28 Years Later: Nintendo Remakes Ocarina of Time for Switch 2

Nintendo released a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on Thursday for the Switch 2 console. The new version arrives 28 years after the original game launched in 1998. The story follows Link as he saves his world from the lust for power. The plot remains unchanged, but the execution has been modernized for current gaming standards.

The remake alters several core mechanics to improve player flow. Nintendo introduced over-the-shoulder camera controls, replacing the original fixed angles. New jump and sprint buttons allow for more natural movement through the world. Combat is smoother than in the 1998 version, though switching between targeted enemies remains less fluid than in modern titles like Elden Ring. Players can still find the enemy targeting system frustrating despite the improvements.

Item management has been streamlined to reduce downtime. The game uses the quick menu system introduced in 2023's Tears of the Kingdom and continued in 2024's Echoes of Wisdom. This allows players to swap items without constantly pausing the action. The reviewer noted that this change made it easier to change strategy on the fly. For example, players can cast Naryu's Love and deploy Bombchus more effectively than in the original version.

A new feature called the Threads of Time quest log helps players who get stuck. It points them in the right direction during complex puzzles. However, the guide is not perfect. The reviewer noted that players will likely still need to look up online guides for the convoluted Biggoron Sword quest. The notoriously frustrating Water Temple is also more tolerable in this version. Players should watch their rupees, as inflation has hit Hyrule. Wallets can now carry double the cash, but Great Fairy upgrades are no longer free. They can cost up to 500 rupees.

The aesthetic changes are the most noticeable difference. The game features ornate textures that sometimes clash with its cartoony proportions. While the translation is a clear upgrade in most areas, some character designs fall into the uncanny valley. Nabooru, for instance, has huge red lips and golden eye-shadow that look bizarre. Animations are more extensive, leading to longer cutscenes in the opening hours. These additions can drag down the pacing for some players.

Nintendo has also adjusted the personalities of certain NPCs to flatten rough edges. Mido, who blocks progress in Kokiri Forest, has been rewritten from a bully to an overbearing but well-intentioned boss. Kaepora Gaebora, the talking owl, no longer repeats himself at the slightest provocation. Navi, the fairy companion, no longer chimes in with an incessant Hey! Listen! These changes risk eroding the game's original character but make the experience less annoying.

The remake stands as one of the most faithful adaptations of a classic game. It is less faithful than the Demon's Souls remake but far more so than the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy or the Resident Evil 4 remake. Nintendo released the game ahead of a Zelda movie scheduled for next year. This move ensures the title remains relevant for at least another few decades. The game is available now on the Switch 2.