Nearly three decades after the original “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” debuted on Nintendo 64, Nintendo has released a remake of the landmark title for the Nintendo Switch 2, according to NBC Philadelphia.
The 1998 game follows Link, the game’s protagonist (often mistaken for Princess Zelda), as he works to rescue the land of Hyrule from the villain Ganondorf. The game is known for its time-twisting ocarina mechanic, a helpful fairy character with her “hey, listen” catchphrase, and its diverse world—features that have made it beloved by gamers for decades.
The release has generated significant enthusiasm among players. At a GameStop in Roxborough, gamers Ethan and Matt of Conshohocken said they had been anticipating the remake for years. “This remake has been years in the making so we have been super excited and we had to make it out to the midnight launch,” Ethan said, adding that he planned to play through the night and call out of work in the morning.
Anthony Woody, another customer who waited in line at the same GameStop, expressed similar excitement about revisiting the game from his childhood. “I can’t wait to play this game. I’ve been waiting for this one for awhile, man,” he said.
The remake’s release drew crowds at multiple retailers across the Philadelphia region. At a Best Buy in Plymouth Meeting, gamers lined up to purchase not only the game itself but also a special edition “Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” Switch 2 console, reflecting the high demand for the remake among both longtime fans seeking nostalgia and newer players discovering the classic title.
Key facts
- Nintendo has released a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2, nearly 30 years after the original Nintendo 64 release
- The game follows Link as he rescues Hyrule from the villain Ganondorf
- The original game is known for its ocarina time-twisting mechanic, a fairy character, and diverse world design
- Gamers lined up at midnight launches at multiple retailers in the Philadelphia region, including GameStop and Best Buy
- Players expressed excitement about both revisiting childhood memories and experiencing the remade classic