Nintendo is enhancing its upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for the Switch 2 with unique gameplay additions. Alongside a visual overhaul and quality-of-life improvements, the remake will introduce support for physical ocarinas and expand the functionality of the Nintendo Switch app with new Zelda Notes features.
Playable Ocarina Integration
A significant new feature allows players to use a real, physical ocarina that directly interacts with the game. When a player performs a song on the instrument, Link within the game will replicate the exact notes. Series producer Eiji Aonuma demonstrated this by playing Epona's song on a physical ocarina, which was then reproduced in-game. Players will still have the option to input notes via controller buttons or by humming into the Switch 2's microphone.
Expanded Zelda Notes and Features
The Nintendo Switch app will also see an expanded role with new features for the Ocarina of Time remake, collectively referred to as Zelda Notes. The update includes a "Today's Record" feature, which will chronologically highlight player accomplishments with screenshots, similar to an achievement system. This section will also provide detailed stats such as playtime, enemies defeated, time spent in specific areas, items used, deaths, hearts lost, rupees earned, distance traveled, and grass cut.
Gossip Quests and Playable Ocarina Section
"Gossip Quests" will challenge players to find specific in-game locations depicted in photographs, rewarding them with points that can be exchanged for in-game ocarina scores. Hints will be available to assist players in locating these areas. The app will also feature a digital "Play Ocarina" section, offering guided playback for songs, allowing players to learn specific notes and timings. Additionally, this feature will enable users to record their own songs and share them with others via QR codes.
Ocarina of Time Quiz
A new "Ocarina of Time Quiz" mode will be available, presenting players with 2,000 trivia questions related to the game. Players can attempt the quiz once daily, with options to spend in-game Rupees for additional attempts. Consecutive correct answers will increase a player's "Egg Level" and "Cucco Level." Several other features, including Map, Hall of Fallen Foes, Global Play Data, Photo Studio, Threads of Time, and amiibo support, were shown but not detailed.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled for release on November 5.