# Ocarina of Time on Switch 2: what’s new, and what players say after launch

> Ocarina of Time on Switch 2 is rebuilt from the ground up, with new visuals, voiced cutscenes, orchestral music, a jump button and an ocarina you can hum into. Everything Nintendo added, and what players praise and question after launch day.

By Mercer. Published 6 November 2026.

> **Is it a remake?: Rebuilt from the ground up for Switch 2.**
>
> New visuals, voiced cutscenes, orchestral music, a jump and a dash, and an ocarina you can hum into. Players love how it looks and sounds, and the most common complaint is that it's too easy.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time came out on 5 November 2026, exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo calls it a standalone adventure and a good first Zelda for newcomers.[^1][^2] What's new comes from Nintendo's own pages, and what players say from their first day with it, both checked on 6 November.

## What's new in Ocarina of Time on Switch 2

**What Nintendo added**

| Feature | What it is |
| --- | --- |
| Visuals | Completely overhauled, with HDR and VRR on compatible TVs |
| Story | Voiced cutscenes, more of them, and expanded dialogue |
| Music | A symphonic orchestral score |
| Controls | A jump button, a dash, and reworked camera and movement controls |
| The ocarina | Play songs with the buttons, or hum or play your own instrument into the Switch 2 microphone |
| Hall of Fallen Foes | Fight powerful enemies again |
| Fairy thoughts | Little tidbits about Hyrule, scattered to find |
| ZELDA NOTES | A free service in the Nintendo Switch App with your daily record, location hunts from images, a playable ocarina and a quiz of over 2,000 questions |
| amiibo | Any Zelda amiibo gives in-game extras, and the Young Link and Young Zelda amiibo, due in 2027, unlock retro-style masks |

[^1][^2]

The download is 24.9 GB, and it plays on the TV, on a table or in your hands. Buy the digital version before 23 November at 11:59 p.m. PT for a 40th anniversary wallpaper.[^2] A day-one update, version 1.1.1, came out on 4 November. It adds ZELDA NOTES support and fixes several issues, and you need it to use the game's internet features.[^3]

## What players say after launch day

**It looks and sounds wonderful.** For many players it's the best-looking Nintendo game they've played, at a steady 60 frames a second, and towns feel lived in, with villagers visiting each other. The orchestral score stays close to the original's tunes, and players are glad to hear real music while they explore.[^4]

**The new cutscenes win people over.** The scene after Link pulls the Master Sword is the one players mention most, and some longtime fans call this the definitive way to play.[^4]

**The English voice acting divides players.** Some find it cheesy and switch to the Japanese voices with English subtitles, while others say it grows on them and slows them down to take in the story.[^4][^5]

**It's easier than the original.** This is the most common complaint. Puzzles are signposted, villagers point the way, and dungeons are more linear, so returning players breeze through, and some wish Nintendo had added Master Quest or a hard mode. Others answer that it's less tedious rather than easier, and that the jump button removes a lot of frustration.[^5]

**The controls mostly land, with one exception.** Jumping and dashing feel natural once you stop forgetting the jump button. Players used to the original's three item buttons dislike that only one item sits on ZR, with L and R opening a menu.[^4]

**The ocarina is a highlight.** Players enjoy playing songs on real instruments, and some use their own ocarinas.[^4] If humming won't register, players switch the game's microphone setting from Hum Mode to Instrument Mode and turn up the console's microphone sensitivity.[^6]

## How long is Ocarina of Time on Switch 2?

It's too soon for finishing times. Players who played all day at launch reached the adult half of the story, some as far as the Fire Temple, after about 10 hours.[^4] We'll add finishing times once enough players have logged them.

Our [Ocarina of Time page](https://creativecult.digital/games/the-legend-of-zelda-ocarina-of-time) keeps the price, download size and amiibo details in one place.

## Sources

[^1]: Nintendo, It’s time. Experience The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, reborn exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2!, 5 November 2026. https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/its-time-experience-the-legend-of-zelda-ocarina-of-time-reborn-exclusively-for-nintendo-switch-2/
[^2]: Nintendo US store: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2. https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/the-legend-of-zelda-ocarina-of-time-switch-2/
[^3]: Nintendo Support, How to Update The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/71859/~/how-to-update-the-legend-of-zelda%3A-ocarina-of-time
[^4]: Reddit, r/zelda, What’s everyone’s thoughts so far playing the remake?, 5 November 2026. https://www.reddit.com/r/zelda/comments/1xonr4r/ootwhats_everyones_thoughts_so_far_playing_the/
[^5]: Reddit, r/zelda, Am I crazy? Too easy?, 5 November 2026. https://www.reddit.com/r/zelda/comments/1xojf3a/oothd_am_i_crazy_too_easy/
[^6]: Reddit, r/legendofzelda, How to whistle songs in Ocarina of Time without the official accessory, 5 November 2026. https://www.reddit.com/r/legendofzelda/comments/1xon2ej/fix_how_to_tonguewhistle_songs_in_ocarina_of_time/

Page: https://creativecult.digital/research/ocarina-of-time-switch-2-whats-new