The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time returns in a remake exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2, 28 years after its debut on Nintendo 64. The updated version keeps the original adventure intact while adding redesigned visuals, French voice acting for major characters in cutscenes and quality-of-life features. It is scheduled to launch on November 5, 2026, for €59.99.
Players again control Link, a child from Kokiri Forest who is tasked with stopping Ganondorf. The story moves between Link’s childhood and adulthood, with the hero travelling seven years into the future after obtaining the Master Sword. The remake adds dialogue and more detailed presentation, but does not alter the plot.
The game retains its structured progression rather than adopting the open-world approach of more recent Zelda titles. Hyrule is divided into regions connected by the central field, and access to new areas depends on acquiring items. The review notes that the field can feel sparse and that early sections involve repeated journeys, while the ocarina’s teleportation melodies help reduce backtracking later on.
Its strongest design remains the collection of themed dungeons. Their puzzles become more challenging over time, and items found in them continue to serve a purpose throughout exploration, including in side quests and the search for collectibles. Combat is still responsive, with clear targeting and satisfying sound and animation, though many enemies are defeated with the sword and make limited use of Link’s wider equipment.
The remake’s visual overhaul is a major part of its appeal. Detailed environments, character designs and volumetric lighting give the adventure a more polished look, while the soundtrack has been rearranged across 80 tracks. New French voice performances add presence to key scenes, although Link remains silent. The review also points out that the original music is reused for boss encounters and that the new material does little to expand the experience.
On Switch 2, the game runs at a stable 60 frames per second in both handheld and docked play. Players can control the camera with the right stick, use shortcuts and a scrolling menu to reduce menu navigation, and consult a new timeline tab that tracks main and side quests without directing them to specific locations.
The remake also includes a monster arena built around boss battles and “fairy thoughts,” but the review considers these additions limited. It praises the presentation, dungeons, controls and comfort options, while noting the dated structure, sparse central field and relatively simple combat. The main story is estimated to take 15 to 20 hours, with completion of additional content bringing the total to as much as 30 hours.
Sources: Jeuxvideo.com.