Nintendo Launches Ocarina of Time Remake to Boost Switch 2 Sales

Nintendo will release a new version of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time in November, aiming to drive sales of its Switch 2 console during the holiday season.

The game was originally released in 1998 for the Nintendo 64. Mat Piscatella, executive director of games coverage for Circana, described the original title as one of the best games ever made. He expects most Switch 2 owners to purchase the new edition.

Nintendo’s financial performance has shown mixed results recently. The company reported a 52% year-over-year increase in gross profit during its second-quarter earnings. This growth was partly driven by income from the Super Mario Galaxy Movie. However, hardware sales for the Switch 2 declined by 34.4% compared to the previous year. The company attributed this drop to the high volume of console sales following its June 2025 launch.

The Switch 2 has sold roughly 24 million units since it debuted. To keep momentum, Nintendo has released several exclusive titles, including Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bonanza, and Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave. The new Zelda game joins these releases as a major title for the platform.

This remake differs from previous re-releases on GameCube, Wii U, and 3DS systems. Nintendo has updated the controls, dialogue, and graphics. The new version integrates gameplay elements from recent titles such as Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. The company also launched a 40th anniversary Zelda-themed Switch 2 console in late October, which is currently sold out.

Industry observers note that Nintendo faces increasing pressure from rising hardware costs. A shortage in memory components forced Nintendo to raise the Switch 2 price from $450 to $500 in September. Consumer spending on hardware across all console makers has decreased by 9% in the United States this year, according to Piscatella.

The new Zelda game will launch shortly before Grand Theft Auto VI. Joost van Dreunen, a professor at New York University’s Stern School of Business, stated that the two games appeal to different audiences. However, he warned that Nintendo must address the needs of its aging fanbase, who may eventually seek more mature content.

Devon Pritchard, president of Nintendo of America, said the company aims to build experiences that connect with players over time. A Zelda orchestra concert and movie are scheduled for next year. The digital version of the new game costs $60, while the physical edition is priced at $70.