Ocarina of Time gets exclusive remake on Switch 2

One of the most revered games in history is back. During the Nintendo Direct held on June 9, 2026, Nintendo confirmed that The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time will get a full remake, developed exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. The release is slated for 2026, though the company has not yet revealed an exact date.

In the official description, Nintendo sums up the project directly: the Nintendo 64 classic "returns for a new generation in 2026, reborn exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2." The chosen word matters: this is a remake, not a simple remaster or a re-release in the Nintendo Switch Online catalog.

A remake, not a remaster

The distinction is not merely semantic. A remaster usually cleans up textures and raises the resolution while keeping the game's original structure. By treating Ocarina of Time as a "reborn" remake, Nintendo signals a deeper reconstruction, taking advantage of the Switch 2 hardware. Even so, the company was sparing with the details: the announcement came with only a short trailer and very few gameplay scenes.

So far, information such as the studio in charge of development, price, and a specific release date remains open. Nintendo promised to reveal more about the project over the course of the year.

The classic's second reimagining

Originally released in 1998 for the Nintendo 64, Ocarina of Time is frequently cited as one of the greatest games ever made, having redefined the 3D adventure formula. This is not the first time Nintendo has revisited the title: in 2011, the game received the Ocarina of Time 3D version for the Nintendo 3DS, with remastered visuals and gameplay tweaks.

The new remake therefore marks the third major appearance of Link's adventure in Hyrule, now with the aim of rebuilding the experience from scratch for today's audience.

Arriving on the 40th anniversary

The timing of the announcement is no coincidence. The Legend of Zelda franchise celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026, and the remake of one of its most beloved chapters emerges as a centerpiece of the celebrations. The series will have other important milestones as well: a live-action Zelda film is scheduled to premiere on April 30, 2027.

What we still don't know

With the announcement confirmed, questions remain that will define the project's reception. Among them:

• What the exact 2026 release date will be;
• Whether the remake will follow the classic design or bring gameplay changes;
• Which studio is leading development;
• Whether there will be any additional content or brand-new mode.

For now, what we know is the essential: Ocarina of Time will return, exclusive to the Switch 2, and Nintendo intends to say more about it before the end of the year. For an entire generation of fans, the mere confirmation is already cause for celebration.