Nintendo Could Reveal Major Zelda 40th Anniversary Plans

Apparently, Nintendo is organizing a big presentation to mark the 40th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda, and fans may not have to wait long to see what the firm has planned. Nintendo has made no formal announcement regarding its anniversary plans. Still, talk has been growing that a huge event in September will reveal new announcements, games, and possibly the much-rumored Ocarina of Time remake.

The Legend of Zelda will be 40 years old in 2026, and Nintendo has another big franchise anniversary to capitalize on after all the fan-favorite hype around Mario's 40th anniversary. If Nintendo takes a similar approach, the firm may devote a large chunk of its next general Direct to Zelda. One option is to spend nearly the first 20 minutes of an hour-long presentation on the franchise.

That presentation might finally be the long-awaited comprehensive examination of the alleged Ocarina of Time remake.

Nintendo may show extended footage of Zelda Ocarina of Time remake, explain how the remake has improved the original experience, and discuss whether it’s a reinvented title or a more faithful recreation, rather than simply announcing the game. Many fans are anticipating the remake to be a major release during the anniversary celebration.

The possible Zelda show might be more than games. With a live-action Legend of Zelda movie in the works for 2027, the anniversary offers a great opportunity to reveal more about the film. A fresh teaser, development details, or other big update might help bridge the game’s historic milestone with its planned Hollywood adaptation.

One interesting possibility is Nintendo using the first Switch alongside Switch 2 to make the anniversary available to a much bigger audience. Nintendo might have more Zelda releases planned for original Switch owners even if the Ocarina of Time remake is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive.

The Wind Waker and Twilight Princess are among the most commonly speculated options. Both games have long been wanted on modern Nintendo hardware, and their debut might give Nintendo a simple way to expand the centennial celebration. We could see a random announcement or an instant release, following the same pattern Nintendo used with Mario Galaxy and its sequel during Mario’s anniversary celebrations.

The notion makes a lot of financial sense because the original Switch has such a massive installed base.

Instead of restricting the anniversary's software offers to those who have already bought Nintendo’s newer hardware, the company might leverage previous Zelda titles to encourage continuing software purchases from the millions of players still on the original console. An HD version of A Link Between Worlds is also possible.

A remake of Ocarina of Time would presumably be a bigger production undertaking than redoing the Nintendo 3DS-era top-down Zelda adventure for Switch. It would give fans a new way to join the celebration, though, and add to the variety of Zelda experiences on Nintendo’s devices. If Nintendo has a big Zelda showing in mind, Ocarina of Time is expected to take center stage, whether or not those more ports come to fruition.

Fans would certainly get a good peek at the remake, learning about its graphic upgrades, gameplay tweaks, scope and general direction. One of the biggest unknowns is how close the project will be to the original game. Nintendo might go for a faithful remake with updated graphics and quality-of-life upgrades, or it could take a more radical reimagining of the classic adventure.

Both would generate a ton of buzz, especially since Ocarina of Time is one of the most beloved games in all of Zelda history. The presentation could potentially indicate a release date. Although there have been speculations and leaks about the project, Nintendo has not publicly announced anything, leaving the corporation free to surprise viewers with its ambitions.

Clues also suggest more anniversary-themed products may be unveiled.

Reports describe an unexplained item arriving in Nintendo gear packaging, though its purpose is unknown. Some fans believe that it could be a new Zelda amiibo, while others have speculated about unique hardware or items linked to the occasion. A perfect fit for the event would be a special edition of the Ocarina of Time remake.

Nintendo could include the game in special commemorative merchandise, collectible items, or unique physical editions for longtime fans. One enticing idea for collectors would be a gold-colored physical cartridge, referencing the original Ocarina of Time's classic packaging. Nintendo hasn’t said if it plans to sell such a version.

Still, a fancy collector’s edition may help the remake feel more like the focus of a big anniversary celebration and less like just another Zelda launch. Nintendo has kept its plans mostly under wraps for now. But with the franchise’s 40th anniversary, the approaching live-action movie, the constant whispers about Ocarina of Time, and tales of other mystery products, there’s been quite a bit of interest.