Ocarina of Time on Switch 2: the remake changes controls, but maintains the structure of the original

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake will be released on November 5, 2026 exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo is rebuilding the game from the ground up with completely updated graphics, voice acting and expanded dialogue, orchestral music, faster loading times and modern controls.But from the gameplay shown, it is clear that the project’s goal is not to turn Ocarina of Time into a new Breath of the Wild.The core of the adventure and its rhythm remain recognizable.

Jumping and running are now under player control

In the original Ocarina of Time, Link jumped over small gaps automatically when he reached the edge.The remake introduced separate commands for jumping and running.The controls have become closer to modern action games, but Nintendo does not change the very principle of exploring the world.

The camera is now freely controlled with the right stick.Motion controls are available for the slingshot, bow and other tools.This is a particularly noticeable change for a version built around a more familiar modern control scheme.

Cities no longer stop time

In completely redesigned locations, you can move the camera more freely and look at the environment.Hyrule Castle Town is no longer limited to a fixed perspective, and the cycle of day and night now continues in the cities.In the original, the flow of time stopped in such places.

Threads of Time shows progress and next goal

The new Threads of Time feature helps you remember what has already happened and where to move next.The menu displays story progress and the next goal, and as you progress, a visual chronicle of the adventure is filled in.This is not a ready-made walkthrough or route line - rather a built-in reminder for those returning to the game after a break.

The interaction with the ocarina has also changed.The player can hum a previously learned melody into the Switch 2's microphone, after which the game will recognize the song.Traditional playing of notes with buttons remains available, so voice input works as an additional control method.

What the remake intentionally preserves

Nintendo leaves loading transitions between some major areas.According to the company, this was done specifically to preserve the feel and rhythm of the original game.In the show, this transition was noticeable between the Kokiri Forest and Hyrule Field.

The Great Deku, Navi, the first dungeons and key scenes at the beginning of the game remain familiar.At the same time, the visual part has been completely rebuilt.Link's clothing received a more material appearance, the environment became more detailed, and the animations became noticeably smoother.

It's not just new graphics

Nintendo also confirmed fully voiced cutscenes, extended dialogue, and symphonic orchestral music.Loads are faster, performance is more stable, and Link's actions feel more responsive.Therefore, a remake cannot be reduced to replacing models and textures.

However, the direction of the project remains cautious.Nintendo is upgrading the parts that show the game's age the most—the camera, controls, navigation, and presentation—but isn't trying to rewrite Ocarina of Time according to the rules of modern open worlds.How well this balance will be maintained throughout the game will become clear after release.