Nintendo kicked off the 40th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda with a Direct presentation that had fans on the edge of their seats. The centerpiece was a full remake of Ocarina of Time for the Switch 2, offering the first extended look at gameplay after a teaser in June. Series producer Eiji Aonuma walked viewers through over 15 minutes of early-game footage, showcasing the Great Deku Tree, Hyrule Field, and more.
But the celebration didn't stop there. Nintendo unveiled a slew of announcements, including a live-action film, a global concert tour, and a host of merchandise. The franchise, which has defined adventure gaming for four decades, shows no signs of slowing down.
Everything Announced for the 40th Anniversary
The Direct packed a lot into a short time. A concert series will tour globally through 2027, featuring iconic tunes from the series' past and present. The Japan leg kicks off in Tokyo in January, followed by North America (Chicago, February), Europe (London, April), and Australia (Melbourne, May).
The live-action film received an update from Shigeru Miyamoto, who revealed the official title: The Legend of Zelda. It's set for a worldwide release on April 30, 2027, and will be an original story from Nintendo, Arad Productions, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, drawing from 40 years of series concepts rather than adapting a single game.
The Nintendo Museum in Kyoto is getting anniversary-themed ticket designs, photo ops, and the opening of the Super Family Restaurant featuring Link. The Nintendo Today app will offer daily collectible Zelda digital cards starting tomorrow. Merchandise highlights include a LEGO set of Link and Epona from Ocarina of Time and a 27-inch Hasbro Electronic Master Sword with over 15 touch and motion-activated sounds, both arriving spring 2027.
The Missing Links
Despite the fanfare, one glaring omission stood out: no new Zelda game was announced. For a 40th anniversary, fans might have expected at least a couple of new titles. The Ocarina of Time remake is the only game on the horizon, leaving those hoping for Twilight Princess HD or The Wind Waker HD on Switch and Switch 2 disappointed. Both received acclaimed HD remasters on the Wii U and have been rumored for Switch for years, but the anniversary Direct passed without mention.
An N64 Masterpiece Reborn
The Ocarina of Time remake looks stunning in its first gameplay showing. It's arguably the best-looking first-party title on the Switch 2, running at a smooth 60fps. The realistic, detailed art style is a departure from Breath of the Wild's stylized look, and while it might feel uncanny at first—especially given years of Unreal Engine fan projects—it quickly proves its Nintendo charm.
Beyond visuals, the remake overhauls nearly everything: faster load times, remastered sound, and a symphonic orchestral score. Locations are fully remodeled with new details. Quality-of-life improvements are crucial for the 27-year-old game: Link can now jump freely, dash with dedicated buttons, and control the camera with the right stick. The original's archaic camera and automatic jumping needed this overhaul.
Other additions focus on immersion. Characters like Navi and Saria now have full voice acting, NPCs have more dialogue, and cutscenes are expanded for a more cinematic feel. The day/night cycle continues even in towns, making Hyrule feel more seamless. A new Threads of Time feature tracks your progress and guides you on what to do next.
Did the Remake Change Enough?
While many changes have been made, the structure remains faithful to a fault. It's nearly a 1:1 recreation of the 1998 adventure, down to the loading screens. Dungeon and town layouts are untouched, and progression isn't updated for modern sensibilities. That will disappoint those hoping for a reimagining like Resident Evil 2 or Final Fantasy VII Remake, which felt like new games. Nintendo instead treated this as a restoration, not a reinterpretation. There's an argument for that—Ocarina of Time has topped GOAT lists for decades—but also an argument that it plays it too safe.
More Ways to Enjoy Ocarina of Time
Nintendo is also releasing two ocarinas to celebrate: a playable version for musicians and an electric one from HORI that plays notes or entire songs with the press of a button. You can even use the physical ocarina to play in-game melodies instead of using buttons.
For those eager to dive back into Hyrule, the remake promises to honor the original while making it accessible to a new generation. And with the live-action film and concert tour on the horizon, the next 40 years of Zelda look as bright as ever.
