The first hands-on previews of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Switch 2 have revealed several changes beyond the opening sections shown in Nintendo’s recent Direct presentation. Longer play sessions gave previewers time to explore optional systems, revised dungeons and new ways to revisit completed challenges.
Here are six details now known about this remake. For more coverage of games and interactive entertainment, visit the RETROCADE Arcade Blog.
Link starts with a 200-rupee wallet
The original Nintendo 64 release limited Link’s starting wallet to 99 rupees. In the remake, the first wallet can hold 200, giving players considerably more spending power from the beginning.
Per IGN, the 200-rupee capacity previously came as a reward for giving 10 Gold Skulltula Tokens to the cursed family in Kakariko Village. The remake’s replacement reward has not been revealed.
The dungeons have been substantially redesigned
The Forest Temple is one of the clearest examples of the remake’s dungeon changes. Several puzzles have been reworked, while colour-coded visual motifs now help distinguish its different sections.
One miniboss encounter also replaces a bottomless pit with a pool of acid. An elevator shaft has been added elsewhere to reduce backtracking. The extent of similar revisions to larger dungeons, including the Water Temple, remains unknown.
A fifth bottle has been added
Link could collect four bottles in the N64 game, with the final one tied to finding 10 Big Poes across Hyrule Field. The remake’s inventory screen includes a fifth bottle slot, and a Nintendo representative confirmed that it is intended for an additional bottle.
There is no confirmation yet about how the new bottle is obtained. It may appear through the normal adventure, or it could be linked to a new puzzle or optional challenge.
The Hall of Fallen Foes offers boss rematches
A new location called the Hall of Fallen Foes records the enemies Link has defeated and provides a place to challenge certain bosses again.
Preview footage indicates that Kaepora Gaebora can transport the Hero of Time to and from this area. Rematches include encounters with Dodongo and Shadow Link, and each battle includes a time-trial counter. Whether these challenges provide additional rewards has not been confirmed.
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Navi and the NPCs have more to say
B-roll footage from the event shows Navi interrupting exploration more frequently with word bubbles and extra commentary.
When Link first encounters a Peahat Larva in Hyrule Field, Navi pauses the action to explain details about the creature. Previewers have also reported that various NPCs receive expanded dialogue, adding extra character and world-building beyond their original conversations.
A Business Scrub Seed brings a shop to Link
The remake includes an item called a Business Scrub Seed, which summons a merchant wherever Link happens to be.
A preview image shared on social media shows the item menu, while the related post is dated October 14, 2026.
Demo footage showed the summoned Business Scrub being used inside a dungeon, allowing Link to purchase bombs and potions before a boss fight. The item makes carrying extra rupees more useful, particularly when preparing for difficult encounters.
These changes suggest that the remake is adding more than visual updates: exploration, dungeon navigation, optional challenges and moment-to-moment preparation have all been revisited. A gaming setup buying guide can help Australian players plan a dedicated space for their broader games collection.
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