Nintendo recently aired a dedicated Nintendo Direct presentation to commemorate the 40th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda series. The broadcast showcased a highly anticipated remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, alongside updates on the live-action film adaptation, a variety of new merchandise, and special attractions.
Ocarina of Time Remake and Companion App
The centerpiece of the presentation was the upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, which is slated for release on November 5 for the Switch 2. Producer Eiji Aonuma provided the first look at live gameplay, demonstrating new mechanics such as free jumping, a sprint ability, motion-controlled aiming, full camera control, and an improved quick-item selection system. The walkthrough highlighted familiar locations like Kakariko Village, Hyrule Field, and Hyrule Castle Town. Notably, characters other than Link will be fully voiced in cinematics. A new feature called "Threads of Time" will display current objectives and story progress. The game will also allow players to play the Ocarina by humming into the Switch 2's microphone or playing instruments into it. A traditional trailer offered glimpses of adult Link, various dungeons including the Water Temple, and additional characters. The digital version will retail for $59.99, with a physical edition featuring special textured foil cover art.
The mobile companion app, previously used for Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, will support the Ocarina of Time remake. This app enables players to view in-game accomplishments, daily stats, and automatically captured screenshots. New "Gossip Quests" will challenge players to find locations shown in app images to earn points for new Ocarina music scores. The app includes a "Play Ocarina" feature for free-form musical play or guided sessions, with the ability to share custom scores via QR codes. An "Ocarina of Time Quiz" offers over 2,000 multiple-choice questions about the game, available once daily with the option to spend in-game rupees for additional attempts.
Additionally, a Young Link and Zelda amiibo, scheduled for release in 2027, will unlock new in-game masks when scanned into the Ocarina of Time remake.
The Legend of Zelda Film and Live Attractions
The live-action film adaptation of The Legend of Zelda has officially been titled "The Legend of Zelda." Shigeru Miyamoto explained that the lack of a subtitle will become clear upon viewing the film, which will tell an original story drawing from the series' many narratives. Miyamoto confirmed his involvement and that of the Zelda development team in the film's production. Future updates will be shared first on the Nintendo Today app.
The Nintendo Museum in Japan will host limited-time Zelda 40th Anniversary exhibits. Tickets for special access will be available starting September 9. A history board chronicling the Zelda series will be on display, and a Master Sword-themed photo opportunity will be introduced on November 5. This Fall, the museum will also open The Super Family Restaurant, featuring a Link statue and other Nintendo characters.
A traveling orchestra, The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Concert, will begin its tour in Tokyo next January, with subsequent dates across Japan. A North American tour is set to commence in February in Chicago, with European and Australian tours also planned.
New Merchandise and Hardware
New Zelda-themed merchandise is also on the horizon. The "Nintendo Museum Official Book Vol. 2" will be released on November 5. Other announced items include a new Tears of the Kingdom construct amiibo, playable and electric Ocarinas, a Link & Epona Lego set, Hasbro's The Legend of Zelda Heroes of Hyrule Figure Collection and Electronic Master Sword, and the Huzzle The Legend of Zelda Masterpiece Color Edition and Gold Edition.
To celebrate the anniversary, a special Zelda-themed Switch 2 console and dock will launch on October 29. A matching Zelda-themed Pro Controller and carrying case will also be available on the same day.