The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake gameplay finally revealed during 40th anniversary Nintendo Direct, and it looks… interesting

Nintendo unveiled gameplay and confirmed the November 5, 2026 release date for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake during its Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct. The Switch 2 exclusive received a complete visual overhaul while maintaining faithful level design and story beats from the 1998 original.

Key new features include manual jumping (X button), full voice acting for NPCs in cutscenes similar to Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, and the ability to play the ocarina via the Switch 2’s built-in microphone. The remake also incorporates modern quality-of-life improvements such as free camera rotation, weapon switching menus borrowed from recent Zelda titles, and motion control aiming. Notably, Nintendo intentionally preserved loading screens to “preserve the essence of the original game.” The Threads of Time feature serves as a quest log, while time now passes in Hyrule Castle Town, a change from the original where time stood still.

The 27GB remake will cost $60 digitally or $70 physically in North America, with special foil cover art for physical editions. Nintendo is also releasing a Special Edition Switch 2 console and Pro Controller, alongside Young Link and Young Zelda amiibo figures launching in 2027.

The art style has proven divisive among fans, with reactions ranging from enthusiasm about the detailed environments and lighting to mixed feelings about character models for Link and Zelda, which some described as unusual or overly realistic. Nintendo’s redesigned aesthetic represents a new visual direction for the franchise, distinct from previous Zelda games. Despite the polarized response, the remake demonstrates Nintendo’s commitment to modernizing this beloved classic while respecting its foundational design.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake gameplay finally revealed during 40th anniversary Nintendo Direct, and it looks… interesting

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