Switch 1 compatibility

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake does not run on the original Nintendo Switch: Nintendo sells it "Exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2", with no Nintendo Switch version or upgrade, as of Nov 1, 2026. On a Nintendo Switch 1, the way to play Ocarina of Time is the 1998 Nintendo 64 original in Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.

No: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake of Nov 5, 2026 does not play on the original Nintendo Switch. Nintendo of America's store page calls it "Exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2", and Nintendo UK's lists Nintendo Switch 2 as its only system, both read on Nov 1, 2026. Owners of a Nintendo Switch 1 can still play the 1998 Nintendo 64 game through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack (Nintendo 64 original and re-releases).

Quick facts

Nintendo Switch 2	Yes, from Nov 5, 2026 (TV, tabletop and handheld modes)
Nintendo Switch 1	No version and no upgrade (Nintendo, read Nov 1, 2026)
Original on Nintendo Switch 1	The Nintendo 64 game, in Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack since Oct 25, 2021
Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers	Cannot be redeemed for Nintendo Switch 2 games (Nintendo UK)
A Switch 2 Edition?	No: it is a new Nintendo Switch 2 game, not an upgrade of a Switch 1 game
40th Anniversary Edition system	Nintendo Switch 2, Oct 29, 2026; game not included

Can you play the Ocarina of Time remake on Switch 1?

No. Nintendo has announced the remake only for Nintendo Switch 2, from its reveal in the Nintendo Direct of Jun 9, 2026, where its listing said "reborn exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2", to its store pages on Nov 1, 2026. Nintendo Switch 2 game cards do not run in a Nintendo Switch 1, and the eShop download is listed for Nintendo Switch 2 only. Nintendo of America's page lists TV, tabletop and handheld modes, all on Nintendo Switch 2.

Some of what the remake adds is built on Nintendo Switch 2 hardware: a learned song can be hummed into the Switch 2's microphone, and the slingshot and bow aim with motion controls (What's new in the remake).

Is it a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition?

No. Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom have Nintendo Switch 2 Editions, paid upgrades of Nintendo Switch games, but Ocarina of Time on Nintendo Switch 2 has no Nintendo Switch version to upgrade. Nintendo calls it a game "built from the ground up for the Nintendo Switch 2", sold on its own at $59.99 digital in the US (Editions, price and pre-order bonuses). Nintendo UK's pre-order help page adds that "Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers cannot be redeemed for Nintendo Switch 2 games", so a voucher bought for Nintendo Switch 1 games will not pay for it.

How to play Ocarina of Time on Nintendo Switch 1

Through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. The Nintendo 64 original joined the service's Nintendo 64 library in its launch lineup on Oct 25, 2021, and it plays on Nintendo Switch 1 and Nintendo Switch 2 alike. That is the 1998 game as it was, without the remake's jump button, free camera, voices or orchestral music; how the versions differ is on What's new in the remake, and the 2011 handheld remake on Ocarina of Time 3D.

What you need to play the remake

A Nintendo Switch 2 and the game, bought separately. The Nintendo Switch 2 The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition system came out on Oct 29, 2026, with a Triforce design, but it does not include Ocarina of Time, and its pre-orders sold out (Release date and time). The download needs about 24.5 GB to 27 GB of free space (Pre-load and download size).

Frequently asked questions

Is the Ocarina of Time remake on Switch 1? No: the Ocarina of Time remake is exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2, and Nintendo lists no Nintendo Switch 1 version, as of Nov 1, 2026.

Will the Ocarina of Time remake come to Switch 1 later? Nintendo has announced no Nintendo Switch 1 version of the Ocarina of Time remake; every Nintendo page, from its reveal on Jun 9, 2026 to its store pages on Nov 1, 2026, says Nintendo Switch 2 only.

Can I play Ocarina of Time on my Switch 1? Yes, the 1998 Nintendo 64 Ocarina of Time: it is part of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, on Nintendo Switch 1 and Nintendo Switch 2. The Nov 5, 2026 remake needs a Nintendo Switch 2.

Is the Ocarina of Time remake a Switch 2 Edition? No: the Ocarina of Time remake is a Nintendo Switch 2 game of its own, not a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade of a Nintendo Switch game.

Can I use a Nintendo Switch Game Voucher for the Ocarina of Time remake? No: Nintendo UK says Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers cannot be redeemed for Nintendo Switch 2 games, which includes the Ocarina of Time remake.