Nintendo Loves Remaking 3D Zelda Games, But For Some Reason, Not The 2D Classics
Nintendo unveiled a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Switch 2 during its June 2026 Nintendo Direct presentation. The announcement continues Nintendo’s pattern of remaking and remastering 3D entries in the Zelda franchise, though it raises questions about why the company has never revisited the 2D classics that launched the series.
The original games—The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, and A Link to the Past—laid the foundation for the beloved action-adventure franchise on NES and SNES, yet have never received modern remakes despite their historical significance and enduring fan appreciation.
The Ocarina of Time remake will feature a modern visual overhaul with a glossy, richly textured art style reminiscent of CG-animated films, representing a significant leap from the game’s original crude 3D polygonal graphics. However, the remake’s development faces considerable challenges beyond visual updates. Key decisions remain around voice acting implementation and music adaptation, as the original’s iconic soundtrack and the absence of voice work were defining characteristics that shaped player experience.
Game design considerations are also under scrutiny, with community discussion focusing on potential improvements such as extending the day/night cycle—which cycles quickly in the original—and addressing recurring design elements like Navi’s frequent interruptions, which could be made optional. Character inclusion and storytelling elements are also being evaluated for the modernized version.
Sources
- Nintendo Loves Remaking 3D Zelda Games, But For Some Reason, Not The 2D Classics
- 5 Zelda Characters I’m Excited To See In The Ocarina Of Time Remake (And 5 That Need To Stay Away)
- Feature: Six Things That Need To Change In The Zelda: Ocarina Of Time Remake
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake’s biggest challenge is voice acting and music