After Star Fox’s Launch and Zelda: Ocarina of Time’s Announcement, Miyamoto Defends Nintendo’s Recent Spate of Remakes and Says They Lead to ‘Future Developments’
Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto has defended the company’s strategy of producing remakes and re-releases, arguing that newer versions of classic titles can serve as stepping stones to “future developments” — a statement that carries particular resonance given the company’s current slate.
Two of Nintendo’s biggest Switch 2 releases this year exemplify this approach: Star Fox, which launched last month and represents the company’s third reimaging of its acclaimed N64 classic, and an announced remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The prominence of these remakes has generated discussion among fans and observers about whether Nintendo should be prioritizing original creations alongside established franchises.
Miyamoto’s comments suggest Nintendo views remakes as more than just profit-driven re-releases. By modernizing beloved classics, the company appears to believe it can gather valuable data and player feedback that informs the development of future sequels and new titles in these franchises. This approach allows Nintendo to maintain engagement with legacy properties while potentially laying groundwork for what comes next.
The timing of Miyamoto’s remarks comes as Nintendo maintains an exceptionally busy release schedule. Beyond the high-profile Star Fox and Ocarina of Time projects, the company has shipped numerous titles this year, including Splatoon Raiders, Rhythm Heaven Groove, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, Pokémon Pokopia, and Mario Tennis Fever. This prolific output demonstrates Nintendo’s commitment to leveraging both its classic library and ongoing franchises.
Whether fans will accept Miyamoto’s reasoning for the remake-heavy approach remains to be seen, though his statement signals that Nintendo views these projects as integral to its long-term strategy rather than mere cash-ins on nostalgia.