The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is being remade for Nintendo Switch 2, bringing the 1998 Nintendo 64 classic back with completely updated visuals and redesigned characters, environments, and enemies.

Nintendo officially revealed the new Ocarina of Time remake during its June 2026 Nintendo Direct, describing the game as the N64 classic "reborn" exclusively for Switch 2. It isn't simply the old game running at a higher resolution, either: Nintendo's official material specifically promises updated designs, new visuals, and the return of the original gameplay.

However, Nintendo has deliberately kept many details under wraps. That means rumored additions like new dungeons, expanded Hyrule Field, free-camera controls, or major combat changes shouldn't be treated as confirmed yet.

Zelda Ocarina of Time remake changes at a glance

Here's every Zelda Ocarina of Time Switch 2 remake change we actually know about so far—and what remains unconfirmed.

The biggest confirmed change is the visual overhaul. Nintendo is rebuilding Ocarina of Time for Switch 2 rather than simply increasing the resolution of the N64 version, with redesigned characters, enemies, and environments while keeping the original game's recognizable identity. Nintendo describes it as the N64 classic being “reborn” for a new generation.

More importantly, the remake appears to preserve Ocarina of Time's core gameplay. Expect its traditional dungeon progression, exploration, item-based puzzles, sword combat, Young and Adult Link, Ocarina mechanics, and classic bosses rather than a Breath of the Wild-style transformation.

Many potential improvements remain unconfirmed. Nintendo hasn't announced a larger Hyrule, redesigned or new dungeons, an easier Water Temple, free-camera controls, Master Quest, Boss Challenge, or major combat changes. Better-looking environments don't necessarily mean the original map layouts will be expanded.

The Switch 2 version therefore goes significantly beyond Ocarina of Time 3D's graphical upgrade, but we still don't know how extensively Nintendo will modernize the underlying mechanics. For now, the safest description is: a full visual remake that preserves the identity and gameplay of the original, with further changes still to be revealed. Nintendo currently lists the game for 2026 exclusively on Switch 2.

When does the Ocarina of Time remake release?

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake is scheduled for 2026 exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2.

Nintendo hasn't announced an exact release date yet. The official Nintendo Store currently lists only "Releases 2026."

That means any specific day or month circulating before Nintendo announces one should be treated as unconfirmed.

Ocarina of Time remake vs Ocarina of Time 3D

Ocarina of Time 3D already modernized the N64 classic in 2011 with improved graphics, gyro aiming, touchscreen inventory management, extra item slots, tutorials, and Boss Challenge.

The Switch 2 remake goes much further visually, rebuilding the game for modern hardware rather than simply enhancing the existing version.

Will the remake have new content?

Possibly, but Nintendo hasn't announced substantial new story content, dungeons, quests, or areas.

This is where it's particularly important to separate confirmed information from speculation.

Every confirmed Zelda Ocarina of Time Switch 2 change

For now, the list of changes Nintendo has actually confirmed is relatively short:

• Completely modernized visuals
• Updated designs
• Rebuilt presentation for Nintendo Switch 2
• Classic Ocarina of Time gameplay retained
• Switch 2-exclusive release
• 2026 launch window