Summary

• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time would be a smart remake move for Switch 2.
• The game's recent anniversary, mixed with continued fan love, make it the perfect title to remake.
• HD graphics, quality-of-life additions, and more would make an even better version than the N64 and 3DS titles.

There have been many rumors about The Legend of Zelda recently, especially regarding the Switch 2, Nintendo's next console. While Nintendo is undoubtedly making the next mainline entry in its enduring franchise for the system, multiple reports and leaks cite that it could also be working on a remake or remaster of a past game.

That wouldn't be what most people would expect from Nintendo, as one of the first reports about the series on Switch 2 that came out was the beloved Switch launch title, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It is rumored that the game could get a remaster for the Switch 2. The logic behind this is that the game could be upgraded with improved graphics and leverage upgraded processing power. Teamed up with the game's DLC, this would help to make it a worthy purchase. However, other reports point to an older title being brought back.

Why It's The Perfect Period For Ocarina Of Time's Remake

People Still Love The Classic Game

The leak that continually gets talked about is from insider Midori, who cited that a game, codenamed Edward, was in the works. A previous codename, Richard, was used for the Switch remake of Link's Awakening. Since that point, speculation has pointed to Twilight Princess, Wind Waker, or others getting upgraded or remade for the Nintendo Switch 2. However, Nintendo has something far more meaningful and fun that it could do to truly excite Switch 2 buyers: make a full-on console remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

It's not hard to cite why this could happen. First and foremost, the Link's Awakening game on Switch was a full-on remake, showing that Nintendo is up for doing this with former titles should it be old enough. To that end, Ocarina of Time celebrated its 25th anniversary last November. The game is still in people's minds after all these years, including comparisons to games like Tears of the Kingdom, which took the mechanics that were first rooted in the N64 title and expanded upon them.

Also, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time isn't available on the Switch outside of its Online Expansion Pack, and it has only had some upgrades over the years when it's been ported. Nintendo has shown multiple times with the Switch that it is open to using nostalgia to bring people to their consoles. Fully remaking the game that many have cited as one of the greatest video games ever could be a good way to do this. Having this remake for Switch 2 could easily move units because it would be new again.

Why Nintendo Should Resist Other Zelda Ports

Sometimes, Companies Need To Go With The Best Option Versus The Obvious One

That's not to say that some of the other options on the table aren't valuable. However, as can be pointed out, many past Zelda titles have been ported or given upgrades recently across multiple Nintendo systems. Twilight Princess and Wind Waker were given HD remasters for the Wii U and were long rumored for the Switch in that same vein. Instead, Nintendo released Skyward Sword HD and the Link's Awakening remake. That's multiple titles from the past that have gotten their due, but the two N64 games remain mostly untouched out of their Nintendo 3DS ports.

Just as important to point out, while other games could get ported to consoles for the first time, including numerous handheld titles like Oracle of Seasons and Ages, Phantom Hourglass, Spirit Tracks, or Tri-Force Heroes, it's unlikely that those would get picked due to their popularity. Nintendo will likely be cautious with its picks for its next console start, and breathing new life into an all-time classic would definitely turn heads.

The Changes To Make In A Ocarina of Time Remake

The 3DS Set The Tone And The Switch 2 Can Expand On It

Arguably, the best part about a potential Ocarina of Time remake is that Nintendo wouldn't need to change much about it; it could just give proper quality-of-life improvements alongside modern graphics via the new console. While the N64 had revolutionary mechanics for its age, like the Z-Targeting ability, things have grown since then. The 3DS version was a remake in many respects and did improve things, but a Switch 2 version could push it even further. For some, it might be their first time playing it. Thus, Nintendo should attempt to make it the best version possible.

While the 3DS port of Ocarina of Time made visual improvements, things can be even better in HD and truly bring this classic version of Hyrule to life like never before. Another addition that could piggyback off the Switch games is the addition of voice acting. Between Zelda, Shiek, Ganondorf, the Deku Tree, Saria, and more, plenty of characters could be voiced and add a new level of depth to the classic game. If Nintendo does want to add new elements, it could focus on new mini-games and ways to incorporate Amiibo, should they function with the new console.

There's no chance that The Legend of Zelda won't be on the Switch 2, but the success of the Switch titles, both new and remake, proves that it's continuing. The question is how Nintendo attempts to capitalize on the franchise further by honoring the past while it builds the future. A remake of Ocarina of Time would more than likely be finished well before the next mainline entry releases, giving Nintendo a window to boast this reborn title, remind everyone why it set the tone for all to come, before then showing what's next in the series future.

Source: Midori/X