The Switch 2 remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time rebuilds the 1998 game from the ground up while keeping its core puzzles and progression largely intact. After nearly 20 hours with the game, a reviewer for Olhar Digital found that its main changes improve presentation and make important details easier to read without spelling out solutions for players.
The remake delivers dense environments and stable performance in both handheld and docked modes. The reviewer noted that the visual detail remains clear in darker scenes, while the game’s sound design adds to the atmosphere. In one example, the interior of Lord Jabu-Jabu is rendered to feel wet and organic, supported by matching audio. The development team has described its visual approach as aiming for a convincing world without abandoning the original’s unusual, theatrical feel.
That performance comes with a practical trade-off. During a roughly one-hour session in the dock, the reviewer observed the console’s battery charge rise by about 10 percentage points while the device became warm. The Switch 2’s stated battery capacity is 5,220 mAh, with estimated battery life of two to 6.5 hours depending on the game. In handheld mode, the reviewer also found the display comfortable for reading dialogue, but noted that extended play may require charging while playing.
Most puzzles retain the logic of the original, although some areas have been expanded and individual layouts adjusted. The game still expects players to experiment and reason through obstacles rather than relying on automatic prompts. Changes are aimed more at clarity than simplification: for example, the first boss, Gohma, now visibly guards its weak point while invulnerable, giving players a clearer signal without changing the underlying combat approach.
The Water Temple has also received usability adjustments. Switching items is simpler, and some walls have been made open enough to reveal neighboring rooms and help players understand the layout. The reviewer found that guides for the 1998 game remain useful for much of the remake, but warned that these changes can create differences, particularly in that temple.
Sound is part of both the presentation and the gameplay. The orchestral score grows as danger approaches, while a sequence of tunnels uses changes in the music to guide players toward the correct route. The remake also makes Navi less likely to interrupt during battles, while keeping her available when players request help. According to the development team, the game features more than 150 background tracks recorded with a full orchestra, with simpler arrangements retained where appropriate to preserve the character of the original music.
Players can also sing or hum learned songs instead of entering them with button presses. The Switch 2’s microphone recognizes the melody, though the reviewer found that distance matters: recognition worked well from within roughly 1.5 meters, and was less reliable farther away. The feature allows some variation in pitch and was not infallible, but could be an easier option for players who struggle to enter the sequences on a controller.
Outside the game, the Threads of Time feature helps players keep track of objectives, while the Nintendo Switch app’s Zelda Notes includes maps, completion goals, statistics, photo features and an ocarina simulator. The reviewer noted that its maps can reveal unexplored areas and treasures, making the app optional support for players who want additional guidance.
Accessibility options include camera and movement controls, settings for the amount of on-screen information, ocarina controls, audio options and subtitles. The review says the game does not offer subtitle size or color adjustments, or an arachnophobia option.
Nintendo’s developer interviews published on November 2 and 3 describe the project as a complete reconstruction rather than an enhanced port. The team says it rebuilt the game’s systems and data while repeatedly comparing the results with the original to preserve the feel of its controls. The remake is scheduled to arrive on Switch 2 on November 5, 2026.
Sources: Olhar Digital.