Hero image: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Image: Nintendo
Nintendo’s Rebuilt Ocarina Of Time Arrives On Switch 2
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is out now, and it is exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo of America confirmed the launch in a news post dated 5 November.
The original game first came out on the Nintendo 64 in 1998. Nintendo describes this new version as built from the ground up for Nintendo Switch 2, and a lot has changed in between.
The post lists what has changed. There are “completely overhauled visuals, voiced cutscenes, expanded dialogue, symphonic orchestral music, reworked camera and movement controls, and more.”
Two smaller additions are named as well. The Hall of Fallen Foes lets players fight powerful enemies again, and fairy thoughts are scattered across Hyrule, each carrying a small piece of trivia.
The ocarina itself can be played without buttons. According to Nintendo, the console’s built-in microphone lets the in-game instrument respond to humming, or to a real instrument played into it.
Nintendo is also pitching the game at newcomers. The post calls it “a standalone adventure” and says no earlier Zelda game is needed before starting.
Two free apps sit alongside the launch. ZELDA NOTES, inside the Nintendo Switch App, tracks daily accomplishments, sets location challenges, hosts an Ocarina of Time quiz and shares fan-made music scores by QR code.
The Nintendo Today! app is currently handing out collectable cards inspired by different Zelda games. Both services need a Nintendo Account, and some ZELDA NOTES features also need a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership.
In Australia, JB Hi-Fi lists the physical edition at A$99. The retailer says the first print run comes in packaging with textured foil cover art, available while stock lasts.
The launch lands in the series’ 40th anniversary year. Ocarina of Time was also among the top searches in the Google Trends Australia daily feed when it was read this morning.
Source: Nintendo of America – It’s time. Experience The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, reborn exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2!, JB Hi-Fi – The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Nintendo of America – Launch Trailer (YouTube)