Nintendo launches Ocarina of Time remake exclusively on Switch 2
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The gist
Nintendo released its Ocarina of Time remake for Switch 2 on Nov 5, priced at $60.
Reviews call it faithful and polished, but some ask whether it feels new.
Background
Nintendo is the publisher and developer behind the remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, the 1998 Nintendo 64 classic, rebuilt from the ground up for its Switch 2 console. The release lands in the series' 40th anniversary year, and Nintendo marked it with themed hardware and Amiibo figures (small NFC figures that unlock in-game extras). It is trending now because the game arrived days ago alongside a wave of reviews and a developer interview series.
How it unfolded
- Jun 12, 2026Nintendo announced the Ocarina of Time remake would come exclusively to Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026.
- Sep 8, 2026Nintendo announced Young Link and Young Zelda Amiibo for 2027 and a Zelda 40th anniversary Switch 2 special edition, available October 29.
- Oct 17, 2026Hands-on impressions of the remake were published.
- Nov 3, 2026Nintendo published Part 4 of its Ask the Developer interview with the game's team, conducted before release.
- Nov 4, 2026Reviews were published, including NPR calling it "superb, streamlined and safe" and CNET calling it "a brilliant remake" at $60.
- Nov 5, 2026The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time launched exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2.
Key terms
- Amiibo
- A Nintendo toys-to-life platform of NFC figurines that interact with supported game consoles and software.
- Nintendo 64
- A home video game console developed and marketed by Nintendo, released in 1996 as its third major home console.
- Breath of the Wild
- A 2017 open-world action-adventure Zelda game in which Link explores Hyrule to defeat Calamity Ganon.
Source: Wikipedia
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Nintendo says the game is built from the ground up with overhauled visuals, voiced cutscenes, expanded dialogue, orchestral music and reworked controls.
- Support
- CNET's Scott Stein said he had "never had more fun replaying a game in my life" and that it outdoes Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom in visual splendor.
- Caution
- NPR's James Perkins Mastromarino called it "superb, streamlined and safe" but said it "left me feeling oddly bereft," with new cutscenes dragging pacing.
- Expert
- Game Informer's Kyle Hilliard called it a wonderful recreation with improvements on every element, but said "it all looks new, but doesn't feel particularly new."
Still unverified
Spawn Wave said the developer interviews answered "who's actually making the game" without naming the studio.