Nintendo hosted its The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct today, revealing significant updates for the beloved franchise. The presentation focused on an upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, a special edition Nintendo Switch 2 console, and confirmed details about the upcoming live-action film.
Ocarina of Time Remake Details Emerge
The centerpiece of the anniversary celebration was the first substantial look at the Ocarina of Time remake. Producer Eiji Anouma demonstrated gameplay, showcasing a significantly updated visual style with a more realistic aesthetic. While the remake aims to stay faithful to the original N64 title, it introduces several gameplay enhancements. Link can now jump with a button press and swim, features absent from the original. Dialogue has been expanded to further develop character personalities, and cutscenes will feature fully voiced characters, including Ganon, though Link himself does not appear to speak.
The remake retains familiar elements such as combat mechanics, item usage, and puzzle-solving, with audio effects mirroring the original. A new "Threads of Time" feature has been added to track story progress and objectives, visualized as a tapestry. Travel has been improved with a dash and roll ability for longer distances. Hyrule Castle Town is now presented in a third-person perspective, and time progresses within towns, unlike the original where time was paused. A notable new feature allows players to hum learned songs into the game to play them on the Ocarina.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake is set to launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 on November 5, 2026. Accompanying the remake will be new Young Link and Young Zelda amiibo figures that unlock special in-game masks, and a dedicated Zelda Notes app featuring music and quizzes.
Hardware and Merchandise Announcements
In celebration of the anniversary, Nintendo confirmed the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 The Legend of Zelda - 40th Anniversary Edition. This special console features a Triforce design and will be available on October 29, alongside a matching Pro Controller and carrying case. The company also announced an Ocarina of Time amiibo.
The Legend of Zelda Film and Concerts
Details were also shared regarding the live-action film. The movie, officially titled The Legend of Zelda, is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on April 30, 2027. While no trailer was shown, a logo was revealed, with producer Shigeru Miyamoto suggesting the film will tell an original story that reflects the entire series.
Composer Koji Kondo appeared to discuss the evolution of Zelda's music. He announced that 40th-anniversary concerts are planned, beginning in Japan in January before touring internationally later in the year. An orchestral arrangement of series music was performed at the beginning of the Direct.