Zelda remake gets a physical ocarina – here’s how it works

As expected, Nintendo's Direct celebrating the 40th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda focused primarily on the Ocarina of Time remake. We have already summarized all the new features in a separate article. However, one new feature deserves a closer look of its own: physical and fully playable replicas of the game's namesake ocarina. As Nintendo announced, players will be able to perform the familiar melodies themselves in the remake.

Nintendo is integrating the ocarina into one of the game's core gameplay mechanics. Over the course of the game, Link learns various melodies that are important for solving puzzles, among other things. Some songs can also be used to change the time of day, summon Epona or teleport Link to previously discovered locations. In the original game, these melodies were played using button combinations. That option remains available in the remake, but players will also be able to perform the songs themselves.

Technically, the implementation is surprisingly simple. The ocarina does not connect to the Nintendo Switch 2 via cable or Bluetooth. Instead, the console's built-in microphone recognizes the melody being played. If the instrument is within range and the player performs one of the songs Link has already learned, Link will play the corresponding melody in the game as well. This does not only work with the official accessory, either. Players can also hum the melody or use another suitable instrument.

In addition to an acoustic wind instrument from Nintendo, Hori is also releasing an electronic ocarina. It can play individual notes as well as complete songs at the press of a button. The instrument is scheduled to launch in November 2026 and will cost 7,980 yen in Japan, equivalent to around $52. No price or launch date has yet been announced for the acoustic ocarina. However, it is conceivable that this version will also launch around the release of the Ocarina of Time remake, which is scheduled for November 5 exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2.