Nintendo revealed during the June 9, 2026 Nintendo Direct thatThe Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Timewill get a complete remake exclusive for the Nintendo Switch 2, scheduled for release in 2026.
The announcement was accompanied by a cinematic trailer that recreates the iconic opening scene in Kokiri Forest, with Link still a child and without a fairy. The images show an updated look, with a greater level of detail and more sophisticated lighting, maintaining the essence of the 1998 classic.
Originally released for Nintendo 64,Ocarina of Timerevolutionized 3D action and adventure games. The title introduced mechanics such as time travel, the use of an ocarina to solve puzzles and a vast, interconnected world that influenced generations of developers.
The game is considered by many publications as one of the greatest of all time. It holds the highest average rating on the Metacritic aggregator, with 99/100, and was the first to receive a perfect rating from Famitsu magazine. It sold more than 7.6 million copies worldwide, becoming one of the franchise’s biggest commercial successes for years.
Why the remake matters now
The Switch 2 enters a strategic moment for Nintendo. After the success ofBreath of the Wild e Tears of the Kingdom, which sold tens of millions of units, bringing back such a fundamental classic helps attract both nostalgic veterans and new players who never experienced the N64 era.
Unlike the 2011 3DS remake, which maintained the original structure with adjustments, this version is described as “reborn” and exclusive to the new platform. Nintendo has yet to detail specific gameplay improvements, but the trailer suggests a more ambitious rebuild.
Community reaction
On social media, the announcement generated waves of nostalgia. Many fans recalled the first time they controlled Link, solved the Temple of Time, or faced Ganondorf. There were also debates about the new visual style, which mixes realistic elements with the series’ fantastic atmosphere — something common in Zelda transitions that, in the past, ended up winning over the public.
The remake arrives in a year that should be strong for the Switch 2, positioningOcarina of Timeas one of the highlights of the new generation’s initial catalogue.
