Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake on Switch 2: Release Date, Performance and What to Know

CyberBrox Follow

November 4, 2026 4 min read

0 comments 11 views

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake launches on November 5, 2026, exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2, in both digital and physical formats. It's a ground-up remake of the 1998 Nintendo 64 classic, and its release is part of Nintendo's celebration of the Zelda series' 40th anniversary.

Detail	What we know
Release date	November 5, 2026 (staggered midnight release by region)
Platform	Nintendo Switch 2 only
Formats	Digital and physical
Announced	September 8, 2026, at the Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct
Day-one patch	Update 1.1.1, adds Zelda Notes support
First review	Famitsu: 37/40

What kind of remake is this?

Nintendo describes it as a ground-up remake, not a simple port. It was revealed a few months before its date was confirmed at the Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct on September 8, 2026, and since then Nintendo has leaned hard into the nostalgia, including a look at the new world map artwork.

It looks like a faithful retelling with several additions, mostly quality-of-life improvements. Fans have been curious about how Nintendo handles the game's famously divisive spots, and the Water Temple is the one everybody mentions. We'll know more once players get their hands on it.

How does it run on Switch 2?

Digital Foundry's analysis found that the remake targets a stable 60 frames per second. When docked, the game uses dynamic resolution scaling that reaches up to 1440p. The outlet also noted some image quality issues and compared the overall results to games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong on Switch 2, calling them less than impressive.

In plain terms: smooth gameplay, but not a showcase for the console's graphical ceiling. If you value frame rate over fancy visuals, that's good news. If you were hoping for a jaw-dropping tech demo, temper expectations.

The first review: 37 out of 40

Japan's Famitsu gave the remake 37/40, the first major review score we've seen. That's a very strong result, though it falls short of the perfect 40/40 the original earned. Take that comparison with some perspective. Scoring the original against a remake, with 28 years of legend attached, is a tough ask for any game.

More reviews should land around launch, so we'd wait for a wider range before drawing conclusions.

Day-one patch and extras

A day-one update, version 1.1.1, adds compatibility with Zelda Notes, Nintendo's companion smartphone service. After updating, the game prompts you to set it up on first launch. The patch also addresses several issues to improve gameplay comfort.

There's also a growing list of tie-in products. HORI is releasing five officially licensed Zelda accessories for Switch 2 in Japan this November, including carrying pouches, a game case that holds up to six games, and a Zelda-themed wireless controller. A limited physical edition with a textured foil cover has also been mentioned.

A note on pre-orders

If you pre-ordered a physical copy, double-check your order. One major US retailer reportedly cancelled Switch 2 Zelda pre-orders a day before release after overselling. If yours is affected, buying digitally or from another store is the fastest backup.

Should you buy it on day one?

Here's our honest take. If you grew up with the N64 original, or you've never played it and want to see what the fuss is about, this is likely an easy yes. The early score is strong, performance sounds solid, and the Switch 2 is the only way to play it.

If you're on the fence, waiting a few days for more reviews costs you nothing. And if you're after a deal, keep in mind that Singles Day is November 11 and Black Friday is November 27. Nintendo's own first-party games rarely drop in price quickly, but bundles and eShop gift card promotions are worth watching. See our Singles Day and early Black Friday deals guide for how to tell real discounts from fake ones. (Link this to your Singles Day post.)

What's next for Zelda?

The 40th anniversary doesn't end with this remake. The live-action The Legend of Zelda film, with Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link and Bo Bragason as Zelda, finished filming in April 2026 and is scheduled for release on April 30, 2027. It's a good reason to replay the classics before the movie lands.