Absence makes the heart grow fonder, a sentiment that seems to be the driving force behind the enduring anticipation for Nintendo's classic titles. The highest-rated game of all time, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, recently received a remake for the Switch 2, arriving this week to critical acclaim. This event highlights a key difference in how Nintendo and Bethesda have managed their most beloved franchises: the release cadence of their landmark titles.
Nintendo has faced criticism for relying on remakes and remasters, yet these releases continue to delight fans and garner favorable reviews. This success suggests a continued strategy of revisiting cherished games, a stark contrast to the frequent re-releases of titles like The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim.
Skyrim, originally launched in 2011, has appeared on an estimated 13 different platforms, including now-defunct services and VR editions, with new versions consistently arriving. In contrast, Ocarina of Time, since its 1998 debut, has graced far fewer platforms. This relative rarity transforms each subsequent release of Ocarina of Time into a significant event, as evidenced by the recent excitement surrounding its 2026 Switch 2 remake.
Following its Nintendo 64 release, Ocarina of Time saw ports on the GameCube as part of The Legend of Zelda: Collector’s Edition and in a separate compilation featuring the Master Quest. Later, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D arrived on the Nintendo 3DS in 2011, offering improved visuals and a 3D effect. The new Switch 2 version boasts further quality-of-life enhancements, refined controls, and dramatically improved graphics, earning a Metacritic score of 96 out of 100.
This deliberate scarcity allows Ocarina of Time's releases to feel special. Bethesda's approach with Skyrim, however, ensures players rarely have a chance to miss the game. While new Skyrim ports often include enhancements, they are typically minor for those who have already experienced the game and its expansions. Even Skyrim on Switch featured Zelda-themed content, allowing players to don Link's iconic tunic and wield the Master Sword.
While multiple versions of beloved games can increase accessibility, the constant stream of premium-priced Skyrim re-releases, often lacking substantial new content, can become tiresome. Ocarina of Time, a true gem in Nintendo's library, has managed to avoid this pitfall, offering a more impactful experience with each new iteration. Skyrim, despite its standing as Bethesda's most successful launch, has not maintained the same sense of occasion.