The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 2026 – Switch 2 DF Tech Review



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One of the most eagerly anticipated games of the year, the Switch 2 remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time does not disappoint, aside from one or two minor issues – here’s John Linneman with the breakdown on how the original game was so groundbreaking, how the ports looked and how Nintendo has revamped Ocarina of Time for Switch 2.

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00:00 – Introduction & Three Generations of Ocarina of Time
02:00 – The N64 Original: Defining 3D Game Design
04:57 – N64 Technical Breakdown & Visual Atmosphere
07:48 – Original Performance & 20 FPS Cap
08:35 – Modernising for Handheld: Ocarina of Time 3D
10:48 – Emulation History Across Nintendo Hardware
12:16 – Switch 2 Remake: First Impressions & Visual Overhaul
13:06 – Engine Technology & FSR1?!
14:24 – Docked vs Portable Resolutions & HDR
15:22 – Materials, Global Illumination & Lighting Upgrades
17:35 – Character Models, Animation & Cutscenes
18:53 – World & Map Design Changes
19:57 – Seamless World & Environmental Flow
22:04 – Visual Flourishes, Foliage & Fluid Physics
24:35 – Controls, Jumping & Camera Improvements
26:59 – Frame Rate & 60 FPS Performance Testing
28:01 – The Soundtrack
30:28 – Voice Acting & Sound Design
32:15 – Final Thoughts & The Future of 3D Zelda

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30 Comments

  1. I know I know, even saying it, but you're getting into looking for nitpicks about the difference in quality on handheld vs portable (I mean hey it's a battery) but also complaining about the lack of DLSS for FSR. That is hardly more than a light wrinkle, and definitely not a deal breaker unless someone is that techophile unhinged from reaity. What you have there is very stunningly well done. The game has been prime for a remake for a long time, not just a nice light touch upgrade with a graphical overhaul that 3DS did get 15 years ago because even then it was creaky with the lack of a jump feature and a few others finally present now. And why complain about the 3DS for being brighter, it's a handheld, you have to account for that when doing visuals so anything vs a period of the time TV vs that it's just a necessity.

  2. One little touch I absolutely adore about this remake: Those switches that when you stand on are permanently on now have this small animation where sleeves on the corners slide into the middle to physically hold the button down, whereas the buttons that need to be held down do not have those. So it not only gives an explanation as to why these switches remain pressed, if you pay attention you instantly know which switches stay active and which require you to weigh them down with something.

  3. Great, thorough review John and thank you for taking the time to highlight the importance and significance of the original game.

    As a gamer in my 50's and having played OOT back in my early 20's, it's still my favourite game of all time, although I have to admit I'd find the gameplay to be rather simple by today's standards. That's not to say I'm not looking forward to playing this remake because I can't wait, but there's also that sense of familiarity and with that in mind I wish Nintendo had included a Master or hardcore mode for older gamers like myself.

  4. It is a shame there are still no achievements, which I use as a way to track my progress through many games (and the timestamps that I achieved them is interesting to look back on in the future, too). Some achievements are also useful to trigger new ways to play the games. So, until they are implemented, still no Nintendo hardware / software for me.

  5. 1:20 Why is it only you, John, that puts the older version within comparison clips on the right? It is so odd. At one point a while back, you even showed a comparison like this (from left to right): PS5, PS4, PS3. It is truly mental and I worry about the way your brain works.

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