Nintendo announced the Nintendo Switch 2: The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition system arriving on October 29, alongside the November 5 release of the The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake during its 40th-anniversary Direct presentation on Tuesday.
Nintendo marked the four-decade milestone of its iconic franchise with a streamed showcase featuring a live orchestra and a series of major franchise updates. The live-stream featured details about the upcoming live-action Zelda movie, the Ocarina of Time remake, and a special Legend of Zelda 40th anniversary edition of its Nintendo Switch 2 console. The broadcast opened with a franchise retrospective accompanied by a live orchestra before diving into hard release dates for upcoming hardware, games, and entertainment projects.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake Brings Modern Upgrades to N64 Classic
The centerpiece of the presentation was the reveal of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, scheduled to launch on November 5. Legend of Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma introduced the first gameplay footage of the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, which features new, “realistic” yet “nostalgic” visuals. The title leverages the graphic capabilities of the Nintendo Switch 2 to overhaul the visuals of the nearly 30-year-old Nintendo 64 game originally released in 1998.
Visuals weren’t the only upgrades, as controlling Link is much easier using both analog sticks, which weren’t around in 1998, and instead of jumping automatically near any ledge, there’s a jump button to let Link get across gaps. Another interesting feature involves the ocarina Link uses in the game. This is a key item as it lets Link do various magical feats when a certain tune is played by pressing the correct buttons. Something different is that players can now hum the tune, and the game will recognize the sound via the Switch 2’s microphone and complete the input to activate the song.
Only the intro sequence of the game in Kokiri Forest and the first section of Hyrule Castle Town were shown during the presentation. All the characters received a visual upgrade as well as voices, with new fully voiced cutscenes. Link, however, is still not going to talk. First-time players who get lost or a little confused in the game will be able to check out Zelda Notes, a new feature added into the Nintendo Switch app that lets players track their progress, gives some hints on in-game location and provides other info for players.
Nintendo Switch 2 40th Anniversary Edition and Peripheral Lineup
Before playing Ocarina of Time remake, fans can pick up the Nintendo Switch 2: The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition system. The new Switch 2 variant will have a unique look on the console and dock inspired by the game.
A matching Switch 2 Pro Controller and a carrying case with their own inspired looks will be sold separately. Nintendo also plans to have an exclusive Switch 2 Pro Controller with its own display stand for sale only at the Nintendo Store in New York City and San Francisco.
Nintendo didn’t officially put a price on the Ocarina of Time remake, but the digital version is expected to be $60. There is a listing for the physical version of the game on the Nintendo Store for $70 that appeared shortly after the presentation and was taken down by Nintendo. It’s unclear what items shown during the event will be available at other retailers and which ones will be available only through the Nintendo Store.
Physical Ocarinas and Live-Action Movie Details
Then, there’s the ocarina. But the gaming giant also announced an actual ocarina that fans can buy to annoy their friends and family while learning how to play. Nintendo plans to release an official ocarina identical to the one Link plays throughout Ocarina of Time. There will be a traditional acoustic model and an electric version made by Hori that can play songs via a button. Eiji Aonuma, the producer of the Zelda series, gave a demo of how the ocarina sounds during the show. Nintendo didn’t provide a price or release date for these ocarinas, but it said in a press release that they will be available later this year.
The franchise expansion extends to the silver screen. Legend of Zelda creator and Nintendo executive Shigeru Miyamoto announced the live-action film adaptation starring Bo Bragason as Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Link will be titled The Legend of Zelda.
Once you see the film, you'll understand why there isn't a subtitle. This is an original film based on the many stories, ideas and concepts of the series built up through the games for 40 years, Miyamoto said
The live-action movie opens in theaters on April 30, 2027. A 40th anniversary concert series featuring the game’s music will also kick off in January in Japan and in February in the US, starting in Chicago. Also out next year are the Young Link and Young Zelda amiibo figures.
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