Speculation is mounting among Legend of Zelda fans that a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time may launch in mid-November, positioning it just weeks before the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI. These theories are largely based on perceived patterns in Nintendo's Amiibo figure releases, as detailed by Kotaku.
Apparent listings on the Nintendo UK store for a pair of Kirby Air Riders Amiibo figures, Sword Kirby and Noir Dedede, had indicated a November 11 release date, which would translate to November 12 with regional clock adjustments. While these listings have since been removed, fans have observed a tendency for Nintendo to launch Amiibo figures concurrently with its first-party game releases, regardless of whether the Amiibo are directly tied to those games.
This observed pattern has been cited with previous releases. For example, the Mineru's Construct Amiibo for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was released on September 17, coinciding with the launch of Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave on Switch 2. Earlier in the year, the King Dedede & Tank Star Amiibo launched simultaneously with Rhythm Heaven Groove on July 2, and the Meta Knight & Shadow Star Amiibo coincided with Pokemon Pokopia on March 5. This history leads many to conclude that Nintendo is planning a significant release for mid-November.
With Nintendo maintaining a 2026 release window for the Ocarina of Time remake, securing a prime November release date appears strategically logical. Such a launch would place the remake in direct competition with Grand Theft Auto VI, which is slated for a November 19 release and is considered one of the most anticipated video game launches in recent history.
While most gaming companies have adjusted their release schedules to avoid the immediate vicinity of GTA VI's launch, creating a crowded September, Nintendo seems poised to potentially counter-program. The Ocarina of Time remake and the GTA franchise cater to different audiences. Furthermore, with Grand Theft Auto VI not expected to be available on the Switch 2 at launch, the Ocarina of Time remake could provide Switch 2 owners with a major title during the busy holiday period. This positioning could allow both titles to achieve success despite their close proximity on the release calendar. For fans of both franchises, November could present an opportunity to experience two major releases in a short span.