Nintendo releases Ocarina of Time remake on Switch 2

Nintendo released The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on the Switch 2 on Thursday. The title is a remake of the 1998 original, marking a 28-year gap between the two versions. The game follows Link, who saves his world as an adult after a seven-year time skip from his childhood adventures.

The new version updates the controls to match contemporary standards. Players can now use dedicated jump and sprint buttons, which makes moving through the world more natural. Combat has also been smoothed out, although switching between targeted enemies remains less fluid than in modern third-person games like Elden Ring.

Item management has been streamlined. The game uses a quick menu system similar to the one introduced in 2023's Tears of the Kingdom and continued in 2024's Echoes of Wisdom. This allows players to swap equipment without constantly pausing the game. A new quest log called Threads of Time also helps players who get stuck, though some complex puzzles like the Biggoron Sword quest may still require external guides.

The remake features updated textures and animations. While the visual upgrade is generally seen as an improvement, some character designs have received mixed reactions. For example, the character Nabooru is depicted with exaggerated features that some players find striking. The new cutscenes are longer, particularly in the opening hours, which can slow down the pacing.

Several narrative elements have been adjusted. Mido, the character who blocks progress in Kokiri Forest, is now portrayed as well-intentioned rather than a bully. The owl guide Kaepora Gaebora is less repetitive, and the fairy companion Navi no longer constantly interrupts the player with the phrase "Hey! Listen!". These changes aim to reduce friction in the gameplay experience.

The game includes economic adjustments for players. Wallets can now hold double the cash capacity compared to the original. However, upgrades from Great Fairies are no longer free and can cost up to 500 rupees. The Water Temple, a level known for its difficulty in the 1998 version, is considered more manageable in this remake.

This release precedes a planned Zelda movie next year. The game is designed to introduce the story and world of Hyrule to a new generation while preserving the core elements of the original title.