Nintendo's new version of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Switch 2 is poised for a strong showing at The Game Awards 2026, with Polygon predicting multiple nominations, including Game of the Year. However, the publication argues that a remake, even one as critically lauded as this, is unlikely to win the ultimate award.
Polygon notes that remakes nominated for Game of the Year typically offer bold retellings or significant modernizations, such as Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 4, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. In contrast, the new Ocarina of Time is largely faithful to the original's story and design, with smart modernizations and a dramatic visual overhaul.
Critical Acclaim and Competition
The Ocarina of Time remake boasts a Metacritic score of 96, the highest among its peers for the year. This critical reception positions it firmly in the Game of the Year conversation, ahead of other contenders like Resident Evil Requiem and Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave. Polygon suggests that only Grand Theft Auto 6 could potentially surpass it among unreleased titles.
Nostalgia and Artistic Vision
A significant factor in the remake's potential nominations is the deep-seated affection many critics and players hold for the original 1998 Ocarina of Time, a game often considered a masterpiece of the medium. The remake's success in honoring this legacy, coupled with its striking visual updates, makes it a compelling candidate for recognition. Polygon highlights that Nintendo's internal Zelda team developed the remake, emphasizing its status as a major release and a strong alternative to GTA 6.
Polygon predicts nominations in categories such as Best Action/Adventure, Best Score and Music, and potentially Best Audio Design and Best Art Direction. The visual direction is noted as particularly impactful and skillfully executed.
The Remake Dilemma
Despite its acclaim, Polygon argues that Ocarina of Time will not win Game of the Year. The primary reason is its status as a remake rather than an original work. While the remake honors a classic, Polygon suggests that crowning it as the year's best would send a dispiriting message about the current state of game development and innovation. The publication concludes that while the remake is a remarkable achievement worthy of recognition, it falls short of being the definitive game of the year.