It’s been 40 years since players first embarked on an adventure across Hyrule, and Nintendo is celebrating four decades of The Legend of Zelda with a series of exciting announcements.
The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct gave fans plenty to look forward to, including a completely reimagined The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2, a special-edition console, new collectibles and collaborations, anniversary concerts and further details about the upcoming live-action film.
Here’s everything announced during the presentation.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Comes to Nintendo Switch 2
The biggest announcement of the Direct was undoubtedly The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, which is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 on 5th November 2026.
Originally released on the Nintendo 64 in 1998, Ocarina of Time was the first 3D game in The Legend of Zelda series and introduced players to a fully 3D version of Hyrule. Now, almost three decades later, the beloved adventure is being reimagined using modern technology for the series' 40th anniversary.
The new version features completely redesigned visuals, giving the classic adventure a fresh modern look while retaining the nostalgic feel that made the original so memorable.
Players will once again take on the role of Link as he journeys through Hyrule, travelling between his childhood and adulthood and taking on the forces threatening the kingdom.
Nintendo also showcased gameplay during the Direct, giving us a closer look at how the classic adventure has been updated for Nintendo Switch 2.
With improved visuals and modernised gameplay, this could be the perfect opportunity for long-time fans to return to one of the most iconic Zelda adventures ever made, while giving a new generation of players the chance to experience it for the first time.
Zelda Notes Expands the Adventure
Alongside Ocarina of Time, Nintendo also revealed new features coming to Zelda Notes, the companion service available through the Nintendo Switch app for smart devices.
Zelda Notes is already available for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and will now support Ocarina of Time on Nintendo Switch 2.
The service will introduce several new features designed to add another layer to the adventure, including ways to keep track of your progress and additional challenges to complete.
One particularly interesting feature allows players to use their smart device as an ocarina, recreating one of the most recognisable elements of Ocarina of Time.
Players will also be able to explore additional Zelda content through Nintendo's companion app, giving fans another way to engage with the anniversary celebrations beyond the game itself.
A Special Zelda Nintendo Switch 2
To celebrate 40 years of The Legend of Zelda, Nintendo is also releasing a special-edition Nintendo Switch 2. The console features a striking green and gold design, with the iconic Triforce incorporated into the design.
The special edition will be available from 29th October 2026, just ahead of Ocarina of Time's release.
Nintendo is also releasing matching Zelda-themed accessories, including a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller and carrying case. For collectors and long-time Zelda fans, the anniversary hardware could be one of the standout pieces of merchandise celebrating four decades of the series.
The Legend of Zelda Live-Action Film
Nintendo also confirmed the worldwide release date for the upcoming The Legend of Zelda live-action film. The movie will arrive in cinemas worldwide on 30th April 2027.
Unfortunately, there was no official trailer during the Direct, and Nintendo is still keeping many of the film's details under wraps. What we do know is that the movie will draw from the stories, ideas and concepts developed throughout the 40-year history of The Legend of Zelda, with Nintendo's development team heavily involved in its creation.
While fans may have to wait a little longer for their first proper look at the movie, hopefully more details... and an official trailer... won't be too far away.
Nintendo also confirmed that further updates about the film will be shared through Nintendo Today, alongside new Zelda-themed calendar animations.
Zelda 40th Anniversary Concerts
The celebrations will also be taking to the stage with a series of The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary concerts.
The orchestral performances will begin in Tokyo in January 2027, before heading overseas for a worldwide tour.
The North American leg will follow, with the European tour beginning in London on 3rd April 2027, before the celebrations continue in Australia in May.
With four decades of iconic Zelda music to draw from, the concerts should be a special experience for fans of the series' unforgettable soundtracks.
40th Anniversary Collaborations & Collectibles
Nintendo also revealed a number of collaborations and collectibles to mark the anniversary.
One of the biggest is a new LEGO The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – Link & Epona set, recreating the iconic hero and his trusty horse from the classic adventure.
There are also several new Zelda collectibles and collaborations on the way, including:
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom amiibo
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Playable Ocarina
- The Legend of Zelda: Electric Ocarina of Time
- The Legend of Zelda Heroes of Hyrule Figure Collection
- The Legend of Zelda Electronic Master Sword
- The Legend of Zelda Masterpiece Color Edition HUZZLE
- The Legend of Zelda Premium Gold Edition HUZZLE
From playable instruments to detailed collectibles, there's plenty for Zelda fans to add to their collections.
Celebrating 40 Years at the Nintendo Museum
The anniversary celebrations will also be heading to the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto, Japan.
From 9th September 2026, the museum's ticket design will be updated to celebrate The Legend of Zelda's 40th anniversary.
Visitors will also be able to see a special history board looking back at the games that have shaped the series over the past four decades.
A new Zelda-themed photo opportunity will be available from 5th November 2026, giving visitors another chance to celebrate the anniversary.
The museum will also welcome the Super Family Restaurant in Autumn 2026. Visitors will be able to enjoy a meal surrounded by Nintendo characters, including a large statue of Link.
The Nintendo Official Book Vol. 02 will also be available from 5th November.
40 Years of The Legend of Zelda
From the original 1986 adventure to the vast open worlds of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, The Legend of Zelda has become one of gaming's most recognisable and influential franchises.
Nintendo's 40th Anniversary Direct shows that the celebrations are going to be just as ambitious, with a reimagined Ocarina of Time, anniversary hardware, a live-action movie, concerts and plenty of new collectibles all on the horizon.
The biggest question now is: are you ready to return to Hyrule?
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time launches on Nintendo Switch 2 on 5th November 2026. Stock at The Game Collection is very limited, but we’ll be doing everything we can to secure as much as possible. Keep an eye out for further updates!
