Nintendo confirmed The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake during its June 9, 2026 Nintendo Direct. The highest-rated game of all time on Metacritic is being rebuilt from the ground up as a Switch 2 exclusive, launching later this year.
Nintendo has confirmed that The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is getting a full remake exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2, launching in 2026. The announcement came as the final reveal of the June 9, 2026 Nintendo Direct, closing out a roughly 50-minute presentation that also included reveals for Kingdom Hearts IV, Xenoblade Genesis, and numerous other Switch 2 titles. Ocarina of Time holds a Metacritic score of 99, making it the highest-rated game of all time, and this marks the first time the 1998 N64 classic will receive a ground-up remake for modern hardware.
What Was Shown in the Nintendo Direct?
Nintendo released a roughly one-minute cinematic teaser trailer that offered the first look at Link’s updated character model and the game’s new visual direction. No gameplay footage was shown, and no firm release date was announced beyond “2026.” Yoshiaki Koizumi, who led the Direct presentation, stated: “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time will be reborn on Nintendo Switch 2. More details will be announced in the future, so please look forward to them.”
Nintendo’s official description read: “The Nintendo 64 classic returns for a new generation in 2026, reborn exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2.” The company also released a single promotional image alongside the trailer. Despite the brevity of the reveal, the announcement was widely considered the biggest news of the entire Direct presentation.
A Full Remake, Not a Remaster
Nintendo’s deliberate use of “reborn” strongly signals this is a full-scale remake rather than a remaster or enhanced port. This aligns with leaks from reliable Nintendo insider NateTheHate, who first reported in March 2026 that an Ocarina of Time remake was in development for a holiday 2026 launch on Switch 2. NateTheHate described the project as a “full-on remake” and explicitly stated it would not be a simple HD remaster in the vein of Ocarina of Time 3D on Nintendo 3DS.
According to various leak summaries corroborated by VGC’s sources, the project has reportedly been in development since 2022 and is being rebuilt from the ground up. Some insiders have described its scope as comparable to Final Fantasy VII Remake in terms of ambition. There are unverified rumours suggesting the Breath of the Wild engine may be used as a foundation. Monolith Soft, which assisted with Tears of the Kingdom, has been widely speculated as a possible development partner, though Nintendo has not confirmed the studio behind the project.
Why Ocarina of Time Still Matters in 2026
Originally released on November 21, 1998, for the Nintendo 64, Ocarina of Time is widely regarded as one of the most influential video games ever created. It pioneered 3D action-adventure game design, introduced the Z-targeting combat system that became an industry standard, and delivered a sprawling time-travel narrative set across the land of Hyrule. Its Metacritic score of 99 remains unmatched nearly three decades later.
The game received an enhanced 3DS version in 2011 with improved textures, stereoscopic 3D, and touchscreen inventory management. The original N64 version is also playable on Switch and Switch 2 through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription. However, neither version offers the kind of modern visual overhaul and design improvements that a ground-up remake would deliver.
Zelda’s 40th Anniversary and the 2027 Movie
The timing of this announcement is far from coincidental. 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda franchise, with the original game having launched in Japan on February 21, 1986. While Nintendo let the actual anniversary date pass quietly earlier this year, a major holiday game release serves as the centrepiece celebration the franchise deserves.
There is also a clear media strategy at play. The live-action Legend of Zelda movie is now scheduled for April 30, 2027, after being moved up from its original May 7 date. Leaks suggest the film will incorporate Ocarina of Time elements such as the Kokiri and the Spiritual Stones. Launching a polished remake of the game months before the film mirrors Nintendo’s approach with the Super Mario Bros. movie, where game releases and film promotion were strategically coordinated to maximise franchise visibility.
When Is the Release Date?
Nintendo confirmed only a 2026 release window with no specific month or season attached. However, all pre-announcement leaks pointed to a late 2026 holiday release, with November being the most frequently cited target. The original leak from NateTheHate specifically referenced “the second half of 2026, approaching the holidays.” Some community members expect a dedicated Zelda 40th anniversary Direct in September or October to showcase gameplay and announce a firm date.
A few observers have noted the absence of gameplay footage as a potential signal of a delay into 2027, but Nintendo’s own statement was unambiguous: the game is launching in 2026. Whether the final date lands in November or December remains to be seen.
What Could the Remake Change?
While Nintendo revealed very little about the game’s design, the community and analysts have been discussing potential changes for months. Ocarina of Time was the last 3D Zelda game without dual-analogue camera controls, and a remake would almost certainly introduce full camera freedom. Loading screens between areas could be eliminated thanks to Switch 2’s faster hardware. Voice acting, which has been a Zelda staple since Breath of the Wild, is another widely expected addition.
There has also been discussion about whether the remake might restore cut content from the original development. Kokiri Forest, the Deku Tree dungeon, and Hyrule Field have all been subjects of speculation regarding expanded environments and seamless world design. Whether the game will stick to a faithful 1:1 recreation or take a more interpretive approach similar to Final Fantasy VII Remake remains the biggest unanswered question.
The Bigger Nintendo Switch 2 Picture
Ocarina of Time joins an increasingly strong lineup for the Nintendo Switch 2, which launched in June 2025 at €469.99 in Europe. The same Direct that revealed the Zelda remake also confirmed Kingdom Hearts IV, Xenoblade Genesis for 2027, Devil May Cry 5: Devil Hunter Edition, Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 2, and Final Fantasy XIV Online among many other titles. Switch 2 Edition upgrades for Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom were also highlighted.
The pattern mirrors what Nintendo did with the 3DS launch era, when both Star Fox 64 3D and Ocarina of Time 3D were used as key N64 remakes to establish the platform. With the Star Fox 64 remake already confirmed for Switch 2, the parallel is unmistakable. Nintendo appears to be using its proven N64 library as a foundation for building the Switch 2’s early catalogue.
Will Majora’s Mask Be Next?
Nintendo made no mention of a Majora’s Mask remake, but the historical precedent is hard to ignore. On the 3DS, Ocarina of Time 3D arrived in June 2011 and was followed by Majora’s Mask 3D in February 2015, both developed by Grezzo. The two games share a substantial amount of assets and lore, and it would be unusual for Nintendo to remake one without eventually remaking its direct sequel.
Community speculation suggests that if the Ocarina of Time remake performs well, a Majora’s Mask remake could follow within one to two years using the same engine and assets. For now, however, all official attention is on Ocarina of Time alone.
Questions Players Are Already Asking
Which platforms will the Ocarina of Time Remake be on?
The game is confirmed as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive. There has been no mention of a release on the original Switch or any other platform.
Is this a remaster or a full remake?
All evidence points to a full remake built from the ground up, not a remaster of the 3DS version. Nintendo’s use of “reborn” and insider descriptions of the project’s scope both support this.
How much will it cost?
No official price has been announced. As a major holiday exclusive positioned as Nintendo’s flagship release for late 2026, it is expected to carry a full retail price, though this is unconfirmed.
Can I still play the original on Switch?
Yes. The original N64 version of Ocarina of Time is available through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription on both Switch and Switch 2. The 2011 3DS remaster is not currently available on either platform outside of this service.
Who is developing the remake?
Nintendo has not confirmed the developer. Monolith Soft, which contributed to Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, is widely rumoured to be involved, but this remains speculation.
A Landmark Moment for Gaming’s Greatest Classic
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake represents one of the most significant game announcements of the decade. Bringing the highest-rated game of all time to modern hardware with a full ground-up rebuild is a statement of intent from Nintendo, both as a celebration of Zelda’s 40th anniversary and as a bridge to the franchise’s expanding media presence with the 2027 film. With more details expected in the coming months, this is the Switch 2 release that will define the 2026 holiday season.
