Zelda's 40th Blowout: Ocarina of Time Remake Lands Nov 5 on Switch 2, Packed with New Merch

Nintendo marked the 40th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda series with a dedicated Direct presentation on September 8, 2026, delivering the full reveal of the highly anticipated The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake for Nintendo Switch 2, alongside a significant lineup of commemorative hardware and merchandise.

The 30-minute "The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct", streamed on the official Nintendo YouTube channel, captivated fans with gameplay footage and detailed announcements, confirming months of anticipation. This event, reported by multiple outlets including Tom's Guide and Game Informer, positioned Ocarina of Time's remake as a central pillar of the anniversary celebrations.

What's new in the Ocarina of Time remake?

The The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake for Nintendo Switch 2 will launch on November 5, 2026, priced at $59.99 for a digital copy, according to 9to5Toys. Series producer Eiji Aonuma showcased the first gameplay, highlighting a complete visual overhaul that revamps the classic title's aesthetic. The remake also introduces fully voiced cutscenes, expanded character dialogue, and symphonic orchestral music. Player experience improvements include reworked camera and movement controls, a manual jump ability, and an interactive feature allowing players to hum ocarina tunes into the Switch 2's microphone. Additionally, the game supports "Zelda Notes" via the Nintendo Switch app, enhancing player interaction. While the visual style had previously received a "mixed reception online" following its initial unveiling, the Direct offered a more comprehensive look.

For collectors, the first print run of the physical version will feature special packaging adorned with textured foil cover art, available while supplies last.

What anniversary hardware is available?

To complement the game's release, Nintendo is launching special edition hardware. The Nintendo Switch 2 – The Legend of Zelda – 40th Anniversary Edition console, featuring a distinctive Triforce design, is set to release on October 29, 2026. Accompanying this is the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller – The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition, also sporting a Triforce design, available with or without a display stand on the same date. A matching Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case with Screen Protector – The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition will also launch on October 29, 2026. Pricing for this hardware was not specified in the announcements.

What other merchandise and events were announced?

Beyond the game and console, the anniversary direct unveiled an array of collectible merchandise and celebratory events. Nintendo itself is releasing a playable Ocarina "in the future," while Hori will offer an electric version that can play notes or entire songs at the press of a button, slated for release "later this year." New amiibo figures of Young Link and Young Zelda are scheduled for launch in 2027, designed to unlock special in-game masks that evoke a retro graphical style. For Lego enthusiasts, a 1,750-piece Link & Epona Lego set is arriving in spring 2027. Hasbro also has an electronic Master Sword in the works, measuring 27 inches and featuring 15 touch- and motion-activated sounds. Specific pricing for these items was not detailed.

The 40th-anniversary celebration extends globally with The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Concert series next year. The tour will start in Japan in January 2027, move to North America in February (kicking off in Chicago), followed by a European leg in April (beginning in London), and an Australian tour in May (starting in Melbourne). Ticket sales are set to begin later in September 2026.

The Nintendo Museum in Kyoto, Japan, will join the festivities, offering a special Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary ticket design from September 9, 2026. New photo opportunities themed around the Master Sword will be available starting November 5, 2026, and the Super Family Restaurant, offering meals surrounded by Nintendo characters, is expected to open in fall 2026.

What does this split Direct mean for Nintendo?

Nintendo's decision to hold a dedicated 30-minute Zelda Direct on September 8, followed by a general Nintendo Direct on September 9, 2026, marks a departure from its usual presentation pattern. This split format, highlighting a single franchise with its own showcase, underscores the immense significance of The Legend of Zelda series to the company and its global fanbase, as noted by IGN and Nintendo Life.

What comes next for Zelda fans?

The immediate future brings the release of the special edition Nintendo Switch 2 hardware and accessories on October 29, 2026, followed by the launch of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake on November 5, 2026. Fans can anticipate more specific release details for the playable Ocarinas later this year or in the future, with the new amiibo and Lego set arriving in 2027. The global concert series will be a major event throughout 2027, with ticket sales commencing this September. The Nintendo Museum will also roll out its anniversary features starting from September 9, 2026.