The eShop version unlocks Wednesday night, a day ahead of carts. Spend five minutes in Options before you leave Link’s treehouse.
With Ocarina of Time Switch 2 out now on the eShop in the US, digital players get in the night before the November 5 release date. Nintendo’s rule for digital games that also ship physically is 9 p.m. PT the night before, which puts the unlock at 9 p.m. Pacific on Wednesday, November 4. Price is $59.99 digital and $69.99 physical.
9 p.m. PT Wednesday on the eShop
| Time zone | Unlock |
|---|---|
| Pacific | 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4 |
| Mountain | 10:00 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4 |
| Central | 11:00 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4 |
| Eastern | 12:00 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 5 |
Cart buyers wait for Thursday. Nintendo Store orders and retail copies follow shipping and store hours, not the eShop clock. If you have not bought yet, our digital vs physical guide breaks down which one to grab.
The 27 GB Download and Four Other Checks
- The download. eShop pre-orders should already be on your system. Nintendo’s US store lists an estimated 27 GB and the UK page says 24.5 GB, so clear room if you are buying tonight.
- System update. A pending Switch 2 update is the usual reason a pre-loaded game refuses to launch at unlock.
- Save backup. Save Data Cloud needs a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Without one, your save lives only on the console.
- Your phone. ZELDA NOTES is in the free Nintendo Switch App. Link it now and the Gossip Quests and 2,000-question quiz are ready when you want them.
- An amiibo. Any Legend of Zelda amiibo gives in-game extras. Check the drawer.
Five Settings Before Kokiri Forest
No version of Ocarina has handed players this many knobs. Five are worth touching before your first step outside:
- Aiming. The Fairy Bow and Hookshot aim with motion controls or buttons, set in the Options menu. Pick early. You will be aiming a lot.
- Jump button. Previewers reported jump sits on X by default and can move to B. Years of Breath of the Wild muscle memory say swap it now.
- HUD. Hands-on reports list three settings: Normal, Pro, and Master. Normal keeps the always-on map. Master strips the screen bare for players chasing the 1998 feeling.
- Ocarina input. Play songs by humming or playing an instrument into the Switch 2 microphone, or stick with buttons. Late-night players with sleeping roommates know which one to pick.
- HDR and VRR. Both work on compatible TVs. If colors look washed out, check the TV’s HDR mode before blaming the game.
Threads of Time and Navi on Demand
This is the most forgiving Ocarina of Time Nintendo has shipped. Threads of Time tracks your progress and next objectives, and Navi gives advice on demand instead of on a timer. We broke down the new-player tools and the jump, dash, and camera changes earlier, so you can start already knowing what changed from the N64 version.
Review Scores Are In, Previews Were Glowing
Review scores are in, and our Ocarina of Time Switch 2 reviews roundup collects them. Our previews post still has the October hands-on impressions. Most previewers came away impressed with the visuals and the new controls.
The Zelda 40th Wallpaper Lands After November 23
eShop buyers still qualify for the early purchase bonus. Buy before November 23 at 11:59 p.m. PT and Nintendo emails a Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary wallpaper through My Nintendo after the promotion ends. It will not show up tonight, so do not go hunting for it.
Go say hi to the Deku Tree. We will be in Hyrule Field.