With the upcoming Switch 2 version, Nintendo may have captured the timeless appeal of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The 1998 3D action‑adventure that pioneered 3D graphics, movement, exploration, and open‑world design has been rebuilt with changes that give it a modern feel, while also introducing moments that are unexpectedly terrifying.
After an early hands‑on session, it looks like the best‑looking and best‑playing iteration of the game, fixing many of the original’s most annoying aspects.
More than just smoothing its rough edges, Nintendo has added modern conveniences to make the game more accessible to players familiar with later Zelda titles like Breath of the Wild. The remake includes a new progression marker called Threads of Time, visible when pausing, and integrates Zelda Notes into the Nintendo Switch app so you can view maps and other info on your phone.
It also features a dedicated jump button.
I spent about 90 minutes at a recent preview event in New York City playing through sections of the game, including the early control of Child Link and later the moment when you pull the Master Sword in the Temple of Time to become Adult Link. The story remains a standout element of the Zelda series, and the improvements make it even easier to become immersed.
In some ways, the remake feels similar to modern Zelda games.