Nintendo confirmed a full ground-up remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2 during its June 9 Direct showcase. The company described the project as having “stunning visuals, updated designs, and timeless gameplay.” No specific release date was given, only a 2026 window.
The remake is a Switch 2 exclusive. Nintendo made no mention of backward compatibility or a version for the original Switch. The reveal was the most discussed announcement of the event and quickly became one of the most talked-about gaming stories of Summer Game Fest 2026.
The original Ocarina of Time launched in 1998 on the Nintendo 64 and is widely regarded as one of the most influential video games ever made. The game has appeared on several platforms over the decades, but Nintendo had not previously announced a full visual remake of the title.
The 50-minute Direct also confirmed a new Xenoblade game called Xenoblade Genesis, the arrival of Kingdom Hearts IV on Switch 2, and Fire Emblem Fortune’s Weave. Rhythm Heaven Groove, with more than 80 minigames, is set to launch on July 2.
Nintendo quietly confirmed through a hidden description on its official website that this is a remake, not a remaster. That distinction matters to fans: a remake involves rebuilding the game from the ground up, while a remaster simply enhances existing assets.
The announcement sent gaming search traffic spiking across major platforms. Pre-order interest was immediately high, though Nintendo has not yet opened pre-orders for the title.
The Nintendo Switch 2 launched earlier in 2026 and has been building its exclusive game library. The Zelda announcement strengthens the case for the new hardware significantly. No current Switch owners can play this version without upgrading.
The Zelda franchise has a long history of successful remakes. The 2011 Ocarina of Time 3D on the Nintendo 3DS was well received, but that project was a visual update rather than the full rebuild Nintendo is now describing.
According to Nintendo’s official site, more details on the remake are expected closer to its launch. The game is one of several Switch 2 exclusives expected this year from the company’s first-party studios.
