The year 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda, the first episode of which was released on February 21, 1986. As Nintendo celebrates the legacy of its flagship franchise, one episode continues to dominate discussions: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
Released in 1998 on Nintendo 64, the game marked a historic turning point by introducing 3D to the series. Despite an enhanced version on Nintendo 3DS in 2011, many players are still waiting for a true modern remake.
A comparison video that impresses fans
Creator CryZENx recently released a short video showing the difference between the 1998 Link and a modernized version developed with current technologies. We see Link playing the iconic theme on the ocarina, with much more detailed facial animations and visual rendering.
The reactions were not long in coming. One user said: “The expression on Link’s face is perfect.” Another praised the creator’s work, writing: “It’s crazy.” I’ve seen the progress since the end of 2015 and to see it go to a new engine is incredible. Keep it up. »
Is an official remake possible?
To date, Nintendo has not announced any official remake of Ocarina of Time. However, the discussion comes up regularly within the community. On the r/Switch forum, a player recently started the debate by asking: “Does ‘Ocarina Of Time’ really need a remake on Switch?” »
The responses show strong expectations. The most popular comment states: “This is one of, if not the most acclaimed games of all time.” It deserves a new modern coat of paint, in my opinion. » Another Internet user goes further: “Honestly, I would prefer a remake rather than a simple remaster (even if the 3DS version is almost remade from scratch). »
Remake or simple remaster?
For some fans, a simple HD adaptation of the 3DS version would not be enough. They imagine a complete overhaul, like Final Fantasy 7 Remake. One comment sums up this ambition: “They could add so much more to actually fill the world. The majesty of the whole thing was striking in the early days of 3D. Today, they have the ability to make all of this actually present instead of just suggesting it. It would clearly be marketable as a brand new game, like the Final Fantasy 7 remakes.”
Is Zelda’s 40th anniversary a game-changer?
While Pokémon, Donkey Kong and Diablo are also celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2026, the absence of a major announcement around Ocarina of Time raises questions. Nintendo has already surprised its fans in the past with unexpected announcements. But for now, the Ocarina of Time remake remains a dream maintained by the community and by unofficial projects. With current technological advances, the CryZENx video shows that a return to modern Hyrule is technically possible. It remains to be seen whether Nintendo will one day take the plunge.