The Most Exciting Features of the Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake Are Beyond the Game Itself

It wouldn’t be a true Nintendo reveal without a quirky surprise, and the Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct certainly delivered. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is set to receive two exciting additions that will enhance the gameplay experience, both of which extend beyond the game itself.

One of the standout features is the introduction of physical ocarinas that will interact with the Ocarina of Time remake.

The first release is a fully playable ocarina that fans can use in real life. This physical instrument connects directly to the game, allowing Link to perform the exact notes that players play on the ocarina. Series producer Eiji Aonuma demonstrated this feature by playing Epona’s song, a beloved tune associated with Link’s trusty horse.

Players can still input notes using the standard controller buttons, but Nintendo also revealed that the Switch 2 controllers will have a microphone feature, enabling fans to hum notes into the game for the same effect.

If you missed downloading the Nintendo Switch app to access Zelda Notes for Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom back in 2025, now’s your chance to check it out. For the Ocarina of Time remake, the app will feature 11 different options, though only a few were detailed.

The app’s Record feature will chronicle players’ achievements in chronological order, complete with screenshots of their accomplishments. Think of it as Nintendo’s take on achievements, tailored specifically for Zelda. This feature is also informative, providing players with various insights.

The app segment, Zelda Notes, will include a range of photographs of locations players need to discover. Finding these areas will earn players points that can be exchanged for ocarina scores to use in-game. Some prompts will lead to easily recognizable spots, while others will challenge players to find more obscure locations, like unique rock formations. This encourages exploration and allows players to appreciate the intricate details Nintendo has woven into the remake. The challenge level varies, and players can tap a button for hints on locating specific areas.

The app also offers a digital version of the ocarina for players to experiment with. It provides guided playback for either the entire song or just the beginning of a score, helping players learn the exact notes and timing needed to create specific sounds.

An exciting aspect of this feature is that players can record their own songs and share them with others using QR codes. Get ready for some creative rickrolls in the world of Zelda!

Additionally, the app will present players with trivia questions that must be answered within 10 seconds. Each question comes with four possible answers and an accompanying image. Examples include “Who does this house belong to?” and “Which plant family do Bomb Flowers belong to?”

There are a total of 2,000 questions available, and players can attempt the quiz once per day. For those eager to try again, spending 20 Rupees will grant another shot. The more consecutive correct answers players achieve, the higher their “Egg Level” and “Cucco Level” will rise.

Some options shown during the Direct but not fully explained included Map, Hall of Fallen Foes, Global Play Data, Photo Studio, Threads of Time, and amiibo. While some features are self-explanatory, we’ll have to wait for more details from Nintendo on the rest.

As for the release date and pricing of the ocarina, Nintendo has yet to provide that information. All we know is that it will be available through the Nintendo Store.

The classic Zelda title is also receiving a significant graphical upgrade.