Nintendo releases The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake for Switch 2

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time has been released for the Nintendo Switch 2, receiving high critical marks. The remake of the 1998 Nintendo 64 title currently holds a Metacritic score of 96 based on 70 reviews, placing it at the top of the site's Best Games of 2026 list and number 24 on its Best Games of All Time list, according to Videogames Chronicle.

Gameplay and Technical Features

The remake introduces several mechanical changes to modernize the experience. According to Digital Foundry, the game targets a fluid 60fps in both docked and handheld modes, a significant increase from the original's 20fps. The output resolution ranges from 1080p to 1440p when docked, and 720p to 1080p in handheld mode.

Key gameplay updates include:

• Controls: Link can now jump anywhere with the press of a button, and tools are accessible via a quick-select menu similar to systems in 2023's Tears of the Kingdom.
• Camera: The game features a full right-stick camera, though NPR notes the over-the-shoulder camera replaces the original's top-down view in certain areas.
• Audio: The musical score has been re-recorded with a full orchestra. Players can also play the ocarina by humming into the Switch 2's microphone.
• Navigation: A new "Threads of Time" quest log has been added to assist players with objectives.

Visual and Narrative Changes

The visual style has been updated to a "hyperreal" aesthetic. Digital Foundry reports the use of physically based materials, dynamic atmospheric scattering, and realistic global illumination. While the environments are more detailed, some critics noted that character animations and textures can occasionally result in an "uncanny valley" effect.

Narratively, the remake expands on the original's story through fully voiced cutscenes. While Link remains a silent protagonist, other characters have expanded dialogue. Some character designs have been altered; for example, NPR reports that the character Nabooru has been updated with "huge red lips and golden eye-shadow," and The Guardian noted a loss of androgyny in the character Sheik.

Playtime and Completion

Reports on the time required to complete the game vary based on player style. According to IGN:

• One reviewer reported taking 21 hours to reach the credits and 30 hours for 100% completion.
• Another reviewer reported approximately 27 hours to finish the story and all side quests.
• A third reviewer reported approximately 27 hours to achieve 100% completion.

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Sources

• theguardian.com: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time review – a dream come true | Games | The Guardian
• digitalfoundry.net: Review: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake - One of Nintendo's Best-Looking Games Ever | Digital Foundry
• ign.com: How Long Is The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake?
• videogameschronicle.com: The Zelda Ocarina of Time remake has shot to the top of Metacritic’s best games of 2026 so far, makes its all-time top 30 | VGC
• npr.org: Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake is superb, streamlined and safe : NPR

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.