The Ocarina of Time remake arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 on Thursday, November 5. In fact, Nintendo has rebuilt the 1998 classic from the ground up, with new visuals, voiced cutscenes, an orchestral soundtrack and modern controls, while keeping the story that made it one of the most celebrated games ever made.
Nintendo first revealed the remake at its June 2026 Direct, as Forbes reported, and confirmed the date during the Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct in September. So here is everything you need before launch: when it unlocks in your region, how much it costs, what is new, how big the download is and how to buy it without a bank card.
Ocarina of Time remake at a glance
When the Ocarina of Time Remake Unlocks
Generally, Nintendo unlocks big digital releases at midnight local time in Europe and at midnight Eastern time in the Americas. Therefore, based on that pattern, the game should become playable at these times:
Expected unlock times
| Region | Local time | Date |
|---|---|---|
| US West (PT) | 9:00 p.m. | November 4 |
| US East (ET) | 12:00 a.m. | November 5 |
| United Kingdom | 12:00 a.m. | November 5 |
| Central and Eastern Europe | 12:00 a.m. local time | November 5 |
| Japan | 12:00 a.m. | November 5 |
Still, Nintendo has not confirmed a game-specific unlock hour, so treat these times as a guide. However, if you pre-order digitally, the game will already be on your console, and a small update on launch day unlocks it.
Price and Editions
First of all, the remake comes in two versions with the same content. Interestingly, the digital version is $10 cheaper in the US than the physical game card, which follows Nintendo’s newer pricing for some Switch 2 games.
Ocarina of Time remake prices
| Version | US | Europe | UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital (eShop)Best pick | $59.99 | €59.99 | £49.99 |
| Physical game card | $69.99 | Set by retailers | Set by retailers |
In addition, the first print run of the physical version comes with special textured foil cover art while supplies last. Meanwhile, digital buyers in the US get a free Zelda 40th Anniversary wallpaper if they buy before November 23. On the other hand, there is no collector’s edition, and the separate Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 console bundle does not include the game.
What Is New in the Ocarina of Time Remake
Clearly, this is not a simple remaster. Nintendo rebuilt the game for Switch 2, and the list of changes is long:
- New visuals with HDR and VRR support, especially on compatible TVs.
- Voiced cutscenes and also expanded dialogue for the first time in the game’s history.
- A re-recorded orchestral soundtrack that also brings back the famous melodies.
- Modern controls, for example dedicated jump and dash buttons and a freer camera.
- Threads of Time, an optional story guide that helps whenever you get stuck.
- Hall of Fallen Heroes, a new area where you can then rematch bosses.
- Zelda Notes, a companion service that also runs in the Nintendo Switch App on your phone.
Importantly, the story itself is unchanged. As before, you still guide Link through Hyrule, travel through time and face Ganondorf, so long-time fans will recognise every major moment.
Play the Ocarina by Humming
Perhaps the most talked-about feature is also surprisingly simple. Thanks to the Switch 2 microphone, you can now play ocarina songs by humming them. For example, hum Zelda’s Lullaby or Epona’s Song, and the game recognises the melody.
Of course, you can still play songs with the buttons if you prefer. Still, it is a charming idea that turns one of the game’s most iconic mechanics into something you actually perform, and it is likely to become a favourite with younger players.
Download Size and Preload
At the moment, Nintendo’s UK listing puts the download at about 24.5 GB, while the US store still shows an earlier estimate of 27 GB. Either way, make sure you have at least 30 GB free before launch day, because updates may add a little more.
Preload tipIf you pre-order the digital version, the game downloads before launch, and payment is taken no earlier than seven days before release. Check your storage now, so the download finishes before November 5.
Similarly, the physical version runs from the game card, but it may still need an update, so a small amount of free space is useful either way.
Amiibo and Extras
To begin with, existing Legend of Zelda amiibo unlock in-game extras in the remake. Moreover, Nintendo has announced new Young Link and Young Zelda amiibo for 2027, which will unlock retro-style masks for Link.
Note that saving your progress to the cloud requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership, as with other Switch 2 games. If you want to compare the remake with the 1998 original, the N64 version is also available through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
How the Ocarina of Time Remake Compares With the Original
Placing the two versions side by side shows how much has changed, especially in the details. In short, the structure and story stay the same, while almost everything you see, hear and touch has been rebuilt.
Original vs remake
| Feature | 1998 original | 2026 remake |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics | N64 polygons | Rebuilt with HDR and VRR |
| Voice acting | None | Voiced cutscenes |
| Music | MIDI soundtrack | Orchestral recording |
| Controls | Auto-jump only | Jump and dash buttons |
| Ocarina | Buttons | Buttons or humming |
| Extra content | None | Hall of Fallen Heroes, Threads of Time |
Above all, the biggest practical difference is the controls. Back then, in the original, Link jumped automatically at ledges, which often felt clumsy. Now, a dedicated jump button and a free camera make movement feel closer to modern Zelda games, so exploring Hyrule should feel smoother than ever.
Is the Ocarina of Time Remake Worth It
For newcomers, the answer is therefore almost certainly yes. The original is a landmark of game design, and the new controls, voice acting and story guide remove most of the friction that makes old games hard to return to. Besides, it is the perfect entry point for younger players who grew up with Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
Meanwhile, for long-time fans, the remake offers a fresh way to relive a favourite, with new content such as the Hall of Fallen Heroes and the humming feature. However, if you mainly want the classic experience, the N64 original through Nintendo Switch Online is a cheaper option. For more games coming this month, see our guide to the biggest games of November 2026.
How to Buy It Without a Bank Card
Fortunately, you do not need a credit card to pre-order or buy the remake. A Nintendo eShop gift card adds funds to your Nintendo Account, and you then pay for the game from that balance. Just make sure the card matches your account region, since eShop cards only work in the country they were issued for.
Once you have €59.99 or £49.99 on your account, you can buy the digital version on launch day, or pre-order it now and let the preload do the rest.
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Nintendo eShop Gift Cards
Top up your Nintendo Account and buy the Ocarina of Time remake without a bank card. Codes arrive in your account within minutes.
Shop Nintendo eShop Gift CardsFrequently Asked Questions
It launches on Thursday, November 5, 2026, exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2. In Europe it should unlock at midnight local time.
The digital version costs $59.99, €59.99 or £49.99. The physical game card costs $69.99 in the US, while European retailers set their own prices.
No. The remake is exclusive to Switch 2. The original N64 version is available on Switch and Switch 2 through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
Nintendo lists about 24.5 GB in the UK and 27 GB in the US. Keep around 30 GB free to be safe.
Yes. Redeem a Nintendo eShop gift card for your account region and pay for the game from your eShop balance.
