Early reviews praise Nintendo's Ocarina of Time remake ahead of Switch 2 launch

Initial reviews have emerged for Nintendo's upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time ahead of its November 5 release on the Nintendo Switch 2. Japanese publication Famitsu awarded the title a 37 out of 40 across its four-reviewer panel, while outlets like Eurogamer have also begun publishing assessments. The game will retail at $59.99 for the digital version and $69.99 for physical copies. [2][6]

The remake revamps the classic adventure with modern graphics, fully voiced cutscenes, expanded dialogue, and a symphonic orchestral soundtrack. Control updates introduce a dedicated jump button, smoother weapon switching, and an over-the-shoulder camera, while players can hum or play melodies into the console's built-in microphone. Outside the game, a companion feature called Zelda Notes inside the Nintendo Switch App tracks progress and offers daily trivia, with Young Link and Young Zelda amiibo scheduled to arrive in 2027. [6]

Famitsu's reviewers highlighted the fluid camera and updated visuals, though they noted the game feels relatively simple compared to modern titles and can leave players uncertain about where to head next. The score leaves the remake just short of the 1998 Nintendo 64 original's perfect 40/40, while matching the 37/40 awarded to the Nintendo 3DS edition released in 2011. [6]