Nintendo sells Ocarina of Time remake for Switch 2
The 1998 classic returns with updated visuals and mechanics, launching ahead of a major film adaptation next year.
By Sarah Montgomery ·
Nintendo launched a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on the Switch 2 on Thursday. The release marks 28 years since the original game came out in 1998. The new version targets the same audience that played the original while introducing the title to a new generation of players.
The update modifies the core gameplay loop to match current industry standards. Players now control the character Link using an over-the-shoulder camera angle instead of the fixed views used in the 1998 version. The interface includes new jump and sprint buttons. Combat mechanics are smoother, though switching between targeted enemies remains less fluid than in modern titles such as Elden Ring.
The inventory system now mirrors the quick-swap menu introduced in Tears of the Kingdom in 2023 and Echoes of Wisdom in 2024. This change allows players to switch items without pausing the game. A new quest log called Threads of Time provides guidance for players who get stuck. The Water Temple, a level known for its difficulty in the original, is now easier to complete.
Economic elements in the game have shifted. Player wallets can hold double the rupees compared to the original release. However, upgrades from Great Fairies now cost money. These upgrades can reach a price of 500 rupees. This change adds a resource management layer to the adventure.
Visuals in the remake feature highly detailed textures that contrast with the character models' proportions. Some character designs have received mixed reception. Nabooru, a character in the game, has a new appearance with large red lips and golden eye shadow. Animations are more extensive than in the original. Cutscenes in the opening hours run longer, which some players find slows the pacing. Character personalities have been adjusted. Mido, a character in Kokiri Forest, is portrayed as overbearing but well-intentioned rather than a bully. Navi, the fairy companion, no longer interrupts the player with frequent dialogue.
The remake is positioned as a faithful adaptation of the source material. It avoids the extensive rewrites seen in other recent remakes like Final Fantasy 7 or Resident Evil 4. Nintendo is using this release to maintain interest in the franchise before a Zelda movie arrives next year. The company aims to keep the title relevant for several decades.
The game is available for purchase on the Switch 2 console. It serves as a bridge between the classic 1998 experience and modern gaming expectations. The release coincides with a period of high demand for retro content in the video game market. Nintendo continues to support the Zelda series with new hardware and software releases.
