The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on Switch 2: what's changing

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time returns on Thursday, November 5, 2026 on Nintendo Switch 2. This is not a simple re-release: Nintendo describes it as a quest "remade for a whole new era", with reimagined visuals, a refreshed soundtrack and modernised gameplay. Here is, point by point, what Nintendo has officially presented as new, what the game contains, and what has not been confirmed yet.

The story: a new telling

In Hyrule, the Triforce, three golden triangles representing wisdom, power and courage, is said to grant the wish of whoever lays hands on it. Ganondorf, leader of the Gerudo, wants it for himself. Link, a young boy summoned by the Great Deku Tree, sets out with his fairy companion Navi on a journey that unfolds across two different eras.

The characters Nintendo presents: Princess Zelda and her Sheikah attendant Impa, Saria, Link's Kokiri childhood friend, Darunia, leader of the Gorons who live inside Death Mountain, and Ruto, princess of the Zora.

What changes is the presentation: Nintendo promises new dialogue and fully voiced cutscenes.

Getting around: jumping and dashing

This is the most visible change controller in hand. Link gets a new dash ability to cover long distances, and can jump at the push of a button to clear gaps and obstacles.

Hyrule Field is the kingdom's hub, leading to towns, a volcano, a lake and a desert. You can also befriend a steed and ride it later in your quest.

Aiming and switching items

Nintendo highlights two equipment features:

• you can swap between weapons and items on the fly;
• you aim slingshots, bows and other tools with motion controls.

The items shown include the Kokiri Sword, Deku Shield, Fairy Slingshot, Deku Stick, Deku Nut, bombs and boomerang. Some items can only be used in one of the two eras.

Play the ocarina with your voice

The songs you learn open new paths or turn day to night. You can enter the notes with the buttons, or hum the melody into the Nintendo Switch 2's built-in microphone. Nintendo even suggests trying a real ocarina.

Day, night and the Threads of Time

Nintendo says time passes no matter where you are in the game, and that new faces and foes may appear after sunset. The official pages do not say whether this works differently from the original, so we stick to what they say.

Another addition, aimed at players returning after a break: the Threads of Time. This menu recaps the story so far and your current objectives, and shows a grand tapestry chronicling Link's journey.

Dungeons and temples

Dungeons and sacred temples remain at the core of the adventure, with their puzzles, enemies and treasures. Nintendo has not detailed any change to their design: the official text describes them as trials where you use your items to get past obstacles and traps.

amiibo and ZELDA NOTES

Two new amiibo, Young Link and Young Zelda, are due in 2027, after the game's release. Tapped in the game, they unlock special masks for Link to wear. Other amiibo may be compatible, but Nintendo does not list them.

The game also works with ZELDA NOTES, a service in the Nintendo Switch App for smart devices: a record of your accomplishments, quizzes on the game, and creating and sharing your own ocarina melodies. It does not require a Nintendo Switch Online membership.

Key facts

• Release: Thursday, November 5, 2026, on Nintendo Switch 2.
• Modes: TV, tabletop and handheld; single player.
• Picture and sound: HDR on compatible screens, surround sound.
• Languages: twelve listed by Nintendo, including English and French.
• Age rating: PEGI 12 (violence).
• Saves: Save Data Cloud with a Nintendo Switch Online membership.

What has not been confirmed

• A Switch 1 version: Nintendo only presents the game on Switch 2.
• The camera: Nintendo's European pages mention modernised gameplay without detailing the camera.
• Voice languages: Nintendo lists the game's languages without saying which apply to text, voices or both.
• Which other amiibo work, beyond Young Link and Young Zelda.

We will update this article if Nintendo shares more before launch. The date is also on the game page.

Sources

1. www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-Switch-2-games/The-Legend-of-Zelda-Ocarin…
2. www.nintendo.com/fr-fr/Jeux/Jeux-Nintendo-Switch-2/The-Legend-of-Zelda-Ocarina-…