It hasn’t been confirmed yet, and it might not even be true, but I want to believe.
By Alex Perry on April 11, 2026
Nintendo has revealed little about the Switch 2 for the latter half of 2026. However, reports suggest fans of “The Legend of Zelda” might receive a major present for the series’ 40th anniversary.
According to a prominent Nintendo leaker, Natethehate, and supported by Video Games Chronicle, Nintendo plans to release a full-scale remake of “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” for Switch 2 this holiday season. While Nintendo hasn’t confirmed this, and it may not even be real, I can’t stop thinking about it due to “Ocarina’s” significance to me.
Assuming it’s true, what should an “Ocarina of Time” remake offer? And what pitfalls should it avoid? Let’s explore this. If it doesn’t materialize, feel free to call me an idiot in the future.
An “Ocarina of Time” remake should be different enough to justify its existence.
You can already play the original “Ocarina of Time” on a Switch or Switch 2 via the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service. Remakes should supplement, not replace, the original work, so Nintendo should keep the original accessible on modern platforms.
This supposed remake, assuming it’s a $60+ major holiday release coexisting with the original, needs to distinguish itself. Modernizing controls might help. While I love the original’s feel, some modern gaming audiences find its control scheme clunky. New or reworked side quests, an additional optional dungeon, or even a secondary adventure featuring Sheik could enhance the remake, as long as it fits naturally into the game’s original structure.
But they shouldn’t just turn it into “Breath of the Wild.”
Some fans online suggest transforming “Ocarina of Time” into a full-blown open-world adventure like “Breath of the Wild.” This idea seems appealing until you consider it. “Ocarina of Time” wasn’t about creativity in puzzle-solving like “Breath” and “Tears;” it’s about using objects like a boomerang as the designers intended. It may seem stifling to fans of the newer games, but it’s an apples-and-oranges comparison.
New “Zelda” emphasizes player creativity; old “Zelda” focused on designer creativity. The old style allowed for better pacing and diverse gameplay items.
The remake needs a fresh look.
The most important decision for developers is its visual design. A straightforward adaptation of the original’s graphics wouldn’t be ideal. Merely doing “Ocarina of Time but modern” risks unfavorable comparisons and would be dull. “Zelda” has continually reinvented itself visually, and it’s time to do so again.
But it also needs to respect the original’s distinct vibes.
Revisiting the original highlights its quirky charm, like characters such as Grog and the music box guy. It’s a playful, heartfelt game, and this should remain intact. The original’s soundtrack could benefit from a full orchestral arrangement, and I’m open to other creative ideas for the remake.
Alex Perry is a tech reporter at Mashable, covering video games and consumer tech. He’s spent most of the last decade reviewing games, smartphones, headphones, and laptops, and he doesn’t plan on stopping. He’s also a Pisces, cat lover, and Kansas City sports fan. Find him on Bluesky at yelix.bsky.social.