Zelda: Ocarina Of Time Remake Reportedly Coming This Year, No 3D Mario Expected
Multiple reliable sources are indicating that Nintendo plans to launch a highly anticipated remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time later this year, coinciding with the franchise's 40th anniversary celebrations. However, these same sources have definitively ruled out the release of a new 3D Mario title in 2026.
Speculation Surrounding Nintendo's 2026 Holiday Release
The gaming community has been abuzz with speculation regarding Nintendo's flagship holiday release for 2026. Many had assumed that a successor to the critically acclaimed Super Mario Odyssey would be the obvious choice, especially following the announcement of Pokémon Winds and Waves for 2027. This belief seemed logical, but insider information now suggests Nintendo has a different blockbuster in store for the Switch 2 platform.
According to the well-regarded insider NateTheHate, who previously leaked accurate details about the Switch 2's launch, Nintendo is actively planning to release a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time in the second half of 2026. His claims have been corroborated by industry publication VGC, adding significant credibility to the report.
Details and Expectations for the Zelda Remake
While specific details regarding the scope of the remake remain undisclosed, and there is no official confirmation that it will serve as Nintendo's major Christmas title, logic suggests it would require a substantial overhaul to justify a full release. This is particularly true if the game is developed as a Switch 2 exclusive, leveraging the new hardware's capabilities.
Nintendo previously released a minor remake of Ocarina of Time for the Nintendo 3DS in 2011, which featured updated graphics, stereoscopic 3D support, and various quality-of-life improvements. The original Nintendo 64 version from 1998 is also accessible via the Nintendo Switch Online service. Consequently, a new remake would need to offer considerable enhancements to entice players to purchase it outright.
If the project materializes as the comprehensive reimagining fans have long hoped for, it would undoubtedly be a monumental release. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is universally acclaimed as one of the greatest and most influential video games in history. A remake would be a fitting tribute to celebrate four decades of the Zelda series, though it is somewhat puzzling that Nintendo has not made an official announcement yet, given that the actual anniversary date of February 21 has already passed.
Clarity on the 3D Mario Situation
While a Zelda remake appears increasingly likely for 2026, NateTheHate has explicitly dismissed any possibility of a new 3D Mario game arriving this year. "One game that will not be releasing in holiday 2026 is 3D Mario," he stated on a recent podcast episode. "3D Mario will be releasing in 2027."
If this information proves accurate, it means that both a new 3D Mario title and Pokémon Winds and Waves are slated for 2027, creating a powerful one-two punch for Nintendo's release schedule. This would also mark a full decade since the launch of the last mainline 3D Mario game, Super Mario Odyssey, a notable milestone for the franchise. It is worth remembering that other Mario games, such as Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Super Mario Maker 2, and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, have been released in the intervening years.
The potential release of a major Zelda remake in 2026, followed by a dual launch of 3D Mario and a new Pokémon game in 2027, outlines an ambitious and exciting roadmap for Nintendo. Fans will be eagerly awaiting official confirmation and further details from the company in the coming months.
