A full 3D remake of the highest-rated game of all time is being released this week, as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time launches on Nintendo Switch 2. The original is the only game to have a 99 rating on Metacritic and is widely considered among the best games ever made. No pressure then...
Given the wider appeal of the beloved franchise, it isn’t just die-hard Zelda fans itching to get their hands on a copy – gamers in general are looking forward to playing the game once it’s out. In fact, such is Nintendo’s confidence in the Ocarina of Time remake that they’ve decided to release it in November, alongside Rockstar Games’ behemoth, GTA 6, which is slated for 19 November.
As well as a number of digital pre-order options available, there’s also a physical copy of the game, meaning there’s even a midnight launch happening in London. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the launch of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
‘The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’ release date and time
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time releases at midnight on 5 November exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2. Both digital and physical pre-orders of the game are available now.
Those who pre-order the game digitally can pre-load it, meaning the moment the clock strikes midnight and the date ticks over to 5 November, you’ll be able to play it straight away. If you pre-order it physically, of course you’ll have to wait for it to be delivered or available for pick-up – but you’ll have a physical copy of the game to add to your collection.
Where to pre-order ‘The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’ in the UK
The recommended retail price (RRP) for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time differs, depending if you want a digital download or a physical copy. Officially, the game has a RRP of £49.99 digitally and the physical edition costs £59.99.
However a number of UK retailers are listing physical copies of the game at £54.99 as standard, including John Lewis, Argos, Currys, Smyths and Very. Amazon also has copies available at this price, too, but it’s showing up as a discount on what it’s usually listed for.
Digital downloads are £49.99 as standard on the Nintendo Store and Amazon.
Read more: The limited-edition Zelda Switch 2 console has returned – here’s where to shop
Nintendo 64 voice actor auditioned for same Switch 2 remake role - and got it
14:03 , Jake BrigstockA voice actor from the original Nintendo 64 version of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time auditioned for the same role in the Switch 2 remake – and made it.
Speaking in the latest developer Q&A, Eiji Aonuma, a senior officer in Nintendo Entertainment Planning and Development Division, said: “We deliberately hid the voice actors’ names during the Japanese auditions to force ourselves to decide based solely on which voices most closely resembled those of the original.
“And as fate would have it, one of the actors we selected had actually voiced the same character in the Nintendo 64 version. None of us saw that coming.”
A live-action 'Zelda' movie is on its way
11:53 , Emma ClarkeAs mentioned, a new live-action Zelda movie is slated to be released in April next year, as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations.
During the Nintendo Direct event in September, little was revealed about the movie directed by Wes Ball. But what we do know is that it’ll be called The Legend of Zelda (shocker, we know), with Bo Bragason as Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link.
Other cast members include Uli Latukefu as Ganondorf and Dichen Lachman as Impa. New Zealand actor Sam Neill is also expected to play the King of Hyrule.
Midnight launch for ‘The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’
11:44 , Jake BrigstockYes, there is a midnight launch happening, and it’s taking place in London. There will be a special event at Argos on Tottenham Court Road on the evening of Wednesday 4 November, ahead of the midnight launch.
The game will be available to purchase in store at midnight once it’s released. Those who purchase at the launch will also get a free Nintendo 64 box replica, complete with an inner tray and slip case designed to fit the Nintendo Switch 2 game, alongside an ocarina keyring while stocks last.
The ocarina is 'the key to your adventure'
11:38 , Emma ClarkeThe ocarina is a wind instrument shaped a bit like a boomerang. With a mouthpiece and finger holes, the flute-like item is a mainstay of Zelda games and enables players to not only unlock new powers but also different levels and missions in the game.
Ahead of the new Ocarina of Time’s release, Nintendo shared a post stating that the ocarina “is the key to your adventure – its songs can change Hyrule and guide you toward a new destiny.”
There’ll also be a range of other items to use in the remake.
The ocarina is the key to your adventure—its songs can change Hyrule and guide you toward a new destiny. Use it, along with a variety of other items, to journey across time and restore balance to the kingdom in The Legend of #Zelda: #OcarinaOfTime, coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on… pic.twitter.com/gKTMjrGIa0
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) October 30, 2026
Celebrating 40 years of 'The Legend of Zelda'
10:44 , Emma ClarkeOn 21 February 1986, the first Zelda video game was released in Japan by designers Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka.
Developed and published by Nintendo, the beloved series follows Link’s quest to save the land and Princess Zelda from the forces of Ganon’s evil.
Over the years, the game has had many iterations, including A Link to the Past, The Wind Waker, and Breath of the Wild. And although Ocarina of Time was hardly the first game in the series (it came out in 1998), it has remained the highest-grossing in the franchise and is widely considered one of the best games ever made. It’s why its remake, coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 this week, is so highly anticipated.
In addition to the launch of the remake of Ocarina of Time, Nintendo has announced several products to mark the anniversary – such as a specially designed Switch 2 and Switch 2 pro controller, and a limited edition carry case. There’s even going to be a live-action Zelda movie in 2027.
