The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct Reveals Ocarina of Time Remake, Switch 2 Edition and More

The Legend of Zelda is celebrating 40 years, and Nintendo has announced a wide range of projects and experiences to mark the milestone. The biggest reveal from the anniversary presentation is The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2, which launches November 5 with significantly upgraded visuals, controls, audio and presentation.

The celebration will also bring a special Nintendo Switch 2 console, themed accessories, new amiibo, ocarinas and expanded ZELDA NOTES features. Beyond gaming, Nintendo is planning worldwide concerts, Nintendo Museum activities and several merchandise collaborations stretching into 2027.

The franchise’s highly anticipated live-action movie is also part of the celebrations. Simply titled The Legend of Zelda, the film is scheduled to arrive in theaters worldwide on April 30, 2027.

Everything Announced for The Legend of Zelda’s 40th Anniversary

The Ocarina of Time Nintendo Switch 2 version is the centerpiece of the celebration. Launching November 5, it completely overhauls the 1998 classic with upgraded textures and visuals, smoother performance, faster loading, refreshed sound and symphonic orchestral music. The game also introduces fully voiced cutscenes, expanded character dialogue and remodeled locations designed to make Hyrule feel more immersive.

Movement and controls have also been updated. Players can jump and run using new button commands while the Right Stick provides improved camera control. The day and night cycle will continue even while Link is inside towns, while a new “Threads of Time” feature lets players track story progress and objectives through a gradually completed tapestry.

Nintendo is also adding new ways to interact with the iconic ocarina. Players can hum melodies they have learned into the Nintendo Switch 2’s built-in microphone, allowing Link to perform the corresponding tune in the game. Two new ocarinas are planned for later this year, including a playable version and an electric HORI model capable of playing notes and complete songs.

The ZELDA NOTES service for the Nintendo Switch App is receiving dedicated Ocarina of Time features as well. Players will be able to track daily accomplishments, search for locations through image-based hints, play a virtual ocarina and create shareable music scores. A daily quiz will also test players with more than 2,000 questions, with additional attempts available using earned in-game rupees.

The anniversary hardware launches shortly before the game. On October 29, Nintendo will release the Nintendo Switch 2 The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition, alongside matching Pro Controllers and a carrying case with screen protector. The products feature the series’ recognizable Triforce design.

Additional collectibles are planned for 2027, including Young Link and Young Zelda amiibo that unlock special retro-inspired masks. A 1,750-piece LEGO The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Link & Epona display model and a 27-inch electronic Master Sword from Hasbro are also scheduled for spring 2027.

The celebration will extend beyond products and games. The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Concert series will tour internationally in 2027, beginning in Tokyo in January, Chicago in February, London in April and Melbourne in May.

Nintendo Museum in Kyoto will receive anniversary-themed activities, including a special ticket design from September 9, new photo opportunities from November 5 and the opening of the Super Family Restaurant in fall 2026. The museum’s anniversary programming will continue for a year.

Nintendo Today! will also feature daily Zelda digital cards and changing calendar animations celebrating games across the franchise. Meanwhile, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, Echoes of Wisdom and other games remain available across Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.

The biggest non-game announcement is the live-action The Legend of Zelda movie. Produced by Nintendo, Arad Productions and Sony Pictures Entertainment, the original film will draw from the stories, ideas and concepts developed throughout the franchise’s four-decade history before reaching theaters on April 30, 2027.