this project as a remake, not simply Nintendo 64 emulation or a conventional HD remaster.

And the list of changes makes that distinction pretty clear.

The remake includes:

• Completely overhauled visuals
• Remodeled locations
• New camera controls
• Modernized movement
• Expanded dialogue
• Fully voiced cutscenes
• Refreshed sound
• Symphonic orchestral music
• New progression-tracking features
• Expanded ocarina functionality
• ZELDA NOTES integration

Nintendo describes the classic adventure as being “reborn” for a new generation.

Is Ocarina of Time Remake Coming to the Original Nintendo Switch?

No.

Nintendo has officially listed The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time as a Nintendo Switch 2-exclusive title.

The original Nintendo Switch is therefore not receiving this remake.

That fits Nintendo’s current strategy of building a separate library of games specifically designed around Switch 2 hardware.

Ocarina of Time Remake File Size

Nintendo’s Australian product listing currently gives the game’s estimated download size as 27GB.

That’s considerably larger than the original Nintendo 64 release, although that difference isn’t surprising given the remake’s rebuilt assets, remodeled environments, voiced scenes, refreshed audio and modern presentation.

Nintendo also notes that the file size is an estimate and could change before launch.

What Nintendo Hasn’t Revealed Yet

Despite the huge amount of information shown during the Direct, Nintendo hasn’t answered every question.

The following details remain unknown:

• The full extent of gameplay changes
• Whether every original dungeon and side activity remains unchanged
• The complete list of visual or environmental alterations
• Detailed technical performance specifications
• The complete list of amiibo rewards
• Final regional pricing for every market
• Whether additional post-launch content is planned

Nintendo’s official product page also warns that information such as download size may not be finalized before preorder.

So while the remake is clearly much more ambitious than a straightforward remaster, some of its biggest gameplay and technical details are still under wraps.

Ocarina of Time Remake: Everything Confirmed at a Glance

Detail	Confirmed information
Game	The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Platform	Nintendo Switch 2
Release date	November 5, 2026
Digital US price	$59.99
Digital UK price	£49.99
Digital Europe price	€59.99
Digital Australia price	$94.95 AUD
Australian physical price	$109.95 AUD
Estimated download size	27GB
Players	1
Physical edition	Yes
Special first-print packaging	Textured foil cover art
Voice acting	Yes
Orchestral soundtrack	Yes
Modern camera	Yes
Free movement/jumping	Yes
Threads of Time	Yes
ZELDA NOTES	Yes
Young Link/Young Zelda amiibo	2027
Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2	October 29, 2026

The Verdict: Nintendo Is Giving Ocarina of Time a Serious Second Life

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is shaping up to be one of Nintendo’s most ambitious classic-game revivals yet.

The biggest surprise isn’t just the visual overhaul.

Nintendo is rebuilding the experience around modern expectations while keeping the identity of the original adventure intact. Fully voiced scenes, expanded dialogue, free camera control, modern movement, an evolving day/night cycle, orchestral music and the new Threads of Time system all go well beyond what you’d normally expect from a straightforward HD remaster.

The $59.99 USD / £49.99 / €59.99 / $94.95 AUD digital price is now official, while Australian players can already preorder through Nintendo’s store.

The physical edition could be especially attractive to collectors because its first print run comes with textured foil packaging that will only be available while supplies last.

Then there is everything surrounding the game: ZELDA NOTES, the virtual ocarina, physical ocarinas, the new Threads of Time progression system, Young Link and Young Zelda amiibo, and the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 hardware.

With a November 5, 2026 launch date, Ocarina of Time is now positioned as one of the biggest Nintendo Switch 2 releases of the holiday season—and a centerpiece of Nintendo’s 40th Anniversary celebration.

For longtime Zelda fans, the question is no longer whether Nintendo is doing something with Ocarina of Time.

We now know exactly when the adventure returns, how much it costs and just how dramatically Nintendo is rebuilding it.

The remaining mystery is how far those changes ultimately go.

And that’s the part players will be watching closely as November 5 gets closer.

Disclaimer: Prices, preorder availability, regional editions and hardware availability can vary by market and retailer. Nintendo also notes that some product information, including download size, may change before launch. This article reflects the latest officially confirmed information available as of September 9, 2026.

Sources

• Nintendo — The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct announcement
• Nintendo Australia — Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2
• Nintendo — Ocarina of Time official product page
• Nintendo — Zelda 40th Anniversary official site
• Nintendo UK — Zelda 40th Anniversary page
• Nintendo Life — confirmed Ocarina of Time pricing and box art
• Vooks — original Australian pricing report

Featured Image Credit: Nintendo