The Zelda 40th anniversary celebration centers on an Ocarina of Time remake for Nintendo Switch 2, launching November 5, 2026. Nintendo also announced a Zelda-themed Switch 2 console for October 29, a worldwide concert tour starting in January 2027, and a live-action movie opening April 30, 2027. Nintendo revealed most of this in the Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct on September 8, 2026. The company says more anniversary projects and collaborations are still coming.
Why the Zelda 40th Anniversary Matters
The original The Legend of Zelda launched in Japan on February 21, 1986. That makes 2026 the series’ 40th year. Nintendo didn’t hold one big event on the date itself. Instead, the company spread its celebration across more than a year, from fall 2026 into 2027.
Nintendo’s Direct on September 8 laid out the plan. The presentation focused heavily on the Ocarina of Time remake. It also covered hardware, merchandise, concerts, museum events, and the movie.
One gap stands out. Nintendo announced no new mainline Zelda game for the anniversary. The celebration leans on a remake, collectibles, and events instead.
Key Zelda 40th Anniversary Dates
Here are the dates that matter most, based on Nintendo’s announcements and current coverage:
| Date | What Happens |
|---|---|
| September 8, 2026 | Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct airs |
| September 9, 2026 | Daily Zelda cards start in Nintendo Today! |
| October 29, 2026 | Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition Switch 2 launches |
| November 5, 2026 | Ocarina of Time remake launches |
| January 23, 2027 | Concert tour begins in Tokyo |
| February 22, 2027 | International concert tour begins in Chicago |
| April 30, 2027 | Live-action Zelda movie opens |
The Ocarina of Time Remake
Nintendo picked Ocarina of Time as the anniversary’s main game. The remake launches exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on November 5, 2026. It rebuilds the 1998 classic with overhauled visuals while keeping the familiar places and characters.
Based on Nintendo’s reveal, the remake adds several changes:
- Fully voiced cutscenes with expanded dialogue
- A re-recorded orchestral soundtrack
- Reworked movement and camera controls
- A continuous day-and-night cycle
- Threads of Time, a system that helps players track objectives
The first physical print run also gets commemorative packaging with textured foil cover art.
The Zelda Nintendo Switch 2 Anniversary Edition
Collectors don’t need to wait for November. The Nintendo Switch 2 – The Legend of Zelda – 40th Anniversary Edition launches October 29, 2026. That’s one week before the remake.
The console celebrates the whole series, not just one game. It features a black-and-gold dock with a large Triforce and green-and-gold Joy-Con 2 controllers. Nintendo’s U.S. listing puts the console at $519.99.
Here’s the accessory lineup and U.S. pricing, according to current listings:
| Item | U.S. Price |
|---|---|
| Anniversary Pro Controller | $99.99 |
| Pro Controller with display stand | $109.99 |
| Carrying case and screen protector | $39.99 |
Note one important detail. The console does not include Ocarina of Time. You still need to buy the remake separately.
Merchandise and Collectibles
Nintendo and its partners announced a long list of physical products. Several of them tie directly into the remake.
Ocarinas. Nintendo is releasing a playable ocarina and an electronic version. The remake can recognize melodies through the Switch 2 microphone. The electronic model costs $49.99 in the U.S. and launches November 5.
amiibo. New Young Link and Young Zelda figures arrive in 2027. Nintendo’s U.S. store lists them at $24.99 each. Scanning them in the remake unlocks retro-style graphical masks.
LEGO. LEGO is releasing an Ocarina of Time Link and Epona set. It’s a 1,750-piece display model for adult collectors, scheduled for 2027.
Hasbro. The Electronic Master Sword measures about 27 inches and includes more than 15 touch- and motion-activated sounds. It’s also planned for 2027.
Release dates and prices for 2027 items may change, so check official listings before you plan a budget.
Concerts, Museum Events, and Apps
The Zelda 40th anniversary reaches beyond games and toys. Nintendo is also running live and digital events.
The Concert Tour
The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Concert will tour the world in 2027. It features orchestral music from across the series. Koji Kondo spoke about the franchise’s music during the Direct.
Confirmed international stops include these cities, based on current information:
| City | Dates |
|---|---|
| Chicago | February 22–23, 2027 |
| London | April 3–4, 2027 |
| Melbourne | May 13–16, 2027 |
| Stockholm | June 18–19, 2027 |
| Seattle | July 16–18, 2027 |
| Edinburgh | September 17, 2027 |
| Glasgow | September 18, 2027 |
More cities are still coming, and ticket dates vary by venue.
Museum and Store Events
The Nintendo Museum in Kyoto added a special Zelda anniversary ticket design starting September 9. Photo opportunities featuring the Master Sword begin November 5. Nintendo says the museum’s anniversary activities will run for about a year. Nintendo NEW YORK also held an anniversary event on September 26.
Apps
Nintendo Today! now offers a new Zelda collection card every day. ZELDA NOTES is also expanding with Ocarina of Time support. It includes a virtual ocarina and a daily quiz with more than 2,000 Zelda questions.
The Live-Action Zelda Movie
The live-action film is simply titled The Legend of Zelda. It opens in theaters worldwide on April 30, 2027. Wes Ball directs. Benjamin Evan Ainsworth stars as Link, and Bo Bragason plays Princess Zelda.
At the Direct, Nintendo showed the official logo but no trailer. Expect more details closer to the release date.
What Fans Should Prioritize
With so many announcements, it helps to plan. Here’s a simple approach.
Start with the dates that need action. If you want the anniversary console, mark October 29. Limited editions can sell out fast, so check retailers early. Then focus on the remake on November 5.
Don’t buy accessories before you decide on the console. The anniversary Pro Controller works as a collectible, but it only matters if you plan to use it.
Wait on 2027 items. LEGO, Hasbro, and amiibo still need firm release details. Buying early from third-party sellers often costs more.
Common Mistake: Assuming the Console Includes the Game
Many fans assume the anniversary Switch 2 bundles Ocarina of Time. It doesn’t. The console launches a week earlier as a standalone collector’s item. Factor the remake’s price into your total before you order.
Conclusion
The Zelda 40th anniversary is a long celebration, not a single event. The Ocarina of Time remake on November 5 leads the lineup. The Switch 2 anniversary edition, the 2027 concert tour, collectibles, and the April 30, 2027 movie round it out. Nintendo says more announcements are coming, so check official channels for updates.
FAQs
When is the Ocarina of Time remake releasing?
It releases November 5, 2026, exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2.
Does the Zelda Switch 2 anniversary console include a game?
No. The console does not include Ocarina of Time, so you need to buy the remake separately.
When does the Zelda movie come out?
The live-action The Legend of Zelda movie opens in theaters worldwide on April 30, 2027.
Is there a new mainline Zelda game for the 40th anniversary?
Nintendo hasn’t announced one. The anniversary focuses on the Ocarina of Time remake, hardware, merchandise, concerts, and the movie.
Where is the Zelda 40th anniversary concert tour going?
Confirmed stops include Tokyo, Chicago, London, Melbourne, Stockholm, Seattle, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. Nintendo says more cities will follow.
For more updates visit: GAME SPEC
