Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake Reviews, Release Time and Price (96 Metacritic)

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake launches on November 5, 2026, exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2, and reviews just landed: it sits at 96 on Metacritic, the highest score of any game released in 2026 so far. Here are the review scores, price, unlock time, file size, everything that changed from the N64 original, and whether it is worth buying.

Published November 4, 2026. We'll update the scores as more reviews come in.

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Ocarina of Time remake at a glance

Review scores: the best-rated game of 2026

The review embargo lifted on November 4, and the remake debuted at 96 on Metacritic with every critic review positive. On OpenCritic it sits around 96 to 97, with several perfect 10s. That makes it comfortably the highest-rated release of 2026, ahead of every other big game this year.

It still can't touch the original, though. The 1998 N64 Ocarina of Time holds a 99 on Metacritic, the highest score in the site's history, and no remake was ever likely to beat that.

Selected review scores

The common verdict: a stunning, careful remake of one of the greatest games ever made, but a safe one. Nintendo Life called it "a stunning remake, but not quite definitive".

What changed from the N64 original

The world, dungeons and story are the same Hyrule you remember. What is new is the way it looks and plays.

Graphics, voices and music

• A full visual overhaul, which reviewers call one of the best-looking games on Switch 2 so far.
• Redesigned characters and fully voiced cutscenes.
• Re-recorded, much richer audio.

Controls

• Full camera control with the right stick.
• A dedicated jump button and a dash.
• A Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom style interface, including an item wheel.
• You can hum into the Switch 2 microphone to play ocarina songs.

New features

• A quest tracker menu so you always know your next step.
• Threads of Time, a log of your progress that helps you get back on track after a break.
• You can summon Deku shopkeepers instead of hunting for a shop.
• Hall of Fallen Foes, a boss rush where you can refight bosses. Reviewers liked the idea but found it thin.

The Water Temple

Yes, the most infamous dungeon in Zelda history has been reworked. It is less of a maze, and changing the water level is easier, though the puzzle idea is the same.

What reviewers didn't like

• It plays it safe. The changes make the game easier to get into, but they don't change how it plays at its core.
• Easier bosses. Several reviews say the boss fights lost the most challenge.
• No Master Quest. The harder remixed version from the GameCube and 3DS releases is not included, which many fans will miss.

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What time does it unlock?

Nintendo has not printed an exact unlock hour. Nintendo of America's support page says digital games that are also sold physically usually unlock at 9:00 p.m. Pacific the night before. That points to:

• 9 p.m. PT on November 4
• 10 p.m. MT on November 4
• Midnight ET on November 5

Treat this as Nintendo's usual pattern, not a confirmed time. Pre-ordering digitally on the eShop lets you pre-load so you can play the moment it unlocks.

File size: make room

The eShop listing first showed 27 GB, and Nintendo later trimmed it to about 24.5 GB. The physical version also needs a download, so a Switch 2 with little free space may need a microSD Express card.

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Is the Ocarina of Time remake worth it?

If you've never played Ocarina of Time: yes, without question. This is the best way to play one of the most important games ever made, with modern controls and none of the 1998 frustrations.

If you played the N64 or 3DS version: probably yes, for the new visuals, voice acting and smoother controls, but go in knowing it is the same adventure, a little easier, without Master Quest.

Get The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Switch 2 or, if you still need the console, a Nintendo Switch 2.

Ocarina of Time remake FAQ

Is the Ocarina of Time remake on Switch 1?

No. It is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive.

Is Master Quest in the remake?

No. Master Quest is not included.

How long is the Ocarina of Time remake?

It follows the original's structure, so expect roughly 25–35 hours for the main story, and more to find every Skulltula and heart piece.

Is it a remaster or a full remake?

A full remake: new graphics, voice acting, controls and interface, built on the original's world and dungeons.

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