New Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake gameplay shown in Nintendo pre-order trailer

Since the September 8th Nintendo Direct, new footage of the Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake has been sparse. However, some countries have seen more of the Switch 2 game than others. A fresh pre-order trailer debuted on the gaming giant’s Dutch YouTube channel, with two unfamiliar scenes.

The video, called Gather Your Courage, begins with Link standing in front of the Great Deku Tree. He then grasps the Master Sword before the trailer shifts to a battle with the lava dragon Volvagia. The gameplay clip also features other monstrous friends and foes, including a Great Fairy.

What's new in the trailer?

Toward the end of the 20-second Ocarina of Time remake pre-order promo, imagery that doesn't match existing Nintendo assets emerges. Link is spotted on his trusty horse, Epona, as she stands on her hind legs. Finally, the hero returns his sword to the Pedestal of Time in a Hyrule temple. The publisher then encourages viewers to reserve the Switch 2 game ahead of its November 5th release date.

Text displays throughout the YouTube video, translating to “Gather your courage for an adventure reborn in the present.” Veterans of Zelda games believe the ad mimics classic 1998 N64 marketing.

The September Zelda 40th Anniversary Nintendo Direct showcased around 15 minutes of the Ocarina of Time Switch 2 remake. After the presentation, the company uploaded a more concise 3-minute video to announce pre-orders. While generous at the time, players have grown anxious for more gameplay details or hands-on previews.

Uneven marketing

Japanese followers may not feel as neglected thanks to a fairly steady stream of clips posted to social media. The footage highlights Hyrule destinations including Kokiri Forest, Goron City, Zora's Domain, and Gerudo Fortress. In some cases, this media eventually appeared in other regions.

As a modernized version of a favorite Zelda game, there are fewer mysteries left. Still, besides a brief Nintendo Today! feature, pivotal characters like Ganondorf haven’t received much attention. Even if marketing is sparse leading up to the Ocarina of Time release date, a launch trailer seems inevitable.