Nintendo’s Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake arrives on Switch 2 on November 5, 2026, and fans have spotted a host of changes beyond the new visuals. The remake tweaks controls, dungeon puzzles, and town layouts, according to a list compiled by a writer who watched the trailers closely.
The writer identifies 15 changes across the remake, from small quality-of-life fixes to larger mechanical overhauls. Some were announced by Eiji Aonuma during the gameplay presentation; others are subtler shifts that have emerged from careful watching.
The Jump Button and Camera Freedom
One of the most obvious changes is the jump button. In the original, Link could only auto-jump off cliffs by sprinting at them. Now he can jump on cue, with a button press. That change extends to other places too, allowing Link to leap over obstacles with more precision.
The camera is also free to rotate. Players no longer need to snap it back behind Link or rely on a targeting system. The fix applies to areas that once had fixed cameras, including Castle Town. The writer notes this lets players see more of these areas, including spots that were never visible before.
Voice Acting and New Areas
Cutscenes now feature full voice acting, replacing the grunts and yells of the original. The writer describes the original as having “some grunts and yells and other little vocal cues,” while the remake delivers spoken lines.
Hyrule Field itself has changed shape. Link can now walk out onto the vista view of the field, something the original’s elevation design did not allow. Lon Lon Ranch appears to be lower than its original plateau, and there is a new marshland area in one corner of the map where there was once empty land.
Dungeons, Boots, and the Lens of Truth
Dungeon mechanisms have been adjusted so that actions feel more causal. The writer cites a specific example:
- Instead of a floating platform, there is now a log bridge that crumbles under Link.
- Once he has the slingshot, he shoots a switch that moves stone panels and releases a ladder.
- The original had Link shoot webs and watch the ladder drop mysteriously.
The iron boots can now be mapped to a button, a feature that appeared in the 3DS version of Ocarina of Time. The lens of truth has become a pair of goggles, with Link putting them on rather than holding a magnifying glass. The writer notes that the original only put a view on the camera for the player to see through.
Wallet Size, Loading Screens, and Time Passing
There is some uncertainty about whether Link’s wallet capacity has increased. The writer is “not 100 percent sure” on this point, noting that some folks have pointed out Link appears to have a rupee cap of 200 in the trailer. In the original, he starts with a 99-rupee cap, and anything above that goes nowhere. Upgrades were available through quests, but the writer speculates Link may have already completed them in this build.
Loading screens are gone when entering shops, making exploration smoother. Aonuma pointed out that the team wants to preserve loading screens between major areas to keep the original feel, but shops are now seamless.
Time will now pass while Link is in towns like Castle Town, not just in the field. The city will transition from night into day.
What It All Means
The changes are a mix of convenience and craft. The jump button and camera freedom are obvious upgrades. The dungeon tweaks make the world feel more consistent. The new areas add detail to familiar places.
The writer notes that the original felt “clunky and old” to control but that the remake offers a second chance with “nice, smooth, and shiny modern controls.”
Key Facts Box
– Release date: November 5, 2026 on Switch 2
– 15 identified changes, from voice acting to dungeon mechanics
– Aonuma pointed to preserved loading screens between major areas
– Link’s apparent rupee cap in the trailer: 200 rupees
Source material: “15 Things The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time Remake Is Changing From The Original On N64,” Kotaku.
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