- Primary Subject: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake / Nintendo Switch 2 Version
- Key Update: An editorial opinion highlights five iconic original mechanics and elements that Nintendo's upcoming Ocarina of Time remake for the Switch 2 should keep intact.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: January 20, 2026
- Quick Answer: The Ocarina of Time remake should preserve classic elements like King Zora's shimmy, the Water Temple's difficulty, and Dead Hand to keep its original charm.
People have been waiting for the Ocarina of Time remake, and their patience is about to be rewarded. The game is set for release on the 5th of November 2026, and both new and old fans are excited to experience Link's revamped journey that involves saving all of Hyrule.
Since it's a remake that aims to surpass the quality of the Nintendo64 and 3DS versions, it should come as no surprise that there will be many changes. The trailers have already given us glimpses of what to look forward to, such as a better Hyrule Field and Castle Town Market, and they do a great job of hyping you up to want to play the game.
Still, as someone who has enjoyed the charms of the original, there are a few things that I hope the remake doesn't change or remove outright. They are what helped make Ocarina of Time the memorable experience that it's known for, so it would be a shame if they were gone. While these are different for everyone, here are the ones I think stand out and should stay.
1. King Zora's shimmy
When the time comes to save Princess Ruto from Jabu-Jabu's belly, you have to talk to King Zora. He is the only thing standing between you and the deity, so when you present the letter that makes him move out of the way, you'll be surprised by what happens next. Instead of getting up, the king shuffles slowly to the side, and I mean really slow, taking 30 agonizing seconds to do so.
I understand that many would not want to go through this, but I believe it should stay in the remake. The slow shimmy somehow takes away any sense of urgency in saving Ruto, leading to a comical moment that many remember for years. It's annoying, it's a bit awkward, but it's hilarious in its own way, which is why it shouldn't be changed.
2. Princess Ruto's Inability to Move
Speaking of the princess, if you do manage to find her within Jabu-Jabu's belly, she'll outright refuse to move out of stubbornness. This forces you to carry her throughout the level, keeping her safe while trying to deal with all the enemies. The Switch 2 remake will likely change this, giving her a more active role and changing the environment to match it.
However, I don't want that to happen. While it's rather annoying, it helps build Ruto's character, as she eventually becomes someone who trusts Link despite her stubbornness as a princess. If the remake has to change it, at least just keep her stationary, but allow her to get killed. That way, it's more of a challenge, and you can opt to have her punished for her inability to trust you or your inability to be a valued protector.
3. The Water Temple
If you were to ask Zelda fans which is one of the worst dungeons in the series, they'd likely answer the Water Temple from Ocarina of Time. I've gone through it myself, and I will admit that it's not fun. Having to constantly switch to the Iron Boots, playing the Ocarina to raise or lower the water levels, and running around while getting lost in samey-looking rooms can make this place a nightmare.
While it's not exactly great, the remake shouldn't change it. It's meant to be a challenging area, given that it's more than halfway through the journey. Yes, it's not a great dungeon, but the Water Temple does its job in forcing you to pay attention to what to do and where to go. I'm hoping it doesn't even have pathway markers that the 3DS version has, ensuring a challenge similar to the original's.
4. The Dead Hand
When people encountered the Dead Hand in the original Ocarina of Time, they were likely very terrified. No other enemy in the game came close to how scary it was, and surely led to many a kid's nightmares. Given how grotesque it looks, the remake might change it or remove the enemy entirely, as the updated graphics could lead to something that would terrify the very soul of a child.
I say that despite that, the Dead Hand should stay. Yes, it was horrifying, but that experience made people look back at Ocarina of Time, even if it wasn't a fond memory. If anything, the remake should make the enemy even more grotesque, ensuring that it creates even more memorable moments for both new and old fans.
5. The Biggoron's Sword Quest
Of all the quests the Ocarina of Time remake shouldn't touch, it should be the one for obtaining the Biggoron's Sword. I understand why people would want it changed, considering it involves many tedious trading sequences and a couple of timed portions that are stressful. The remake could make it much easier, but it shouldn't.
Having to go to different places will make you appreciate the environments more and talk to NPCs you'd likely care less about or completely ignore. And the timers give you that sense of urgency that no other part of the game does, making it an adrenaline-filled rush that can be fun in its own way. Besides, it only makes sense that it would be hard to do, given that it rewards you with the best sword in the game after completion.
There may be other examples, but these are the ones I hope the Ocarina of Time remake doesn't touch at all. I'm sure they'll give the game the same charm as the original, so it only makes sense that they're kept the way as is, or at least with very minimal changes.
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