Nintendo held its The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct on Tuesday to reveal a new release for one of its biggest franchises. The big news was the reveal of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake release date or a special edition Nintendo Switch 2. But the gaming giant also announced an actual ocarina that fans can buy to annoy their friends and family while learning how to play.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake will launch on Nov. 5, according to Tuesday’s presentation. A week before its release, a special edition Switch 2 for the 40th anniversary will be released on Oct. 29, along with a Switch 2 Pro Controller and carrying case. Then, to complete the anniversary package for Zelda fans, Nintendo plans to release an official ocarina identical to the one Link plays throughout Ocarina of Time. There will be a traditional acoustic model and an electric version made by Hori.
The main star of Tuesday’s direct was the Ocarina of Time remake. As expected, it will make full use of the Switch 2’s graphics power to give a modern look to the almost 30-year-old game, first released for the N64. Visuals weren’t the only upgrades, as controlling Link is much easier using both analog sticks, which weren’t around in 1998, and instead of jumping automatically near any ledge, there’s a jump button to let Link get across gaps.
Another interesting feature involves the ocarina Link uses in the game. This is a key item as it lets Link do various magical feats when a certain tune is played by pressing the correct buttons. Something different is that players can now hum the tune, and the game will recognize the sound via the Switch 2’s microphone and complete the input to activate the song.
Only the intro sequence of the game in Kokiri Forest and the first section of Hyrule Castle Town were shown during the presentation. All the characters received a visual upgrade as well as voices, with new fully voiced cutscenes. Link, however, is still not going to talk.
First-time players who get lost or a little confused in the game will be able to check out Zelda Notes, a new feature added into the Nintendo Switch app that lets players track their progress, gives some hints on in-game location and provides other info for players.
Before playing Ocarina of Time remake, fans can pick up the Nintendo Switch 2: The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition system. The new Switch 2 variant will have a unique look on the console and dock inspired by the game. There will also be a Switch 2 Pro Controller and a carrying case with their own inspired looks that will be sold separately. Nintendo also plans to have an exclusive Switch 2 Pro Controller with its own display stand for sale only at the Nintendo Store in New York City and San Francisco.
NintendoThen, there’s the ocarina. Two ocarinas will be available for purchase: a standard acoustic ocarina and an electric one made by Hori that can play songs via a button. Eiji Aonuma, the producer of the Zelda series, gave a demo of how the ocarina sounds during the show. Nintendo didn’t provide a price or release date for these ocarinas, but it said in a press release that they will be available later this year.
Nintendo/Screenshot by CNETOther Zelda news mentioned in the show was the April 30, 2027, release date for a film based on the game, officially called The Legend of Zelda. A 40th anniversary concert series featuring the game’s music will also kick off in January in Japan and in February in the US, starting in Chicago. Also out next year are the Young Link and Young Zelda amiibo figures.
Nintendo didn’t officially put a price on the Ocarina of Time remake, but the digital version is expected to be $60. There is a listing for the physical version of the game on the Nintendo Store for $70 that appeared shortly after the presentation and was taken down by Nintendo. It’s unclear what items shown during the event will be available at other retailers and which ones will be available only through the Nintendo Store.
