The potential arrival of a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2 has become one of the most talked-about topics among Nintendo fans in Europe. Various leaks from Nate the Hate's podcast, one of the most cited unofficial sources in recent years, indicate that Nintendo is already working on a new version of the Nintendo 64 classic, aiming for a release in late 2026.
The information, which has been corroborated by international media outlets such as VGC and picked up by European and Spanish portals , outlines a release designed both for those who experienced the original game and for a new generation of players who would come to the series via the Nintendo Switch 2. All of this is framed within the 40th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda franchise , a context that would explain the strategic importance of the project within the company's calendar.
A remake of Ocarina of Time is in development for Switch 2
According to details shared by Nate the Hate on his podcast, Nintendo is reportedly working on a remake of Ocarina of Time specifically designed for the Nintendo Switch 2. This wouldn't be a simple port of the Nintendo 64 version or the Nintendo 3DS remake, but rather an adaptation designed to take advantage of the new console's technological leap.
The insider speaks of a project conceived as a "remake ," not a light remaster. In other words, we could expect more in-depth work on graphics, animations, lighting, and possibly certain gameplay aspects, although this is where the first doubts arise: sources admit that, for now, there is no consensus on whether it will be a very faithful reinterpretation of the original—in the style of what we saw with Demon's Souls—or a more open and creative reimagining, similar to what Final Fantasy VII Remake represented.
This lack of clarity regarding the true scope of the redesign is one of the points on which the various reports published in specialized media agree. They all point to a major remake, but none dare to specify to what extent Nintendo will alter the dungeon structure, story development, or controls—elements that marked a turning point in 1998.
It's important to emphasize that, for now, there is no official confirmation from Nintendo . Everything mentioned comes from leaks and anonymous sources, so caution is still necessary, however solid the track record of those making these predictions may seem.
Launch window: second half of 2026 with a Christmas target
One of the points where the leaks agree almost perfectly is the release window for the Ocarina of Time remake . Both Nate the Hate and other outlets that claim to have verified the information point to the second half of 2026 as the period selected by Nintendo.
Within that timeframe, sources place the release close to the Christmas season . The game would therefore be released in the final stretch of the fiscal and calendar year, a classic position for the company's major releases. The constant references to "the holidays" or "holiday season" in various reports support this interpretation: a launch designed to lead the end-of-year shopping season in Europe and other key markets.
Several leaks suggest this scheduling isn't accidental. The Ocarina of Time remake would serve as one of the Nintendo Switch 2's major marketing draws at a time when the hardware is already established, but the company wants to drive a new sales peak, especially in markets where, reportedly, the previous holiday season fell short of expectations.
Some analyses even suggest that Nintendo might be preparing console and game bundles focused on this remake, a strategy the company has already adopted with other flagship titles. While there are no concrete details about special editions for Europe, the idea of ​​a bundle featuring Zelda as the main title is consistent with the brand's recent performance in this region.
A key release in the 40th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda
Another element emphasized in the leaks is the direct connection between the Ocarina of Time remake and the 40th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda . The series, which originated on the Famicom Disk System in Japan in the mid-1980s, has accumulated anniversaries without major public celebrations, at least compared to what Nintendo has done with other franchises.
Various media outlets and content creators point out that this project is conceived as one of the cornerstones of an anniversary celebration that has been handled more discreetly in terms of communication , but with significant underlying developments. These include the release of LEGO sets inspired by Ocarina of Time, veiled references in interviews with figures like Eiji Aonuma, and the brand's growing presence in other products, including the upcoming live-action film.
The recurring idea is that Nintendo would take advantage of the series' 40th anniversary to put front and center what many still consider the most influential Zelda game in history . The title not only marked the definitive leap into three dimensions, but also introduced mechanics like Z-Targeting that ended up influencing the entire industry. Choosing this particular game to highlight such a significant anniversary makes sense from both a symbolic and commercial perspective.
Reports also suggest that this remake could serve as a bridge between the franchise's classic legacy and its upcoming audiovisual adaptations . Without going into detail, several sources suggest that certain narrative elements of Ocarina of Time would be particularly relevant to the live-action film slated for 2027, reinforcing the merits of prominently featuring this installment.
Complete remake, questions about the approach and possible improvements
Beyond the "remake" label, the leaks reveal a number of nuances about how Nintendo might approach the Ocarina of Time update . Nate the Hate explains that, initially, he doubted the company would undertake such an ambitious project, but after speaking with several internal sources, he concluded that it's a more comprehensive reconstruction than a traditional remaster.
Some analyses suggest a scenario where Nintendo would follow a similar philosophy to that of remakes that are very faithful to the original material , with changes primarily focused on visuals and quality-of-life aspects. This could involve improvements to the camera system, control adjustments adapted to the Switch 2 controllers, clearer indicators for certain puzzles, and revisions to menus and inventory systems, while keeping the overall structure of the game intact.
However, other interpretations leave the door open to a freer reinterpretation . The example of Final Fantasy VII Remake is frequently mentioned, not so much for its episodic structure but for the way it revisits the original plot. In this scenario, Nintendo could take greater liberties in the presentation of the world, the narrative, or even the order of some dungeons, always with the intention of surprising even those who know the game by heart.
What does seem clear is that, whatever the final approach, development would be designed to take full advantage of the Switch 2's hardware . There's talk of significant graphical improvements, visuals on par with other major console releases, and stable performance—elements that would be especially relevant in markets like Europe, where technical comparisons with other platforms often influence purchasing decisions.
Aside from the game itself, some leaks also point to the possible arrival of new amiibo figures tied to this remake . No names have been confirmed, but it wouldn't be surprising to see updated versions of Link and Zelda with the Ocarina of Time designs, following the trend of recent releases that have accompanied other titles in the series.
The role of the remake within the Nintendo Switch 2 strategy
The leaks aren't limited to the game itself, but rather frame it within a broader strategy for the Nintendo Switch 2 catalog . According to information shared by Nate the Hate and expanded upon by various media outlets, 2026 will be a year marked by the prominence of third-party developers, while Nintendo will distribute its major first-party titles in the medium term.
In that context, the Ocarina of Time remake would act as one of the major first-party exclusives for the end of the year . The game would arrive after other releases planned for summer, such as Splatoon Raiders, Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave, and Rhythm Heaven Groove, and would be positioned alongside titles like The Duskbloods, the exclusive project from FromSoftware that various sources also place towards the end of 2026.
Another relevant aspect is that the Ocarina of Time remake would, in theory, fill the gap left by the absence of a new 3D Mario game in 2026. Several leaks agree that the plumber's next big three-dimensional adventure wouldn't be ready until 2027, almost a decade after Super Mario Odyssey. In that sense, Zelda would assume a significant portion of the spotlight on the end-of-year release schedule.
Some analyses published in Europe also point to the purely commercial dimension of the move. After a less-than-expected Christmas season in markets like the US, Nintendo needed a name capable of single-handedly boosting Switch 2 sales , and few brands fit that role better than Ocarina of Time within the Zelda universe.
Finally, it has been suggested that this launch could coincide with re-releases or enhanced versions of other titles , such as Pikmin 4 or Xenoblade Chronicles 2 in Switch 2 Edition format. While these games wouldn't have the same media impact, they would contribute to a particularly busy end to the year for the console, with the Ocarina of Time remake as the centerpiece.
Leaks, media support, and official silence
Much of the credibility of these rumors rests on the previous track record of Nate the Hate , also known as Nate Drake, who in recent years has leaked information related to the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch 2 itself. Although he is not without his mistakes, his history has led to each new episode of his podcast being closely scrutinized by the community and the specialized press.
In the specific case of the Ocarina of Time remake, his statements have been corroborated by outlets such as VGC , which claim to have heard similar details from their own sources. Other leading websites in Spain and Latin America have published articles along the same lines, concurring on key points such as the target platform, the release window, and its connection to the saga's 40th anniversary.
That doesn't stop the community from maintaining a certain degree of caution regarding leaks that, however coherent they may seem, remain unofficial . Experience with other canceled, delayed, or redesigned projects leads many players to temper their expectations, especially when it comes to such an iconic title.
So far, Nintendo has not issued any statement or made any direct reference to a possible remake of Ocarina of Time for Switch 2. Sources agree that the company will not hold a general Nintendo Direct until at least June, so any major announcement would likely be reserved for that time. Until then, small teasers or occasional mentions of other titles through social media and press releases are not out of the question.
Thus, the project's current status is at an intermediate point: there is a considerable amount of corroborating information, but everything still depends on official confirmation . If it finally materializes, the Ocarina of Time remake for Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to be one of the most significant releases in the new console's catalog and a key chapter in the saga's long history in Europe and the rest of the world.
