The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’s Nintendo Switch 2 remake has earned a Metacritic score of 96, renewing the classic’s place among gaming’s most acclaimed titles. The original N64 release holds a 99 on the review aggregator, the highest score listed on its all-time rankings.
The remake’s 96 ties it for fourth place in Metacritic’s historical rankings. Three games have scored 98, while 11 have reached 97. Eighteen titles share the 96 mark, including Elden Ring, Baldur’s Gate 3, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Resident Evil 4, BioShock, The Wind Waker and Tears of the Kingdom.
Some of the other titles tied at 96 are compilations, including The Orange Box and Grand Theft Auto Double Pack. The source also notes that the original Ocarina of Time had fewer reviews recorded in 1998, making direct comparisons between scores imperfect.
Reviews of the remake reflect both the original’s lasting influence and its reception among newcomers. Some critics drew on their memories of the N64 or 3DS versions, while Destructoid awarded the game 10/10 despite the reviewer not having connected with the original. VGC also gave it a perfect score, praising the updated game while noting that it does not completely overhaul the original.
The remake is scheduled to launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on November 5, 2026. Its reception among players, particularly those who came to the series through Breath of the Wild, remains to be seen.
Sources: Comic Book Resources.