Nintendo is going all-in for The Legend of Zelda’s 40th anniversary. During a dedicated anniversary presentation, the company unveiled a revamped version of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2, a special anniversary console, worldwide concerts, new merchandise and several other ways for fans to celebrate the series’ four decades.
The biggest reveal is undoubtedly The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, which will launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on November 5. Rather than simply bringing the 1998 classic to modern hardware, Nintendo has given the adventure a substantial overhaul, with completely reworked visuals, faster loading, smoother performance, revamped movement and camera controls, expanded cutscenes and fully voiced character dialogue.
The game’s music has also been refreshed with symphonic orchestral arrangements, while its environments have been remodeled with additional details. Link can now jump and run using new button commands, and the camera can be controlled freely with the right stick. The day and night cycle has also been changed so that it continues even while Link is exploring towns.
Nintendo is adding some new features around the adventure as well. Threads of Time will allow players to keep track of their story progress and current objectives, while a large tapestry will gradually fill in as Link’s journey unfolds.
One of the more unusual additions takes advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2’s built-in microphone. Players can hum melodies Link has learned, causing him to play the corresponding tune on his ocarina. This will also tie into two new ocarinas planned for later this year, including a playable version and an electronic model from HORI capable of playing individual notes or entire songs at the press of a button.
The physical edition of Ocarina of Time will also get some anniversary treatment, with the first print run featuring special packaging with textured foil cover art while supplies last.
Fans won’t have to wait long for the hardware either. The Nintendo Switch 2 – The Legend of Zelda – 40th Anniversary Edition will launch on October 29, complete with a Triforce design. Anniversary editions of the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller and carrying case with screen protector will accompany it, with the Pro Controller available in versions both with and without a display stand.
The Zelda celebration will continue with new amiibo. Young Link and Young Zelda figures are planned for 2027 and will unlock special masks inspired by the series’ retro visual style. Meanwhile, the previously announced Mineru’s Construct amiibo for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will arrive on September 17.
Nintendo is also expanding ZELDA NOTES, its companion service available through the Nintendo Switch App. Ocarina of Time will receive several new features, including a record of daily accomplishments, location-based challenges, a virtual ocarina and a quiz containing more than 2,000 questions.
The Gossip Quest feature will challenge players to locate areas of Hyrule using hint images, while Play Ocarina lets players use their smart device as a virtual instrument. Players can follow guides, have songs play automatically or create their own music scores to share through QR codes. The quiz can be attempted once per day, with additional attempts available using rupees earned in the game.
The 40th anniversary won’t be confined to Nintendo’s hardware and software. The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Concert series will travel around the world in 2027, featuring music spanning the franchise’s history. The Japanese tour begins in Tokyo in January, followed by North America in Chicago in February, Europe in London in April and Australia in Melbourne in May.
Nintendo Museum in Kyoto will also get in on the celebration, beginning with a special Zelda-themed ticket design on September 9 and new photo opportunities from November 5. A new Super Family Restaurant is scheduled to open at the museum in fall 2026, with anniversary activities continuing for an entire year.
The Nintendo Today! app will begin offering daily Legend of Zelda digital cards starting September 9, while its Zelda-themed calendar animations will rotate through games from across the series.
There are plenty of collaborations in the works too. LEGO is preparing The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – Link & Epona, a 1,750-piece display set scheduled for spring 2027. Hasbro will also release an electronic Master Sword measuring 27 inches long and featuring more than 15 touch- and motion-activated sounds during the same period.
For those looking to revisit the series rather than collect its latest merchandise, Nintendo already has plenty of Zelda available across Switch and Switch 2. The Switch 2 editions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom are joined by titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, while Nintendo Switch Online subscribers can explore the franchise’s history through the Nintendo Classics libraries. Nintendo Music also provides access to music from throughout the series.
And then there is the biggest Zelda project that isn’t a game. Nintendo has confirmed that its live-action The Legend of Zelda movie will hit theaters worldwide on April 30, 2027. The film is being produced by Nintendo, Arad Productions and Sony Pictures Entertainment and will tell an original story drawing from the ideas, characters and concepts established across 40 years of Zelda games.
From its humble beginnings in 1986 to the sprawling adventures of the modern era, The Legend of Zelda has changed considerably over the past four decades. Nintendo’s anniversary plans look set to celebrate virtually every corner of that history, but for many longtime fans, getting another chance to experience Ocarina of Time in a dramatically updated form may be the highlight.
A list of the overall improvements can be seen below
General
- Improved performance and presentation
- Fully redone graphics, down to the textures of each material
- Actions feel snappier and more satisfying
- Load times are faster
- Game now runs much smoother
- Refreshed sounds
- Symphonic orchestral music included
- New dialogue for the characters
- Aim weapons like the slingshot with motion controls
- Can now manually jump
- Threads of Time: see the progress you’ve made in the story and what your next objective is
- Tapestry is updated throughout game progression
- Can hold down the A button to roll then dash
- Can move the camera freely in Hyrule Castle Town
- New details in the town, including some parts that were only backdrops on the N64
- Time now goes on wherever you are, including in Hyrule Castle Town
- You can now hum tunes / play real life instruments for the ocarina and Link will play it
- Fully voiced characters during in-game cutscenes
Zelda Notes
- Access Map, Gossip Quests, Hall of Fallen Foes, Today’s Record, My Play Data, Global Play Data, Photo Studio, Threads of Time, amiibo, Play Ocarina, and Ocarina of Time Quiz
- Today’s Record
- See accomplishments of a particular in day in chronological order
- See number of enemies defeated and other stats from that day’s play session
- Gossip Quest
- Find a location in the game with the image shown on your smart device; locate it to earn points
- Points can be exchanged for music scores for the ocarina in Play Ocarina
- Play Ocarina
- Freely play the ocarina using the screen on your smart device
- Can play along with a guide or have it play automatically
- Can create and share music scores with QR codes
- Ocarina of Time Quiz
- Answer questions about the game
- Over 2,000 questions included
- Can take it once per day, but can spend rupees you’ve earned in game for extra tries
The full direct can be seen below