How to play Zelda Ocarina of Time on Switch

Even with the heroic success of Tears of the Kingdom, there’s no denying that Ocarina of Time remains one of the greatest Legend of Zelda games of all time.

2024. It’s been 26 long years since this seminal game entered our lives. 26 years since Link and Zelda became 3D for the first time. 26 years since we met Ganondorf, everyone’s favorite Gerudo antagonist in humanoid form. 26 years and 15 Zelda games since… that have collectively done nothing to snuff out our passion for the beloved OOT.

Nostalgia for Ocarina remains high as ever.

And whether you’re looking to satisfy that nostalgia or simply expand on the love for LoZ that Switch games like Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild have given you, Ocarina of Time is as iconic a place as ever to continue your Hyrulian journey.

Is Ocarina of Time on Switch?

Probably the best way to play OOT these days is on the Nintendo Switch. You can’t buy a physical copy of it, mind you, but it’s easy to play, even so.

All you need is a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. It’s a service that costs $49.99 a year (basically $4.17/month) and gives you access to a huge collection of old Nintendo games.

Now hold onto your Hylian Shield, ‘cause this is important: Ocarina of Time on Switch is not a remastered version of the game.

Nintendo did release a remastered version called The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, but it’s only available on the 3DS. If you’ve got the 3DS and can get your hands on a rare physical copy of the remastered OOT, you have our complete and well-meaning envy.

For the rest of us, we’ll have to enjoy the pure, unfiltered retro vibes of Ocarina on our Switches.
 

How to play OOT on Switch

Either subscribe to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service via a web browser, or through your Switch directly.

Then you’ve just gotta flick open the Switch Online tab, scroll down to Nintendo 64, follow the install steps then kick back and enjoy one of the highest-regarded Zelda games of all time.

Is Ocarina of Time really worth it?

Are you ki-?

Just. Get out. Get out now. YES! Cripes, you may as well ask “Do we need oxygen to breathe?”!

Ocarina of Time may not look as smooth and clean as newer games like TotK, but from storyline to gameplay to its influential effect on the entire concept of 3D gaming, OOT is a bonafide masterpiece.

$49.99 is a worthy price for that alone, and that’s before you consider that you don’t only get access to play Ocarina of Time with Switch Online +.

If you love Link and TotK, then for the love of all things Zelda and legendary, go play OOT.
 

Will OOT get a Switch HD remaster?

Given that we’re still waiting on the rumored remasters of Twilight Princess and Wind Waker, it seems unlikely. Especially since Eiji Aonuma, Zelda’s long-time Director/Producer has openly said “We aren't really concerned with our older games anymore. We prefer to look to the future.”

That doesn’t stop the rumors circulating though, but we won’t be holding our breath for an official Nintendo HD Ocarina of Time anytime soon.

Still, a taste of what it might be like does exist, in the form of a remake from celebrated modder CryZENx, using Unreal Engine 5, and holy smokes is it pretty… 😍

Is Ocarina of Time good on Switch 2?

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is available on the Nintendo Switch 2 through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. The game still delivers its classic story, music, and adventure that made it one of the best Zelda titles ever made.

Many players say the experience is still enjoyable, but the graphics and controls feel old compared to newer games. The Switch version works smoothly for most players, but some report small input delays and menu issues. These problems do not change the overall fun of exploring Hyrule or solving its puzzles.

For anyone who wants to revisit the original journey or experience it for the first time, Ocarina of Time remains one of the strongest Zelda games on the Switch 2.