Zelda Remake Defies Switch 2 Limits
A reader rates the November release as the year's best looking game, praising its unchanged design and stunning visuals.
By Rebecca Lewis ·
Nintendo released a major title in November, a month typically reserved for smaller entries, and the result has challenged assumptions about the Switch 2 hardware. The new version of Zelda: Ocarina of Time has drawn praise for its visuals, which exceed what many players expected from the console.
The game arrived with high expectations following the original release nearly three decades ago. While the source material is a classic, the remake faces the challenge of aging technology. A reader named Xane, who recently completed the game, stated it exceeded expectations and provided the most fun video game experience of the year.
Xane noted that the design remains virtually identical to the N64 original. The level layout, camera angles, and core mechanics have not changed. However, the graphical quality has shifted the perception of the title. The reader described the visuals as shocking, noting that the game looks almost photorealistic in certain scenes, such as the rainy graveyard sequences.
The performance stands out because the Switch 2 is considered underpowered compared to competitors. Sony and Microsoft often showcase new consoles with graphics-heavy demos. Nintendo took a different approach, launching without a dedicated tech demo. Most of their first-party titles do not prioritize spectacular graphics, with the possible exception of Mario Kart World.
Xane compared the remake to other games on the market. GTA 6 is expected to have superior graphics because it runs on the more powerful PlayStation 5 and features a realistic modern world. In contrast, Ocarina of Time presents a fantasy world that feels cinematic. The reader called it the most cinematic game Nintendo has produced, highlighting the opening sequence with Link, Navi, and the Great Deku Tree.
The game did not expand Hyrule Field to match the scale of Breath of the Wild. The area remains small by modern standards. Despite this, the reader found it beautiful and fun to explore on horseback. Castle Town underwent changes to accommodate modern controls, as fixed camera angles would have looked awkward. Other than that, the structure remains faithful to the original.
Xane compared the visual fidelity to Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, stating the latter looks like a GameCube title by comparison. The reader suggested this marks a new era for Switch 2 graphics. Other titles, including Star Fox and the upcoming Pokémon Winds and Waves, show promising trailers. For now, Ocarina of Time stands as the second best looking game of the year, according to the reader.
