What Nintendo revealed at the Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct

Nintendo dedicated a special Direct to The Legend of Zelda's 40th anniversary and focused on several fronts: a high-profile remake, a theatrical film, themed hardware and merch, live events, and new digital features tied to the remake.

Ocarina of Time remake — what changes and features to expect

Nintendo showed an expanded look at Kokiri Forest and the Great Deku Tree dungeon. The remake updates visuals to hyperrealistic environments, reworks character models, and expands NPC dialogue and explorable areas such as Hyrule Castle.

Control and gameplay updates include a dedicated jump button (new compared with the original N64 automatic jumping), full manual camera control, and the ability for Link to swim if he falls into water. Combat examples in the presentation showed Navi assisting in fights and Link using Deku Nuts and swordplay.

The remake also supports Zelda Notes, the app system introduced in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Zelda Notes for Ocarina of Time tracks daily progress with highlights and screenshots, gives hints for gossip quests, offers a digital ocarina feature for playing or composing tunes, and includes a daily Ocarina of Time trivia quiz with over 2,000 questions.

Microphone integration lets players hum or play a physical ocarina into the Switch 2 microphone to trigger in-game ocarina songs that Link already knows.

Nintendo announced a Zelda 40th Anniversary edition Nintendo Switch 2 with green-and-gold Joy-Con motifs and a gold-detailed dock inspired by the Triforce. Matching accessories—the Pro Controller 2 and a carry case—release October 29, 2026.

Two amiibo featuring the remake's Young Link and Young Zelda models are due in 2027 and unlock retro-themed masks in the game. New merchandise on display includes an ocarina, a Link and Epona LEGO set, and Hasbro action figures.

A 40th Anniversary concert tour will start in Tokyo in 2027 and later visit North America (February), Europe (April), and Australia (May). The Nintendo Museum will stage a Zelda anniversary exhibit with commemorative ticket designs, a history board, a new photo opportunity, and the opening of the Super Family restaurant in the museum.

Time remake is available for preorder. A physical edition includes a special textured foil cover art packaging available while stocks last. The themed Switch 2 hardware and accessories launch October 29, 2026. The remake ships November 5, 2026, and the movie is slated for April 30, 2027.

Nintendo posted the Direct on its channels, and the presentation covers additional small updates, merchandise details, and the extended look at the remake's locations and gameplay systems.