Quick answer: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake launches Thursday, Nov 5, 2026, only on Nintendo Switch 2. It costs $59.99 digital or $69.99 physical in the US. Preloading opened Oct 29, the download is about 24.5 GB, and under Nintendo’s usual eShop rule the digital version should unlock at 9 PM PT on Nov 4, which is 11 PM CT. Current as of Nov 1, 2026.
Link’s first 3D adventure is four days away. Nintendo rebuilt Ocarina of Time from the ground up for Switch 2, and it is already sitting on a lot of consoles thanks to the preload. Here is everything you need before launch night, from unlock time to storage space.
Ocarina of Time Switch 2 release date and unlock time
The game releases Nov 5 in North America, Europe, the UK and Australia. Nintendo has not posted a launch hour for this game, but its support rules say digital games that also sell physically usually unlock at 9 PM PT the night before. US clocks fell back on Nov 1, so here is how that converts:
- Pacific: 9 PM PT, Wednesday Nov 4
- Central: 11 PM CT, Wednesday Nov 4
- Eastern: midnight ET, Thursday Nov 5
- UK and Europe: midnight local time, Thursday Nov 5
Prefer a cartridge? Select US Best Buy stores are holding midnight launches at 12 AM local time on Nov 5.
Preload and download size
Digital preorders charge and start downloading seven days before release, so the preload opened Oct 29. Order on the eShop now and the game downloads right away, then stays locked until launch. Keep your console online in sleep mode so the unlock goes through.
Nintendo’s US store page still lists an estimated 27 GB, but the UK listing and players who already preloaded report about 24.5 GB. Clear at least 27 GB to be safe and leave room for a day one patch. For comparison, the original fit on a 32 MB cartridge in 1998.
Price and editions
- Digital: $59.99, £49.99, €59.99
- Physical: $69.99 in the US, with textured foil packaging on the first print run
- US digital buyers who purchase before Nov 23 get a Zelda 40th Anniversary wallpaper
The $519.99 Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 does not include the game. If you are still hunting for that console, see our report on Walmart’s canceled preorders.
What is new in the remake
Nintendo lists voiced cutscenes and expanded dialogue, a re-recorded orchestral soundtrack, and a jump button with modern camera controls. You can play ocarina songs into the Switch 2 microphone, and the new Hall of Fallen Foes lets you rematch bosses. Our overview trailer breakdown covers it in more detail. Existing Zelda amiibo work too, and new Young Link and Young Zelda figures arrive in 2027.
When do reviews go live?
Metacritic has pointed fans to midweek. Nintendo’s recent Zelda games had reviews land the day before launch, so expect scores around Nov 4, just hours before the unlock. The N64 original still holds a 99, the highest score on the site.
