Get your Ocarinas Ready!

Nintendo has wrapped up its dedicated 30-minute Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct. The presentation delivered a balanced mix of software reveals, custom hardware, real-world collectibles, and media updates celebrating four decades of Hyrule history.

Ocarina of Time Remake Gets Gameplay Debut and November Release Date

The headline moment of the broadcast was the full gameplay debut and release date confirmation for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake. Built ground-up for the Nintendo Switch 2, the remake releases globally on 5 November 2026. The initial physical print run will include commemorative textured foil cover art while supplies last.

In-depth gameplay footage showcased modern mechanical overhauls alongside a faithful recreation of the original N64 world. Players can now jump manually using a dedicated action button, swim freely across lakes, and explore a fully 3D third-person Hyrule Castle Town featuring dynamic day-night cycles. Additional features include fully voiced cutscenes for supporting characters, seamless real-time item swapping, and the option to hum melodies into the Switch 2 microphone to play songs on the Ocarina.

Custom Switch 2 Console and Themed Hardware Accessories

Hardware collectors were treated to the announcement of a custom Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Nintendo Switch 2 console launching on 29 October 2026. The gold-accented system will launch alongside a matching standalone Switch 2 Pro Controller and a protective travel case featuring classic Hylian Crest detailing.

Film Adaptation Update and Live-Action Release Window

Nintendo also provided a production status update on its live-action film adaptation. Simply titled The Legend of Zelda, the feature film is officially slated for a worldwide theatrical release on 30 April 2027.

Physical Collectibles, Real-Life Ocarinas, and App Updates

Beyond digital software, the Direct highlighted several physical collectibles and companion media coming in late 2026 and early 2027. Real-world merchandise announcements included a 1,750-piece LEGO Legend of Zelda Link and Epona set arriving in spring 2027. Physical playable ocarinas are also on the way, including an electronic model from HORI capable of automated song playback.

Finally, updates to the Zelda Notes companion app were detailed, expanding support directly to Ocarina of Time. The mobile integration will allow players to track game progression, access in-game location hints, play a virtual ocarina, and complete daily trivia challenges.

The week of announcements continues today, 9 September, with a general Nintendo Direct streaming at 3:00 PM BST, followed immediately by two hours of Nintendo Treehouse Live gameplay coverage.

Out of Sync Take

The graphics are dividing fans. Some love it and some hate it. I like the way it looks and I think it strikes a nice balance of realism and fairy-tale folklore art. I’m still hoping for additional content to be discovered throughout the playthru, but none-the-less, this is an exciting overhaul of a brilliant game that will be a joy for fans to replay and new fans to discover. Are you happy with the new art style? Are you picking up all the collectables? Will you be signing into your controller? Let us know in the comments below.

And check out our podcast where we talk about our playthru of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Is it still the GOAT?

Everything Announced at The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct