Remakes of classic video games are incredibly popular right now. Successful updates to titles like Resident Evil 2 and Final Fantasy 7 have proven there’s strong demand for them, and that demand isn’t likely to disappear. This has led to a lot of speculation about which games will be remade next, and a long-awaited title might be getting the remake treatment soon.
The 3DS received a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time in 2011, but it didn’t quite live up to its potential. Fans have been hoping for a full-scale, visually impressive remake similar to the recent updates of Resident Evil 2 and Final Fantasy 7, and rumors suggest that could finally happen around the 2026 holiday season.
According to trusted insider NateTheHate, Nintendo is planning a major remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for a 2026 release, likely as their flagship holiday game. With the Zelda series celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the timing seems right. We’re anticipating a potential announcement in April and have compiled a list of 10 features we’d love to see in the new version.
10. A Special Edition
Party Like it’s 1998
A special, limited-time edition with physical collectibles and bonus items can really make a game feel like a big deal, and a remake of Ocarina of Time is certainly deserving of that treatment.
A special edition Switch 2 designed around The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – including a custom dock, unique Joy-Con controllers, and a gold game cartridge – would be amazing. With Zelda celebrating its 40th anniversary, let’s really make a splash by giving the franchise’s most beloved game the celebration it deserves.
Besides the game itself, it would be a real disappointment if Nintendo didn’t release new Amiibo figures based on Ocarina of Time. A remake of the game should definitely have Amiibo support, and new figures of Link and Zelda would be a fantastic addition.
9. New Temple Designs
It’s Time to Have Water Temple Nightmares Again
The temples in Ocarina of Time are famous for their clever design, beautiful visuals, and engaging puzzles, and have influenced many adventure games since. However, if the game were to be remade today, it might be a good opportunity to reimagine these areas.
I wouldn’t want to make the Water Temple any easier – it’s a classic challenge for those of us who grew up playing games in the 90s. However, changing up the dungeon layouts could be a good thing, even just to keep things interesting.
Most of us have spent a lot of time playing Ocarina of Time, so just re-releasing the dungeons without changes wouldn’t be very exciting. Plus, new players might find it too easy because of online guides and walkthroughs. We want to challenge a new generation of players, but also give longtime fans something fresh and engaging.
8. Switch 2 Exclusivity
Make the Switch
Even though games and the console itself cost more now, the Switch 2 is selling faster than the original Switch. To really make the new console a success and build a strong game collection, Nintendo needs a major, exclusive game made by their own team.
An Ocarina of Time remake would be a perfect game for the Switch 2. The original Ocarina of Time came out just over two years after the Nintendo 64 launched, and if a remake were released on the Switch 2 around Christmas 2026, it would follow a similar timeline, mirroring the impact of the first game’s release.
Plus, if Nintendo is truly making a comprehensive remake, a next-generation Switch console would be the ideal platform for it. While current Switch owners might be disappointed, fully utilizing the new hardware’s capabilities is the best approach for a game of this scale.
7. Exploring the Cutting Room Floor
The Holy Grail of Cut Content
It took nearly four years to make Ocarina of Time, and the final game is packed with content. However, a surprising amount of material was ultimately cut during development – enough content to almost equal a whole other game!
Before it was officially released as Ocarina of Time, the game went through many changes. Early versions, often called ‘Zelda 64,’ featured noticeably different character designs, environments, and ways to fight. Anyone who’s seen early development footage can tell how much content was removed or simplified before the final game was launched.
Nintendo seems to understand how important it is to protect this game for future generations. It’s a truly classic title, and releasing a remake that both honors the original and offers a fresh experience feels like the perfect approach.
6. Voice Acting
Hey! Listen!
The Legend of Zelda series started using voice acting with Breath of the Wild. For a long time, Zelda games were known for not having spoken dialogue, but it seems the series is now more open to incorporating it.
Considering a remake of Ocarina of Time, it feels strange not to include spoken dialogue. While Nintendo likely isn’t planning to give Link a voice, having the other characters speak their lines would significantly improve the game.
It would be great to have Matthew Mercer and Patricia Summersett return as Ganon and Princess Zelda. Using the same voice actors consistently across future Zelda games would create a stronger connection for players and make the overall experience more cohesive.
5. A Consistent Camera
The Times are Changing
It’s impressive how well developers managed cameras in early 3D games, and Ocarina of Time was a good example of that. However, it’s fair to say the camera in Ocarina of Time, like many games from that time, could sometimes be a little awkward or difficult to control.
Modern 3D cameras significantly improve the gaming experience, and a potential remake of Ocarina of Time should definitely take advantage of that. While the original game’s fixed camera angles are nostalgic and still have appeal, the Zelda series has evolved beyond that style.
Players definitely need a fully 3D camera they can control with the right analog stick. If the rumors are correct and the remake of Ocarina of Time plays like Breath of the Wild, then this probably won’t be an issue.
4. Archival Content
Open Up the Archive
Modern remakes and remasters often prioritize celebrating a game’s history rather than significantly improving the game itself. Considering this, Ocarina of Time – a truly legendary title – is a perfect candidate for such a treatment.
We have a huge collection of development materials – including design documents, artwork, music, and older versions of the game – that would be wonderful to save. Since the game took nearly four years to create, there’s likely a lot of interesting behind-the-scenes content we could share as bonus features.
Adding extra versions of the game would be a great bonus. Imagine including one with the original Fire Temple music, a built-in music player, a collection of box art from different regions, and even some behind-the-scenes development materials – that would create a really special experience.
3. Fully Open-World
The World is Yours
Playing Ocarina of Time feels like an early attempt at an open-world game. While it gives you a large 3D world to explore after leaving the starting area, it’s more accurately described as a series of connected zones rather than a truly open, seamless experience. Progression is restricted, and you can’t freely roam everywhere right away.
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Now that they’re remaking the game, it’s the perfect opportunity to create a truly open world experience. They could start players in Kokiri Forest, like the original, but quickly let them explore freely.
I’m a huge fan of both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, and the idea of exploring a more classic Hyrule really excites me. A remake of Ocarina of Time with a structure closer to the original would be fantastic, and I don’t think many people would object. It’s a dream game for a lot of us, and with everything happening now, it feels like the perfect time to make it happen.
2. Quality of Life Improvements
You’ll Get Your Rent When You Fix this UI!
Given the technical constraints of the Nintendo 64, it’s understandable that some older games have quirks. Everyone was still figuring things out with this new technology. However, the user interface and menus in Ocarina of Time definitely had some problems.
As a huge fan, I really think a remake of Ocarina of Time would fix so many little annoyances. Like, in the original, just switching items was a pain! You had to pause the game, go into the menu, set an item to a button, and then get back to playing. It was clunky, and a remake could make that so much smoother.
The concept isn’t terrible, but constantly changing boots and weapons feels clunky and outdated. Players expect to be able to quickly switch between gear, and modern games almost always allow it – those old, inconvenient systems aren’t common anymore.
1. New Content
A Nintendo Tradition
Whenever Nintendo remakes a classic game, they usually add something unexpected and quirky, and I expect the Ocarina of Time remake will be no different. While it could be something small like a new weapon, I think they might surprise us with something more substantial.
While new mini-games, motion controls, and characters would be great additions, I’d especially love to see the unfinished Light Temple dungeon restored. Even better would be a completely new dungeon with fresh gameplay mechanics, items, and enemies – that would really make this remake stand out and be something everyone wants to experience.
Adding more activities and secret areas to explore would be a great addition to the remake. It’s pretty clear Nintendo will include some new content, but exactly how much remains a mystery until they officially announce it – and we might find out as early as this month.
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2026-04-06 15:41