Nintendo’s upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time will require 27 gigabytes of storage space on the Nintendo Switch 2, making it the largest mainline entry in franchise history, Polygon reported.
The storage requirement came to light after an image of a Japanese retail download card was shared on the social media platform X by the user Genki_JPN. When the title originally debuted on the Nintendo 64 in 1998, the software was packaged on a 32-megabyte cartridge. The updated edition is more than 800 times larger than the original release.
Surpassing Prior Zelda Records
While a 27-gigabyte footprint remains relatively modest compared to modern console blockbusters like Call of Duty, which can consume upwards of 200 gigabytes, it sets a high watermark for core Zelda releases. The previous mainline benchmark, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, requires 24 gigabytes on the Switch 2, according to Polygon. The only franchise software that exceeds the new remake is the 2025 spinoff Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, which sits at just over 43 gigabytes.
The expanded footprint reflects substantial technical overhauls and new assets. Nintendo announced in an overview trailer that the rebuilt game includes completely reworked graphics, full symphonic orchestral scores, and fully voiced cutscenes accompanied by expanded dialogue. Players will also gain the ability to jump at will rather than relying strictly on contextual ledge jumping.
Interactive Audio and New Features
Nintendo is also adding novel gameplay mechanics that leverage the Switch 2 hardware. Players will be able to hum tunes or perform melodies on real-world instruments, which the console’s built-in microphone will detect to activate Link’s in-game ocarina. The release also includes the Hall of Fallen Heroes, an area containing statues of vanquished bosses where players can review lore and initiate rematches.
For mobile connectivity, the game will integrate with Zelda Notes, a companion feature inside the Nintendo Switch smartphone application. Nintendo also revealed that two new Ocarina of Time amiibo figures will arrive in 2027 to unlock special masks, while legacy Zelda figurines will provide gameplay items.
Release Date and Retail Rollout
The title is scheduled to arrive exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on Nov. 5, marking the 40th anniversary celebration of the Zelda series. Ahead of the debut, major retailers Amazon and Walmart cut pre-order prices from $69.99 to $59.99, bundling physical copies with a limited-edition foil cover, Nintendo Wire reported.
Nintendo is also releasing themed hardware on Oct. 30, including a Zelda 40th Anniversary edition Switch 2 console, a custom Pro Controller, and a carrying case. Pre-order allocations for the console and controller rapidly sold out across primary retail channels, according to Nintendo Wire.
Visuals from a promotional campaign in Japan highlighted significant enhancements across Hyrule, showcasing upgraded character models for Ganondorf and Sheik, woven fabric textures, dynamic weather, and revised hair physics, VICE reported. It remains to be seen how the expanded game world and visual overhaul will perform across the entire campaign when players return to Hyrule in November.
