The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time finally has a release date on Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo confirmed during the Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct that the remake will launch worldwide on November 5, 2026, alongside the first substantial gameplay footage since the game was revealed in June.
The new footage provides a much better look at the rebuilt version of the Nintendo 64 classic, including Kokiri Forest, the Deku Tree, Link’s updated design and several changes to how the adventure is played.
A familiar Hyrule with a new look
The remake retains the original adventure’s story, following Link as he becomes involved in a quest involving Princess Zelda, Ganondorf and the Triforce. The journey once again spans two periods of Link’s life, with the hero appearing as both a child and a young adult.
Visually, however, this is a very different Hyrule. Nintendo has rebuilt the game with a new art direction, giving familiar locations and characters a modern appearance while preserving the identity of the original adventure.
The footage also shows Saria and Navi with redesigned appearances, as well as a closer look at the Deku Tree and Kokiri Forest.
Link can finally jump
One of the most noticeable changes is also one of the simplest: Link can now jump at will.
The remake introduces a dedicated jump button, while rolling has apparently been replaced by a dash that allows Link to move around more quickly. Camera controls have also been redesigned, giving players more direct control over the view.
Motion controls will be available as an option for aiming, adding another way to interact with the game’s combat and exploration.
Some areas also feature seamless transitions when entering shops and other locations. Nintendo is keeping certain transition screens, however, including those associated with Hyrule Field and the Deku Tree, apparently preserving part of the original game’s presentation.
New tools for exploring Hyrule
The remake also introduces systems designed to make exploration more approachable without completely removing the sense of discovery.
The Threads of Time feature can help players determine where they should head next, while a new songbook gives players another way to keep track of the game’s musical mechanics.
The footage also showed Link using songs in new ways. One example involves the Sun’s Song, which can be used to change the time of day. Players can even hum melodies into the system’s microphone to play songs.
Nintendo is also preparing a playable Ocarina accessory from HORI that can be used to play the instrument within the game.
Ocarina of Time returns this November
The original The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time debuted on Nintendo 64 in 1998 and is widely regarded as one of the most influential 3D action-adventure games ever made. The new version follows the 3DS remake released in 2011, but this time Nintendo is rebuilding the classic specifically for its current hardware.
Watch the full trailer:
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time will be released exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on November 5, 2026. Nintendo has also confirmed that the game’s title screen theme is being added to the Nintendo Music app.
Source: Nintendo