Famitsu Gives Zelda: Ocarina of Time Switch 2 Remake 37 out of 40

Japan's Famitsu magazine has published its first review of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake for Nintendo Switch 2, and it gave the game 37 out of 40. The review ran in the magazine's latest issue, ahead of the game's release on 5 November 2026.

The four individual scores were 10, 9, 9 and 9. Famitsu's scale totals four scores of up to 10 each, so the result sits just short of a perfect 40. The magazine noted that the original Nintendo 64 version of the game, released in 1998, was the first title in Famitsu's history to score a perfect 40. VideoGamesChronicle reported the score and the release date.

The reviewers singled out the camera. The remake adds modern twin-stick camera controls, which let players move the view around more freely than the 1998 original allowed. Notebookcheck also reported the praise for the camera.

Nintendo describes the remake as having reimagined visuals, a refreshed soundtrack and modernised gameplay. Earlier Famitsu coverage, from September, said the game includes full voice acting for its story. The game is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, so it will not be released on the original Switch or other consoles.

Interest has been building for a while. In early October, the remake was the top item in Amazon's pre-order ranking, according to Famitsu. Famitsu also published a hands-on preview of the game on 20 October 2026. Nintendo has used the release to mark the series' 40th anniversary, and it published a developer interview titled Ask the Developer Vol. 24, which focuses on the remake's development.

For players, the release date is the key detail. The game goes on sale on 5 November 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2 only. Anyone planning to buy it can check the Nintendo eShop or a retail store for the price in their region.

The review is one of the first critical verdicts on the remake, and it arrives a day before players can start their own adventures with the game.