Famitsu Awards Near-Perfect Score to Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake on Switch 2
The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time has earned a 37 out of 40 from Famitsu, marking a near-perfect debut. Reviewers praised the updated visuals, improved controls, orchestral soundtrack, and voice acting, though noted the game's simplicity compared to modern titles. The remake retains core gameplay elements while introducing new features like microphone-based ocarina melodies.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake for the Nintendo Switch 2 has earned a near-perfect score of 37 out of 40 from Famitsu, marking its debut with critical acclaim. This review, published on November 3, 2026, reflects unanimous praise across four reviewers who awarded scores of 9, 9, 9, and 10—matching the original N64 version’s historic perfect score in Famitsu history. The remake features updated visuals, fully voiced cutscenes, expanded dialogue, an orchestral soundtrack, reworked camera and movement controls, and a new interactive ocarina system that uses the Switch 2’s built-in microphone to detect player-sung melodies. Players can also use compatible smart devices via the Zelda Notes service to track progress, create and share music, and take daily quizzes with over 2,000 questions. New amiibo figures of Young Link and Young Zelda are scheduled for release in 2027, offering retro-style masks when scanned. The remake retains core gameplay from the original while introducing modern conveniences, though reviewers noted its relative simplicity compared to contemporary titles and occasional moments of player uncertainty about next steps.
This development follows earlier reports that Nintendo chose to remake Ocarina of Time due to fan demand and technical limitations in preserving the original’s legacy on modern hardware. The decision reflects a broader strategy of revisiting foundational franchises with updated mechanics and enhanced accessibility, as seen with othe
The near-perfect Famitsu score for the Ocarina of Time remake could signal a resurgence in interest in classic Nintendo franchises, potentially boosting sales of the Switch 2 and encouraging further remakes across the company’s library. This may impact consumer behavior by reinforcing trust in legacy titles while also setting expectations for quality in future re-releases. The inclusion of interactive features like microphone-based ocarina play and cross-device services such as Zelda Notes could influence how players engage with nostalgia-driven content, possibly shaping future game design toward more immersive, community-connected experiences. A comparable precedent is the success of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which revitalized the series while maintaining core identity—this remake may follow a similar path by balancing reverence with innovation. What remains to be seen is whether the game’s streamlined design will appeal to modern audiences seeking depth, or if it will