Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time remake reveals new Ganondorf
Nintendo released a 16-second clip of Ganondorf from the Switch 2 remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, alongside new footage showing a
Nintendo has published a 16-second clip of Ganondorf from the upcoming Switch 2 remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The footage, made available through the Nintendo Today! App, shows the villain riding on horseback in slow motion, a visual tweak from his normal speed in the original Nintendo 64 and 3DS versions.
A voiceover in the clip states, 'And now… An evil has appeared, yearning after that power.' Official text describes Ganondorf as a man from the Gerudo tribe who harbors a grand ambition to obtain the wish-granting Triforce. This extended clip builds on a previously shown updated dream sequence. In an earlier trailer, Impa is heard instructing guards to lower the drawbridge.
Expanded footage reveals reimagined Hyrule Castle courtyard
New footage from Nintendo's promotional app shows Link and Zelda's first meeting in Hyrule Castle's courtyard. The scene includes new camera angles not present in earlier versions. Environmental detail in the remake far exceeds that of the N64 or 3DS releases.
Link and Zelda are shown sitting next to each other, suggesting a longer interaction. The path into the courtyard has been completely revised. It now includes a separate room with a ladder, changing it from a short tunnel to a longer route. Exterior screenshots show buildings surrounding Hyrule Castle that were not present before.
A window in the scene reveals a wider, candlelit hallway. A second, harder-to-see window shows additional candlelit hallways stretching into the distance. The courtyard itself is filled with new details like running water, hanging vines, scattered flowers, and a tree-like banner resembling the Great Deku Tree. Extra detailing on the castle walls includes a symbol resembling the Light Medallion, though it has been confirmed not to match its design and is likely just visual flair.
Remake balances fidelity with ambitious reworking
The remake, which had its gameplay unveiled in a dedicated Direct earlier this month, aims to be more than a simple visual upgrade. Nintendo has confirmed via a shop listing that cutscenes are being expanded and voiced dialogue is being added where silent text boxes once were.
Despite these ambitious changes, the remake will retain some original elements. It will keep the loading screens from the classic experience. A dedicated jump button is among the promised quality-of-life tweaks. The full scope of changes remains unknown, as the released footage and screenshots are compressed and limited.
Fan reaction remains divided over art style and changes
The remake's divisive art style and promised tweaks have split the fanbase. Some praise the enhanced presentation and expanded world. Others question any alteration to the classic game. One fan, bea (@SlLENTPRINCESS), reacted to the Ganondorf clip by exclaiming, "GANONDORF IN THE NEW SNEAK PEAK FOR OCARINA OF TIME??? Holy shit he's so cool."
Reports have also mentioned that Ubisoft reportedly scrapped a Zelda spinoff with Ganondorf as the protagonist. Shigeru Miyamoto's love for puppetry is suggested as a possible influence on the remake's distinct art style. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake launches on November 5, 2026.
