Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake Release Date Is Nov. 5 on Switch 2: Reviews, Size and What's New

Launch week is here for one of the biggest Nintendo releases of the year. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, a ground-up remake of the 1998 Nintendo 64 classic, comes out this Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2.

Ocarina of Time remake release date

Nintendo’s US store lists the release date as November 5, 2026, for Nintendo Switch 2 only. The date was first revealed during a Zelda-focused Nintendo Direct on Sept. 8, Game Informer reported, months after the remake was announced in June. Nintendo released a new overview trailer in October showing off the updated visuals and new gameplay features.

Game Informer noted the timing: the remake arrives about two weeks before Grand Theft Auto VI, which is expected to be the year’s biggest launch.

When do Ocarina of Time reviews come out?

Nintendo has not announced an exact review embargo. Notebookcheck reported that Metacritic told fans to watch for scores “midweek.” Based on past Zelda launches like Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild, whose reviews appeared the day before release, that suggests reviews could go live around Wednesday, Nov. 4. Treat that as an educated guess, not a confirmed date.

The original is a tough act to follow. Notebookcheck noted that the N64 version holds a 99 on Metacritic, the site’s highest-rated entry.

What’s new in the Switch 2 remake

Nintendo’s store page describes the game as rebuilt for Switch 2, with:

• Fully overhauled visuals
• Orchestral music and voice acting
• Expanded cutscenes
• Modern controls; Game Rant previously reported the game adds a jump button

Nintendo’s description of the story is unchanged: Ganondorf schemes to steal the Triforce from the Sacred Realm, and Link must become the Hero of Time.

File size, modes and rating

According to Nintendo’s listing:

• Estimated file size: 27 GB
• Play modes: TV, tabletop and handheld
• Players: 1
• ESRB rating: Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence

Early purchase bonus and extras

Nintendo says buying the digital version before Nov. 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PT earns a Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary digital wallpaper, delivered through My Nintendo after the promotion ends. The game also works with a “ZELDA NOTES” feature in the Nintendo Switch App, which tracks your progress, offers location challenges and even lets you play an ocarina on your phone.

Any existing Legend of Zelda amiibo can be tapped for in-game extras. New Young Link and Young Zelda amiibo figures are coming in 2027 and unlock retro-style masks, Nintendo says.

Quick answers

What time does Ocarina of Time unlock? Nintendo lists only the Nov. 5 date. Digital unlock times can vary by region.

Is it on the original Switch? No. Nintendo’s listing says it is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive.

How big is the download? About 27 GB, according to Nintendo.