Ocarina of Time remake for Switch 2 adds jump button and modern Zelda controls

Nintendo is remaking The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Switch 2, and it's not just a visual touch-up. Reports say the game is getting completely overhauled graphics with a new art style, plus control and navigation upgrades that bring it closer to modern Zelda games.

The biggest change? You can finally jump on command. The original had auto-jumping at ledges, which worked but felt limiting. Now there's a dedicated jump button. You also get a sprint button for faster movement and full camera control using the right stick, features that were either clunky or nonexistent on N64.

Modern conveniences meet classic dungeons

The remake borrows ideas from recent open-world Zelda titles. There's a quick item select menu so you're not pausing every thirty seconds to swap gear. A new quest log system called Threads of Time helps you track objectives without scribbling notes on scratch paper.

Reports also mention improved lighting effects and more detailed textures across Hyrule. Some dungeon layouts have been tweaked with added elevators and removed obstacles, likely to smooth out pacing or accommodate the new movement options.

The art style is splitting opinions

Not everyone is sold on the visual direction. Some sources describe the character models as having a haunted doll or porcelain doll quality, and fan reactions have been mixed. It's a departure from both the blocky N64 original and the 3DS remake's look, so expect debate until launch.

The remake is scheduled to release November 5, 2026. That's a long wait, but if Nintendo nails the balance between respecting the original and modernizing the experience, this could be the version that finally convinces younger players why Ocarina mattered so much in 1998.