Nintendo explains why it is remaking Ocarina of Time for Switch 2
Franchise producer Eiji Aonuma cites the series' 40th anniversary and a chance to train newer team members on the original's design.
Nintendo has explained why it chose to develop another remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, with the game set to launch for Nintendo Switch 2 on November 5, 2026. The reasoning came in an Ask the Developer Q&A, as reported by IGN.
Franchise producer Eiji Aonuma said the 40th anniversary of the first Legend of Zelda game was one of the main factors behind the decision. The original The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time launched for the Nintendo 64 in 1998, and the first remake of the game arrived for the Nintendo 3DS in 2011.
Aonuma also said many current team members have only developed recent Legend of Zelda titles. Rebuilding the original, he explained, could give them insights for future games.
According to the Q&A, the team wanted players used to Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom to enjoy a carefully paced adventure and story. The remake is being handled by Nintendo's Entertainment Planning & Development (EDP) Production Group No. 3.
Quick answers
When does The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake launch?
It is set to launch for Nintendo Switch 2 on November 5, 2026.
Why is Nintendo remaking Ocarina of Time again?
Franchise producer Eiji Aonuma said the 40th anniversary of the first Legend of Zelda game was a main factor, and that rebuilding the original could give team members who have only developed recent titles insights for future games.
Which Nintendo team is developing the remake?
Nintendo's Entertainment Planning & Development (EDP) Production Group No. 3.