November 5, 2026 is the date to know: that’s when The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time launches as a full Switch 2 remake, as part of Zelda’s 40th anniversary celebration. This is what’s officially confirmed…
What’s actually changed: This isn’t a simple resolution bump. Nintendo’s confirmed a full visual overhaul of the N64 original, complete voice acting added for the first time, expanded dialogue, a newly recorded orchestral score, and improved, modernised controls. If your only experience with Ocarina of Time is watching a nostalgic older sibling play it on an N64 fifteen years ago, this is basically the version built for you.
Don’t get it confused with the console: Nintendo’s also releasing a special Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition Switch 2 console, gold and metallic green, Triforce detailing, matching Pro Controller and carrying case, but that drops separately on October 29, a full week before the game. And here’s the part that trips people up: the console does not come bundled with a copy of the remake. If you want both, that’s two separate purchases.
The anniversary goes beyond this game, too. A live-action Legend of Zelda film, produced by Nintendo alongside Arad Productions and Sony Pictures, is confirmed for a worldwide theatrical release on April 30, 2027. New amiibo are also on the way… Young Link and Young Zelda figures land in 2027 and unlock retro-styled in-game masks, while a Mineru’s Construct amiibo releases September 17, 2026.
The bottom line: for a 40th anniversary, Nintendo isn’t just slapping a logo on a re-release; it’s a full remake, new hardware, and a movie all in the same rollout. Whether the game itself holds up to the classic’s reputation is something we’ll only know once it’s actually in players’ hands.
Sources: Nintendo’s official 40th anniversary announcement (nintendo.com); cross-checked against Engadget for the console-vs-game release date distinction. Image/footage courtesy of Nintendo (via nintendo.com).
