The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - gameplay and release date

Nintendo has finally shared new information on The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, a remake of the eponymous title that, back in 1998, wrote fundamental pages in video game history. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since the Nintendo 64 era, and the remake proves it, not only with obvious technical improvements but also with changes to the style and new gameplay features.

The Look of Ocarina of Time 

Legendary game designer Eiji Aonuma, who also directed the original, presents the remake in a long video, discussing its various new features. First and foremost is the style: Nintendo has created a scenario with a more modern and realistic look, but not overly so, because it also intended to instill a sense of nostalgia in long-time players. All visible on-screen elements have been redesigned, starting with the protagonist Link.

The Gameplay of Ocarina of Time 

Fundamentally, the gameplay seems to echo that of the original, but there are several substantial differences. For example, you can now freely rotate the camera, a gesture that may seem obvious but was absent in 1998. Or, there's a dedicated jump button (whereas back then, jumping was strictly automatic), or even a sprint to move faster. A unique feature is the ability to play ocarina melodies in first-person, with the game recognizing them through the microphone.

The Settings of Ocarina of Time 

You can even purchase an ocarina on the Nintendo eShop for maximum immersion. If you've enjoyed playing the original, in the video you'll recognize Ocarina of Time's initial location, the Kokiri Forest, before moving on to the first dungeon, the Great Deku Tree. Afterward, it transitions to the vast Hyrule Field and then to Hyrule Town. These settings feel very familiar yet different at the same time.

Where and When Ocarina of Time is Released 

In a world where the vast majority of publishers fear the advent of Grand Theft Auto VI, Nintendo doesn't seem to care too much, perhaps because it considers itself less in competition with Rockstar Games than many others. The fact is that the release date for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is set for November 5, 2026. You will find the new version of a great classic exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2. In addition to Aonuma's presentation, there's also a "general" trailer that we've included below.

The Ocarina of Time Trailer