Short answer: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake is out on Thursday 5 November 2026, exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2. It rebuilds the 1998 Nintendo 64 classic with new visuals, voice acting, free camera control, a jump button and a quest log. It keeps the original dungeons, items and Z-targeting combat. Reviews are expected around 4 November.
Nintendo first announced the remake in June 2026. It revealed the release date at the end of a Zelda-focused Nintendo Direct on 8 September. The original Ocarina of Time still holds a 99 on Metacritic, one of the highest scores ever, so the bar could hardly be higher. Here is everything confirmed before launch.
When does the Ocarina of Time remake come out?
On 5 November 2026, on Nintendo Switch 2 only. It is not coming to the original Switch. Nintendo also revealed a Zelda-themed Switch 2 console with custom artwork on the Joy-Con, the dock and the console itself.
What is new in the remake?
- Rebuilt visuals: Kokiri Forest, Hyrule Field and Hyrule Castle Town have been remade with far more environmental detail. Trailers run at 1080p and 60 frames per second.
- Voice acting: characters are voiced for the first time in this story.
- Proper camera controls: you can move the camera freely with the right stick, which the N64 version could not do.
- A jump button: the original jumped automatically at ledges. Now you can jump when you choose.
- Quest log: a new menu page shows your progress and your next objective, which helps if you put the game down for a week.
- Faster item swapping: a shortcut similar to recent Zelda games makes changing items quicker.
- Hum the songs: you can play ocarina tunes by humming into the Switch 2 microphone instead of pressing buttons.
What stays the same?
This is a faithful remake, not an open-world reinvention like Breath of the Wild. The dungeons, quest items and story structure follow the original. Combat still uses Z-targeting to lock on to enemies, the system Ocarina introduced in 1998 and which most 3D action games still copy. Epona, Link's horse, has appeared in trailers too.
Ocarina of Time remake reviews: when and what to expect
Nintendo has not announced an embargo. Metacritic told fans to "watch for activity midweek", which points to reviews on Wednesday 4 November, a day before launch. Hands-on previews from October were very positive, with several calling it the best way to play the classic. We will add the review round-up here once scores are in.
Should you play it if you played the original?
The changes are mostly about comfort: camera, jumping, voices and a quest log. The real draw is seeing Hyrule rebuilt in modern detail. If you have only played the 3DS version or never finished the N64 game, this is the version to play. If you know every dungeon by heart, the voice acting and new visuals may still win you over, but the puzzles will hold few surprises.
What else is out in November?
Ocarina arrives two weeks before GTA 6. Our November and December 2026 release calendar lists everything else. If you are planning further ahead, our biggest games of 2027 guide includes Nintendo's next big releases, among them Metroid Ravenous on 28 January. For the GTA side, see our GTA 6 launch countdown.
Free dungeon and puzzle games while you wait
Love clearing dungeons? Crypt Crawler is our free 3D dungeon brawler with sword combat, room by room. If you prefer puzzles, tilt your way through Marble Maze or climb the floating islands of Sky Obby. All three run in your browser on phone or computer.
Questions
When is the Ocarina of Time remake release date?
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake releases on 5 November 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2.
Is the Ocarina of Time remake on the original Switch?
No. It is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive.
Does the Ocarina of Time remake have voice acting?
Yes. Voice acting is one of the main additions, along with free camera control, a jump button and a quest log.
Is it a remake or a remaster?
It is a full remake with rebuilt visuals and new features, but it keeps the original dungeons, items and story rather than turning Hyrule into an open world.
When do Ocarina of Time remake reviews come out?
Nintendo has not confirmed an embargo. Metacritic has hinted at midweek, which points to 4 November 2026.
