Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake at Gamescom unlikely, as wait for release date continues

Gamescom is one of the few third-party showcases where Nintendo still has a large presence. There were hopes that its next Zelda game, slated for 2026, would surface in Cologne, Germany. Unfortunately, with an exact Ocarina of Time remake release date uncertain, it’s not scheduled to appear.

Nintendo has unveiled its Gamescom 2026 lineup with hands-on demos for several previously unseen Switch 2 games. Starting on August 26th, players can experience ports for 007 First Light and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. Other first-party unreleased titles include Switch Sports Resort, due in October.

The modernized N64 classic may yet emerge at the event. Some fans predicted Nintendo to air gameplay footage first. A trailer would possibly coincide with the start of Ocarina of Time remake pre-orders. Preferring to save exclusive content for its own spectacles, a Direct broadcast also seems likely. Yet, with Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave taking the spotlight on August 4th, that window is closing.

Further raising expectations, Zelda games have been frequent guests at Gamescom. Attendees had the opportunity to play Breath of the Wild in 2016 and Link’s Awakening in 2019 before they shipped.

An Ocarina of Time Direct?

If the silence continues, attention will turn to a potential September Nintendo Direct. The company has traditionally hosted a show in the month, though it could involve multiple Switch 2 games. Leaker NateTheHate anticipates The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake release date in the holiday season. Not featuring gameplay for a major first-party project at least a few months in advance would be unusual.

There have been positive signs suggesting that the remake is on track. Late in July, it received an ESRB rating, a common step before physical pre-orders begin. Also, buyers discovered that Kirby-themed amiibo will ship on November 11th or 12th. Nintendo has nothing else on its calendar on those dates and often schedules exclusive titles for when the figures debut.