For the last few weeks, rumors have been circulating about a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and Nintendo may have unintentionally confirmed the game’s existence ahead of an official announcement. Ocarina of Time was originally released on N64 back in 1998, and it has been considered one of the greatest entries in the series ever since. The game brought the Zelda franchise into 3D for the first time, paving the way for future favorites like Breath of the Wild.
Nintendo’s plans for the second half of 2026 are a mystery at the moment. The company has four first party games coming out between May and July, but the holiday season is a mystery. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Nintendo’s Zelda franchise, and fans have been hoping for some kind of celebration. A remake of a beloved Zelda game would probably make a lot of fans happy, should the rumors prove to be true.
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Nintendo’s Unintentional Possible Ocarina of Time Confirmation
Rumors about the Ocarina of Time remake started heating up in March, thanks to Nate the Hate. On his podcast, the leaker claimed that an Ocarina of Time remake is one of Nintendo’s big games this year. During that discussion, he also mentioned a summer release window for Splatoon Raiders and that a new Star Fox game is in development. A July 23 release date for Splatoon Raiders was officially confirmed a few weeks later, and Star Fox has now been announced for Nintendo Switch 2.
What’s That Weapon?
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Easy (7.5s)Medium (5.0s)Hard (2.5s)Permadeath (2.5s)
With Star Fox set to be released in June, an official announcement for the Ocarina of Time remake seems like an inevitability. Nintendo is likely unhappy about the Zelda leak, but leaks are a common thing in the video game industry, and there’s a good chance that the company will have much more to announce in the coming weeks. Traditionally, Nintendo Direct presentations have been held in the month of June, and that’s usually when information is revealed about games coming out in the second half of the year. It’s unlikely that the Ocarina of Time remake is the only game coming out during the holiday window.
Beyond that, the next major Nintendo Direct should offer some details about what to expect next year. Right now, Pokemon Winds and Waves are confirmed for 2027, but there haven’t been many other games revealed. It’s possible the presentation could offer some early teases for games releasing in the first quarter of 2027. Switch 2 should be the primary focus of the presentation, but some games for the original Switch could also appear.
Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.
Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.
Easy (5)Medium (7)Hard (10)
An Ocarina of Time remake is a risky move for Nintendo. This is a game that already means a lot to fans, and there’s going to be pressure to deliver an experience that feels faithful while also modernizing the elements that can be improved. At the very least, the remake should help satisfy those awaiting the next major Zelda game. A follow-up to 2023’s Tears of the Kingdom is likely still a few years away, so an Ocarina of Time remake would provide Switch 2 with a substantial game to fill the void. The remake hasn’t been fully confirmed just yet, but it seems a lot more likely now that fans know Star Fox is coming.
- Released
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November 21, 1998
- ESRB
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E10+ for Everyone 10+: Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence, Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
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Nintendo
- Publisher(s)
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Nintendo
- Engine
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Zelda 64 Engine
