Nintendo just dropped a massive celebration of The Legend of Zelda’s 40th anniversary, and honestly… this is the Zelda announcement I’ve been waiting for.
Forty years after The Legend of Zelda first took players into Hyrule, Nintendo has kicked off the celebrations with a huge showcase centered around one of the most legendary games in the franchise — The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
And this isn’t just a simple re-release.
Ocarina of Time Is Back
The 1998 classic is being rebuilt for Nintendo Switch 2, with completely overhauled visuals, improved camera and movement controls, fully voiced cutscenes, expanded character dialogue and new symphonic orchestral music.
Nintendo also showed off new gameplay features, including free movement and jumping, a redesigned camera system and Threads of Time, which helps players keep track of their story progress and next objectives.
For anyone who grew up with the Nintendo 64 original, seeing Hyrule brought back like this is pretty special.
🎥 VIDEO: Ocarina of Time Official Trailer
First Look at the Gameplay
Nintendo also gave us a much longer look at the game, showing off redesigned locations, updated environments and some of the new gameplay mechanics.
The remake keeps the heart of Ocarina of Time intact while giving Link and Hyrule a serious modern-day upgrade.
And yes, the ocarina is still front and centre.
🎥 VIDEO: Ocarina of Time Gameplay Walkthrough
A Zelda Switch 2 Made for the 40th Anniversary
Nintendo wasn’t finished there.
Launching October 29, 2026, is the Nintendo Switch 2 – The Legend of Zelda – 40th Anniversary Edition, featuring Triforce-inspired detailing across the console, Joy-Con 2 controllers and dock.
A matching Zelda 40th Anniversary Pro Controller and Carrying Case & Screen Protector will also launch on the same day.
One important detail for collectors: the console does not include Ocarina of Time.
🎥 VIDEO: Zelda 40th Anniversary Console & Accessories
Zelda’s Music Comes to Life
If there’s one thing Zelda has always nailed, it’s the music.
Nintendo is also celebrating 40 years of Zelda with an orchestral concert series, bringing the music of Hyrule to live audiences.
And for Australian fans, there’s even more to look forward to, with the Zelda 40th Anniversary Concert coming to Australia in May 2027.
🎥 VIDEO: The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Orchestra Tour
When Can You Play Ocarina of Time?
The big date is November 5, 2026.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time will launch exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2, with both physical and digital versions available. Nintendo has announced international pricing of US$59.99 for digital and US$69.99 for physical, with Australian pricing still to be confirmed.
For Australian fans, keep an eye on Nintendo Australia, The Gamesmen, JB Hi-Fi and EB Games for local pre-orders and pricing as listings go live.
And Then There’s The Legend of Zelda Movie
Nintendo also officially revealed the title of the upcoming live-action film:
The Legend of Zelda.
The movie is currently scheduled to hit cinemas worldwide on April 30, 2027, with series creator Shigeru Miyamoto and the Zelda development team involved in the project.
So yeah… the Zelda 40th anniversary is already looking pretty stacked.
Key Dates
Nintendo Switch 2 – Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition
📅 October 29, 2026
Zelda 40th Anniversary Pro Controller & Carrying Case
📅 October 29, 2026
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
🎮 Nintendo Switch 2
📅 November 5, 2026
The Legend of Zelda live-action film
🎬 April 30, 2027
The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Concert – Australia
🎼 Melbourne, May 2027
Hyrule Is Calling
I’ve been waiting for Nintendo to show us more of this remake, and after seeing the gameplay, November 5 can’t come soon enough.
Ocarina of Time is one of those games that helped define an entire generation of gaming. Seeing Nintendo rebuild it with modern visuals, updated controls and new features while keeping the spirit of the original is exactly what I wanted.
Add the anniversary Switch 2, the orchestra tour and everything else Nintendo has planned, and the next chapter of Zelda’s 40th anniversary is looking seriously good.
November 5. Hyrule. Ocarina in hand. Let’s go. To stay up to date, make sure you sign up to our newsletter. For more NINTENDO and The Legend of Zelda features, click HERE.
