Nintendo is bringing The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time back on November 5, giving Switch 2 owners the chance to revisit one of gaming's most celebrated adventures.
But before returning to Hyrule, there are a few things worth sorting out, particularly if you plan to buy the digital version and start playing as soon as it launches.
The remake is exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2, costs $59.99 for the digital edition in the US, and requires an estimated 27 GB of storage. Digital pre-orders are also eligible for pre-loading, meaning you may already have the game downloading on your console ahead of Thursday's release.
But when exactly can you start playing? How much will it cost in your region? And what happens if you haven't pre-loaded the game?
Here's everything you need to know about Ocarina of Time's Switch 2 release time, price, download size, and pre-loading.
Emmanuel Umahi
When does Ocarina of Time release on Switch 2?
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time launches on Thursday, November 5, 2026, exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2. There is no version for the original Nintendo Switch, Switch OLED, or Switch Lite.
Nintendo has not confirmed a specific worldwide digital unlock time, but if the game follows a midnight Eastern Time release schedule, these are the expected times across major regions:
- US: 12 AM ET (November 5) / 9 PM PT (November 4)
- UK: 5 AM GMT (November 5)
- Nigeria: 6 AM WAT (November 5)
- India: 10:30 AM IST (November 5)
- Singapore: 1 PM SGT (November 5)
These are estimated conversion times, not confirmed regional launch times. You can check Nintendo's official game listing for release information as Thursday approaches.
For Nigerian players, there's an additional detail worth knowing: Nintendo does not operate a Nigerian eShop. Players who purchase through US or UK Nintendo accounts will generally follow the release availability of their selected account region, rather than a separate Nigerian launch schedule.
How much does Ocarina of Time cost on Switch 2?
The digital version costs $59.99 in the US, while the physical edition costs $69.99. That's a $10 difference if you're happy to download the game rather than buy a cartridge.
In the UK, the digital edition costs £49.99, while the physical version is listed at £58.99 on the Nintendo Store. Prices at other retailers may differ, so check the store you're buying from before placing an order.
There is also a reason collectors might prefer the physical edition. Nintendo says the first print run will feature special packaging with textured foil cover art. This is a limited first-printing bonus available while supplies last.
Digital buyers in the US have a separate early-purchase incentive. Purchase the game before November 23, 2026, at 11:59 PM PT, and you'll qualify for a The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary digital wallpaper. Nintendo will send a My Nintendo download link to the email address associated with your account after the promotion ends.
This wallpaper promotion is US-only. You can find more details in Nintendo's official Zelda 40th Anniversary announcement.
How big is Ocarina of Time on Switch 2?
You'll want to clear some storage before downloading the game. Nintendo's US eShop lists the estimated download size at 27 GB, while its UK listing shows 24.5 GB.
These are store estimates rather than guaranteed final installed sizes. To avoid running into storage problems, having at least 27 GB free is the safer option.
That's a considerable download compared with the original Nintendo 64 release, which used a 32 MB cartridge. The Switch 2 version has a substantially updated presentation, including new visuals, music, and other enhancements.
If your console is running low on space, you can expand its storage with a compatible microSD Express card. Regular microSD cards used with the original Switch cannot store Switch 2 games.
Can you pre-load Ocarina of Time before release?
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