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Nintendo has announced The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026, but its announcement gives no exact release date. Before it arrives, the best place to start with the current modern Zelda adventures is Breath of the Wild, followed by its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom. Both have Switch 2 Editions, and your best-value option depends on whether you already own the original Switch game.
What is the next Zelda remake?
Nintendo announced The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Switch 2 in its June 9, 2026 Direct, describing the Nintendo 64 classic as “reborn exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2” and set to return “in 2026.” The announcement names the year, not a release day, and does not provide preorder details. Read Nintendo’s June 9, 2026 announcement.
Which Zelda games should you play first?
Start with Breath of the Wild
If you are new to the recent large-scale Zelda adventures, begin with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Its open-world journey is the starting point for the modern pair, and Nintendo offers a Switch 2 Edition with enhanced features. See Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
Play Tears of the Kingdom next
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a sequel to Breath of the Wild, so it makes the natural follow-up rather than the first game to buy. Its Switch 2 Edition is available physically in Nintendo’s US store; check local availability and current pricing before purchasing. See Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
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- Explore the land and skies of Hyrule—now enhanced for the Nintendo Switch 2 system!
- Unleash your imagination by using your abilities in surprising and creative ways
- Support your journey with ZELDA NOTES on the Nintendo Switch app
Should you buy a Switch 2 Edition or upgrade your Switch copy?
Both games have Switch 2 Editions. If you already own the original Switch version, compare the upgrade-pack cost and membership eligibility with buying another copy. Nintendo’s US support page lists the Tears of the Kingdom upgrade pack at $9.99 USD as of October 4, 2026. It is available at no additional cost to active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members who own the original game. Nintendo UK also lists both Zelda upgrade packs among those available to active Expansion Pack members who own the corresponding original game. Check current eShop prices and membership terms for your region before deciding.
The Switch 2 Edition of Tears of the Kingdom includes higher resolution, improved frame rates, faster loading, HDR support, access to ZELDA NOTES, and an additional manual save file. The second save created in the Switch 2 Edition cannot be transferred back to the original Switch version. The Switch 2 Edition itself is playable only on Switch 2. Check Nintendo’s Tears of the Kingdom upgrade-pack details and Nintendo’s Switch 2 Edition information.
Rank #2
- Step into a world of adventure—now enhanced for the Nintendo Switch 2 system!
- Use your ingenuity to survive and thrive in Hyrule
- Support your journey with ZELDA NOTES on the Nintendo Switch app
For Breath of the Wild, use the same basic comparison: if you own the original Switch game, check the upgrade option and current regional terms before paying for a separate edition. Nintendo identifies ZELDA NOTES as a Switch 2 app feature for the Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom Switch 2 Editions. See Nintendo UK’s Switch 2 upgrade-pack information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where does Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment fit?
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is an optional choice if you want action-focused combat instead of another mainline Zelda adventure. Nintendo describes its story as the Imprisoning War, briefly shown in Tears of the Kingdom. It is a Switch 2-only game, with Nintendo listing November 6, 2025 as its release date. Compatible amiibo can provide in-game items, but they are optional extras, not requirements. See Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment.
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Best Value
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition; upgrade details
- Support for the ZELDA NOTES game-specific service via Nintendo Switch App; improved frame rates and resolution; faster load times; HDR support; nintendo Account, persistent internet and compatible smart device required; data charges may apply; HDR-compatible display required when playing in TV mode
Rank #4
- Enhanced performance and visuals exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2.
- Explore the skies, caves, and vast lands of Hyrule in a massive open-world adventure.
- Wield new and returning abilities to craft solutions, vehicles, and weapons.
- Discover the mystery behind the spreading gloom threatening the kingdom.
- Use the ZELDA NOTES app to share, compare, and earn daily bonuses.
Rank #3
- Enhanced resolution, framerates, and load times optimized for Nintendo Switch 2.
- Explore a massive open-air version of Hyrule with complete freedom.
- Solve physics-based puzzles, survive dynamic weather, and uncover hidden secrets.
- Customize your adventure with weapons, gear, and food you craft yourself.
- Use the ZELDA NOTES app for bonuses, item sharing, and social features.
Quick buying path
- New to modern Zelda? Start with Breath of the Wild on Switch 2, then play Tears of the Kingdom.
- Already own an original Switch copy? Check the upgrade pack and your regional Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack eligibility before buying another edition.
- Want a different genre? Choose Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment for action-focused combat; treat it as a spin-off, not the next mainline chapter.
- Waiting for the remake? Ocarina of Time is announced for Switch 2 in 2026, with no exact date supplied in Nintendo’s cited announcement.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
