Ocarina of Time remake studio leak may mean long wait for next Zelda game's release date

Even with the Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake release date nearly here, it's unclear which studio developed the Switch 2 game. However, an interview with Nintendo producer Eiji Aonuma has provided clues. While rumors hinted Monolith Soft led the project, it seems a familiar group oversaw production.

The Japan Today discussion could concern fans anxious for a new mainline 3D Zelda game. For Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild, Nintendo EPD was in charge. If that’s the case again, they may have tied up resources needed for the next entry by modernizing Ocarina of Time.

A mix of old and new

On the other hand, apparently plenty of fresh faces came on board too. Addressing Aonuma, the article explains, "Some of the younger members of his team have never played the original ‘Ocarina’, bringing a freshness to the creative mix for the remake.”

The producer then adds, “It's thanks to these young people, by thinking about how to adapt the game in the best possible way, how to make it fun once you have the controls in your hands, that this remake came into being.”

Who is supporting Nintendo EPD?

Less experienced developers could have taken the burden off the senior Nintendo EPD staff. Like with Tears of the Kingdom, Monolith Soft may also still have served as a key support studio. The Xenoblade Chronicles maker became involved early on, handled animations, and helped build its open world.

Franchise GM Daiki Iwamoto earlier implied Monolith would assume a crucial role in future Zelda games. Then, in September 2026, a Norwegian retailer appeared to leak the company as the Ocarina of Time remake studio before editing the page.

Grezzo is another candidate, having coordinated projects including Ocarina of Time 3D and Link's Awakening. When the upcoming Switch 2 game launches on November 5th, the end credits may finally settle the debate.

Very little is known about a potential open-world follow-up to TOTK. In a late-2025 4Gamer interview, Aonuma suggested Koei Tecmo’s Hyrule Warriors would influence the title. Regardless, at the current pace, the release date for the next 3D Zelda adventure won’t arrive until 2029.