Ocarina of Time Switch 2 remake

How the story developed

The project was unveiled on June 24 during a Nintendo Direct presentation that revealed the software lineup for the next-generation Switch 2 console. The showcase was headlined by the announcement of a full, ground-up remake of the 1998 classic The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

The June 24 presentation also confirmed the Switch 2's upgraded graphical capabilities through major third-party titles, including Kingdom Hearts IV and Dragon's Dogma 2. Nintendo announced the return of the Star Fox franchise, featuring classic arcade action and new Joy-Con 2 aiming options, alongside Splatoon Raiders, which takes the multiplayer franchise into a single-player action-adventure format.

Ahead of the game's scheduled launch, series producer Eiji Aonuma detailed structural and quality-of-life changes to the infamous Water Temple on November 3. Aonuma referred to the redesign as "overdue homework" necessary to fix the dungeon's notoriously frustrating 1998 design.

To improve sightlines and help players navigate the complex multi-level layout of the Water Temple, developers replaced solid walls with lattice structures. The mechanics were also updated so the Iron Boots can be toggled instantly via the directional pad, removing the requirement to constantly pause the game.