Nintendo celebrated 40 years of The Legend of Zelda Tuesday morning with a special Nintendo Direct packed with announcements, but one game unquestionably stole the show. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is officially returning on Nintendo Switch 2 on November 5, and Nintendo isn’t treating one of the most beloved games ever made like a simple remaster.
This is a full remake.
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Nintendo showed an extended look at the game during its approximately 30-minute anniversary presentation, revealing dramatically overhauled visuals, fully voiced cutscenes, expanded dialogue, orchestral music, modernized controls, and several completely new gameplay features.
Nintendo didn’t stop there, though.
The company also unveiled a Zelda-themed Nintendo Switch 2, new amiibos, a worldwide orchestral concert tour, actual playable ocarinas, new merchandise, and additional details about the upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda movie.
Ocarina of Time Returns November 5
The biggest announcement was easily the November 5 release date for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo describes the game as Link’s classic 1998 adventure “reborn for a whole new era,” and based on what was shown during the Direct, the company isn’t exaggerating.
Virtually the entire presentation of the original Nintendo 64 game has been rebuilt. Environments have been remodeled, materials feature new textures, animations and movement have been reworked, loading is faster, and the soundtrack has been given a symphonic orchestral treatment.
Nintendo is also making some significant changes to how the game actually plays.
A scene from The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake – Nintendo
Players can freely manipulate the camera using the right analog stick, while Link can now run and even jump using dedicated button commands.
Yes, Link can finally jump when you tell him to.
Nintendo is also expanding the game’s cinematics and character interactions. Cutscenes are now fully voiced, characters have considerably more dialogue, and the game’s day-and-night cycle will continue to progress even when Link enters towns and other areas where time previously stopped.
One of the more unusual additions takes advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2’s built-in microphone. Players can actually hum one of Link’s learned melodies into the microphone and have Link perform the corresponding song on his ocarina.
Nintendo is even releasing physical ocarinas to go along with it.
Nintendo Adds Threads of Time
Nintendo is also introducing a new feature called Threads of Time designed to make navigating Ocarina of Time considerably easier than it was in 1998.
Players will be able to check their story progress and next objective at any point during the adventure.
A large tapestry will gradually fill as Link progresses through his journey, providing a visual representation of how far players have traveled through the story.
Adventure through Hyrule and become the Hero of Time when The Legend of #Zelda: Ocarina of Time releases Nov 5 on Nintendo Switch 2. #NintendoDirect pic.twitter.com/rW3r7o2L9r
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) September 8, 2026
It’s an interesting compromise for modernizing the game without fundamentally redesigning the adventure itself.
Nintendo is also expanding its ZELDA NOTES service through the Nintendo Switch App.
The app will allow players to track their daily accomplishments, participate in a Gossip Quest using images to locate areas within the game, play a virtual ocarina, and take a daily Ocarina of Time quiz featuring more than 2,000 questions.
Zelda Gets Its Own Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo is also commemorating the anniversary with a special The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition Nintendo Switch 2.
The console arrives October 29, exactly one week before Ocarina of Time.
not live yet – Nintendo Store links for Zelda hardware preorders:
Console edition: https://t.co/IVwkG4QuGT
Pro Controller w/ stand (exclusive) https://t.co/p4bAFIgoIv
Pro Controller https://t.co/BTkPjjedKu
Carrying case https://t.co/4E9uUdPwLX pic.twitter.com/DJyVgI5cGl— Wario64 (@Wario64) September 8, 2026
Nintendo will release matching anniversary editions of the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, including a version packaged with a display stand, along with a Zelda-themed carrying case and screen protector.
Unfortunately for anyone hoping to grab the console and immediately get Ocarina of Time with it, the anniversary system doesn’t appear to include the game.
Nintendo also confirmed that the first physical print run of Ocarina of Time will receive special packaging featuring textured foil cover art while supplies last.
Zelda Is Getting Real Ocarinas
Nintendo apparently decided that celebrating Ocarina of Time without selling people an actual ocarina wasn’t enough.
Two versions are coming later this year.
One is a traditional playable instrument, while HORI is producing an electronic version capable of playing individual notes or complete songs at the press of a button.
Playable Zelda Ocarina and Electric Ocarina shown pic.twitter.com/DFKG7ed7Yr
— Nintendeal (@Nintendeal) September 8, 2026
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The instruments will also interact with the Switch 2 remake through its microphone functionality.
New Young Link and Young Zelda amiibo figures are also scheduled for 2027. Using them with Ocarina of Time will unlock special masks inspired by the characters’ original Nintendo 64 appearances. Meanwhile, the previously announced Mineru’s Construct amiibo for Tears of the Kingdom launches September 17.
Zelda Concerts Are Going Worldwide
The celebration isn’t limited to games and hardware.
Nintendo announced The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Concert series, which will take music from throughout the franchise on a worldwide tour beginning in 2027.
The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary concert tour dates revealed. “Additional cities and countries will be announced in the future.” https://t.co/VNGDcjr112 pic.twitter.com/iaXV0Ut9L4
— Wario64 (@Wario64) September 8, 2026
The Japanese tour begins in Tokyo in January before the North American leg launches in Chicago in February. European performances begin in London in April, while the Australian tour begins in Melbourne in May. Additional cities include Seattle, Houston, San Francisco, Stockholm, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Sydney.
LEGO Link and Epona Are Coming
Nintendo’s merchandise blitz continues with LEGO and Hasbro.
A new LEGO The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – Link & Epona set is scheduled for spring 2027. The 1,750-piece display model is aimed at adult collectors and recreates Link alongside his iconic horse.
Link and Epona Lego set – Lego
Hasbro is also releasing a 27-inch electronic Master Sword featuring more than 15 touch- and motion-activated sounds. Because apparently Nintendo has decided Zelda fans shouldn’t have any money left by the time this anniversary is over.
The Zelda Movie Finally Has a Title
Nintendo also provided a small update on its upcoming live-action movie.
The official title is…The Legend of Zelda.
It’s official! The live-action film of The Legend of Zelda, currently in production, will be titled The Legend of Zelda.
The film is planned to be released in theatres worldwide on April 30, 2027. #TheLegendofZeldaMovie #NintendoDirect pic.twitter.com/z1sH9DXzkK
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) September 8, 2026
Nintendo reiterated that the movie will open worldwide on April 30, 2027, and is being produced by Nintendo, Arad Productions, and Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto teased during the presentation that audiences will understand why the movie doesn’t carry a subtitle once they see it. The company stopped short of showing any footage from the movie itself, however, meaning fans are still waiting for their first real look at Nintendo’s live-action version of Hyrule.
Nintendo Is Treating Zelda’s 40th Like a Big Deal
Nintendo could have easily celebrated The Legend of Zelda turning 40 with some merchandise, a few Nintendo Switch Online releases, and a nostalgic video package.
Instead, it’s putting considerable weight behind the anniversary.
A scene from The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake – Nintendo
A completely rebuilt version of arguably the most influential video game ever made is arriving in less than two months. There’s a special-edition console, new controllers, amiibos, LEGOs, concerts, merchandise, and a theatrical movie arriving next year.
And Ocarina of Time is clearly the centerpiece.
Nearly three decades after Link first stepped onto Hyrule Field in 3D, Nintendo is preparing to introduce that adventure to an entirely new generation — while giving longtime Zelda fans plenty of reasons to head back to 1998.
How do you feel about the Ocarina of Time Remake? Sound off and let us know!
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