Nintendo celebrates 40 years of The Legend of Zelda with a packed lineup of games, collectibles, consumer products, live events, and entertainment experiences galloping through Hyrule this year and next.
At the center of the celebration is The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, which arrives exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 Nov. 5 with completely overhauled visuals, fully voiced cutscenes, expanded character dialogue, symphonic orchestral music, reworked camera and movement controls, faster load times, smoother performance, refreshed sounds, and new button commands. The remake introduces remodeled locations, a continuing day-night cycle, the new “Threads of Time” feature, and the ability to hum melodies to the ocarina. A special physical first print run features textured foil cover art while supplies last.
The anniversary celebration extends well beyond the game itself. Nintendo launches a The Legend of Zelda-themed Nintendo Switch 2 system, an anniversary Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, and a carrying case with a screen protector, all featuring Triforce-inspired designs, Oct. 29. Two ocarinas will launch later this year, including a playable version and an electric version from HORI that can play individual notes or entire songs with the press of a button. New Young Link and Young Zelda amiibo will arrive in 2027, while a Mineru’s Construct amiibo launches Sept. 17 in celebration of Tears of the Kingdom.
Nintendo is also adding new ways for fans to engage with Ocarina of Time through Zelda Notes in the Nintendo Switch App. Players will be able to track their adventures, take on hint-image location challenges, use a virtual ocarina, and test their knowledge with a daily quiz featuring more than 2,000 questions. The broader anniversary celebration will include daily Zelda digital cards and themed calendar animations through the Nintendo Today! app, along with new activities at the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto, including an anniversary ticket design, new photo opportunities, and the opening of the Super Family Restaurant.
The celebration will take The Legend of Zelda on the road with a 40th Anniversary Concert series beginning next year in Tokyo in January, followed by Chicago in February, London in April, and Melbourne in May. Nintendo is also teaming up with major partners on new products, including the 1,750-piece LEGO set The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time — Link & Epona collectible display model for adults, arriving next spring, and Hasbro’s Legend of Zelda Electronic Master Sword, which features more than 15 touch- and motion-activated sounds, and is inspired by Tears of the Kingdom. The 27-inch sword is for kids ages 4 and up. Preorders open tomorrow, Sept. 9, at 10 a.m. EST on Hasbro Pulse, Walmart, Amazon.
Preorders begin Sept. 9. | Source: Hasbo
The sword is inspired by 'Tears of the Kingdom.' | Source: Hasbro
Beyond games and merchandise, the franchise is heading to the big screen with the live-action The Legend of Zelda movie from Nintendo, Arad Productions, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, which is scheduled to open worldwide April 30, 2027.
With new ways to play, collect, experience, and celebrate the franchise, Nintendo’s anniversary plans will span multiple corners of the Zelda universe through 2027.
Learn more at zelda40th.nintendo.com.
