The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time has returned on Nintendo Switch 2 in what its reviewer describes as a respectful reimagining of the Nintendo 64 classic. The game retains its original story while refreshing its presentation and adding adjustments intended to make the adventure more accessible to modern players.
The plot remains focused on a young Kokiri boy, Link, who sets out with the fairy Navi to help Princess Zelda stop Ganondorf from claiming the Triforce. His journey across Hyrule brings him into contact with the Gorons, Zora and Gerudo, as he tackles dungeons filled with enemies and puzzles.
The review highlights a new art direction that gives the fantasy world a theatrical quality, along with expanded cutscenes, Spanish voice acting and orchestral music incorporating themes from the original soundtrack. It also points to changes in how the game plays: Link can run after performing a roll, jumping is now manual, and inventory management has been revised. These adjustments, alongside other tweaks, are said to make the Water Temple easier to navigate.
Some locations and dungeons have also been updated. The movable camera offers a better view of Hyrule Castle, while certain puzzles have been modified to make them more intuitive. A new Monster Coliseum lets players view enemies found throughout Hyrule and challenge the adventure’s bosses again. The game also adds a Deku merchant who can be summoned to sell useful supplies, and updates the design of some items.
The ocarina remains central to the adventure, but players can now hum or whistle melodies using the Nintendo Switch 2 microphone, as well as play them with the console’s buttons. The Zelda Notes feature in the Nintendo Switch Online app provides sheet music, gameplay statistics and other information. As in the original, the instrument is used to solve puzzles, call Epona and travel to certain temples.
The reviewer concludes that the updated presentation and quality-of-life changes preserve the appeal of a carefully structured adventure while making it feel more approachable. The game is available exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo has also released a console celebrating the franchise’s 40th anniversary, along with a themed case and Pro Controller. Physical copies acquired early come with a gold metallic-effect cover. Two amiibo, featuring Link and Zelda, are planned for next year and will provide themed masks for the game. A replica of the ocarina is also expected to become available through the My Nintendo Store next year.
Sources: Nintenderos.