Ethan Crossfield 
Nintendo has provided the clearest look yet at adult Link in its upcoming Switch 2 remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The footage is worth watching for returning players who want to see how the classic’s later sections have been updated, while newcomers can use it to understand the game’s central time-travel structure before deciding whether to follow the remake or wait for more information.
What changed in the new gameplay footage?
The trailer shifts attention from the younger version of Link, shown briefly when the remake was first announced, to the hero’s adult form. It includes Link riding Epona, performing with the Ocarina alongside Sheik, and swimming through the Water Temple. These scenes offer an early comparison point for players familiar with either the original Nintendo 64 release or the later 3DS version.
The footage also highlights Sheik in several story moments, including a confrontation with Ganondorf. Sheik is tied specifically to the portion of the adventure in which Link is an adult, making the character’s appearance another indication that Nintendo is showing material from the game’s later progression rather than only presenting a visual showcase.
Who should pay attention?
Returning Zelda players will likely be most interested in the remake’s visual overhaul and its treatment of recognizable locations and characters. The Water Temple, Epona, the Master Sword, and Sheik all represent important pieces of the adult Link storyline, so the trailer gives longtime fans several familiar reference points without revealing the entire adventure.
The adult Link segment is also important for anyone approaching Ocarina of Time for the first time. Link begins the story as a child defending Hyrule from Ganondorf, then becomes an adult after taking up the Master Sword. From there, the ability to move between different periods becomes essential to solving the game’s challenges. The trailer hints at that transition by showing Link draw the Master Sword before cutting to the remake’s logo and Switch 2 packaging.
What comes next for the remake?
The remake is scheduled to arrive on Nintendo Switch 2 later this year and is positioned as the system’s final major release of 2026. Nintendo is supporting the launch with a Zelda-themed Switch 2 system and a Pro Controller. Ocarina of Time amiibo featuring younger versions of Link and Zelda have also been announced for 2027, although Nintendo has not provided a specific release date.
A Nintendo Direct is scheduled for September 9, followed immediately by a Nintendo Treehouse livestream. Nintendo has not confirmed which games will appear in the Treehouse presentation. More Ocarina of Time footage is possible, especially after an earlier Zelda anniversary livestream showed an extended look at Kokiri Forest, but Nintendo may also hold back later gameplay so players can discover those sequences themselves.
What players should know
- The remake is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 later in 2026.
- The new trailer focuses on adult Link rather than only his childhood chapters.
- Shown scenes include Epona, Sheik, the Water Temple, and the Master Sword.
- Time travel remains a key gameplay and story feature in the remake.
- The September 9 Nintendo Direct and following Treehouse stream could provide more details, but no specific Ocarina of Time presentation has been confirmed.
Expert View
The trailer makes the remake’s visual update easier to judge while confirming that Nintendo is willing to showcase material from the adult Link storyline. It is a useful presentation for returning fans, though it does not yet answer broader questions about the remake’s full changes or release timing beyond its 2026 window. Players intrigued by the new visuals should follow the September presentations, while cautious buyers may prefer to wait for a longer gameplay demonstration.
