Ethan Crossfield 
Nintendo has released an extended clip of Ganondorf from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, offering a clearer view of the villain’s updated model, facial animation, and presentation. The footage arrives ahead of the remake’s November 5 launch and gives fans another look at how the Switch 2 version is rebuilding the Nintendo 64 classic.
What happened
The new footage was shared through the Nintendo Today mobile app and expands on a scene previously shown in the remake’s main trailer. It depicts Link’s first encounter with Ganondorf, while adding several seconds that focus more closely on the Gerudo villain.
The clip highlights Ganondorf’s redesigned face, armor, jewelry, red hair, and expressive movements. It also provides a brief sample of the remake’s new voice acting. The narration references Ganondorf’s origins as a Gerudo man born once every hundred years, as well as his desire to obtain the Triforce.
Nintendo has also shown comparisons of the same scene across the Nintendo 64, Nintendo 3DS, and Switch 2 versions. Those comparisons make the visual progression easier to judge while showing that the remake remains closely tied to the original character design.
Why it matters
Ganondorf is one of the most recognizable figures in Ocarina of Time, so his redesign is an important test for the remake’s broader visual direction. Nintendo appears to be preserving the exaggerated facial structure and distinctive silhouette of the N64 version instead of replacing them with a design based mainly on later interpretations of the character.
That approach may reassure players who want a modern presentation without losing the identity of the original. Improved lighting, more detailed materials, and facial animation give Ganondorf a stronger presence in story scenes, while the extended clip suggests that his updated appearance will remain recognizable across different stages of the adventure.
Fan response has generally leaned positive, particularly regarding Ganondorf’s profile, longer hair, and post-timeskip appearance. Some viewers have criticized his nose, jawline, or the glossy rendering style, however. The divided reaction shows how closely longtime players are examining familiar characters in this remake.
What to watch next
The full remake is scheduled to launch on November 5 for Switch 2. Nintendo has already confirmed a substantial set of changes beyond the visual overhaul, including symphonic orchestral music, expanded dialogue, fully voiced cutscenes, faster loading, and more responsive movement.
Link will be able to jump and dash through new commands, while a freely controllable camera gives players more control than the original release. The remake will also feature the Threads of Time progression system, Zelda Notes support, and an option to hum learned melodies into the Switch 2 microphone so Link can play them on his ocarina.
Further character-focused clips could clarify how consistently Nintendo is applying its new animation, voice, and lighting systems throughout the campaign. Ganondorf’s footage is a useful early indicator, but the remake’s success will ultimately depend on whether these upgrades work together without weakening the atmosphere and personality that made Ocarina of Time so influential.
Key takeaways
- The new clip expands Ganondorf’s first encounter with Link.
- His updated model keeps the core look of the Nintendo 64 design.
- New facial animation and voice acting give the villain a stronger story presence.
- Fan reaction is mostly positive, though some details remain divisive.
- The remake launches on November 5 with major gameplay and presentation changes.
Expert View
Ganondorf’s redesign suggests that Nintendo is treating the remake as a careful modernization rather than a wholesale reinterpretation. Preserving the original character’s unusual proportions while adding expressive animation is a sensible balance: it gives longtime fans a recognizable villain and gives new players a version that fits the remake’s more ambitious presentation.
