The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct 9.8.2026

Watch the presentation: https://www.nintendo.com/us/nintendo-direct/9-8-2026/

Hello, everyone. I'm Shigeru Miyamoto.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Legend of Zelda series.
We created the first game in 1986, which initially launched on the Famicom system in Japan.
Since then, with evolutions in technology and gaming platforms, the series has featured 3D worlds, touch screen controls, motion controls, and more, as we've continued to test the boundaries of gameplay.
And in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, we came full circle and evolved into open-air exploration.
Throughout this time, we've continued to create the story of Link...Zelda...and Ganondorf that revolves around the Triforce.
We've been able to make these stories for 40 years, because of everyone who has played games in the series. Thank you all very much.
Now! Starting this year and going into next year, we'll have various initiatives as part of The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary.

First, the film.

Next year on April 30th, we'll be releasing a live-action film in theatres worldwide.
The title is…The Legend of Zelda.
Once you see the film, you'll understand why there isn't a subtitle.
This is an original film based on the many stories, ideas, and concepts of the series built up through the games for 40 years.
Through the creative power and visual expertise of the talented production team, it's become an artistic work worthy of the Legend of Zelda series.
Both the development team from Nintendo and I are also involved, of course!
When we talk about The Legend of Zelda, there's the Triforce.
What role do you think it will play in the film?
We'll share more details at a later time, so please look forward to it.

Next, let's talk about the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto, Japan.
Starting tomorrow, September 9th, the tickets will change to a design of The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary.
We'll also put up a special history board in the museum.
Starting November 5th, we're also planning a new photo op themed around the Master Sword and more.
And, in the fall, we'll be opening the Super Family Restaurant.
Link also appears in the restaurant! Here, you'll be able to enjoy a meal surrounded by Nintendo characters…as well as the spacious setting and the window views.

Also, starting tomorrow in Nintendo Today!, the calendar animations for the series will change.
Going forward, we'll also share the latest news about the film there.
To coincide with the 40th anniversary, other initiatives and collaborations are also being planned.
Please enjoy the Legend of Zelda series in different ways.

• Nintendo Today: Digital Collectible Cards - can receive one per day. Starts 9/9/2026 at 12:00 AM local time.
• Nintendo Museum Official Book Vol. 02: Available November 5, 2026

Next, let's hear from Koji Kondo about music.

Hello, everyone. I'm Koji Kondo.
I've been involved with the music for the Legend of Zelda series since the very first game.
These games feature many colorful characters…and captivating worlds.
They also feature musical instruments, as well as stories that stay with you. I've composed many songs to complement those elements.
The music in the first game was made using just three audio channels on the Famicom.
In recent games, you can enjoy more bombastic music, as well as subtle orchestral pieces.
Today's opening arrangement was specifically made for The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary.
It's themed around Wisdom...Power...and Courage, the virtues of the Triforce, and includes a medley of various songs. Did you enjoy the tension gradually building?
We'd like for many people to enjoy the music of the series live…so we're planning to hold a series of concerts for The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary.
From nostalgic tunes to modern melodies, the concerts will feature a variety of music to mark the 40th anniversary.
Starting in Tokyo this coming January, we'll be holding concerts across Japan.
They'll continue with a North American tour starting in February in Chicago, a European tour starting in April in London, and an Australian tour in May in Melbourne. We're planning to hold concerts worldwide, so we hope you'll look forward to those.

Next, I'd like to hand things over to Mr. Aonuma to talk about The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

Hello, everyone. I'm Eiji Aonuma, producer of the Legend of Zelda series.

I'm going to show you a game that was announced this past June for the Nintendo Switch 2 system––The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
The original game launched in 1998 on the Nintendo 64 system.
It was the first 3D game in the Legend of Zelda series, and you played as both child…and adult Link during your adventure.
In addition, it had a mechanic for targeting enemies…and featured the Goron…and Zora tribes, among others.
It's a game that served as a defining moment for the series.
We've been developing a remake of this game for the series' 40th anniversary, creating a faithful interpretation using modern technologies.
This game has a different appeal from others like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, where you're free to go wherever you want and do whatever you'd like. So I'm going to play this game…and show you what I mean.
This is The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2.
Currently, I'm in a location called Kokiri Forest. As you can see, the visuals have been completely redone.
This is how our hero, Link, looks in the game.
We had many discussions about what visual style we should use for this game. We decided that if Link's adventure took place in a world that has both been remade yet felt somewhat nostalgic, he would look like this.
His outfit and equipment have also been redone. We believe you can get a better sense of the textures of each material.
But we didn't just aim for realistic graphics. We were particularly focused on reimagining them in a way that invokes nostalgia for the original game.
Here, you can rotate the camera around you to see even more of your surroundings.
Some might say “well, of course,” but the Nintendo 64 controller had only one control stick, so it wasn't possible back then.
OK, let's go a bit deeper in.
There's someone over there on the right.
Let's try talking to her.
It's Saria, Link's childhood friend.
She's always thinking of Link.
We've added quite a lot of new dialogue for the characters, so that their personalities shine even more.
Let's keep going.
OK. Here, I'm going to demonstrate one of the newly added actions in this game.
Link can now jump at the press of a button, like this.
Even in places with gaps, you can jump…and jump again to cross them.
Just like with the camera, jumping might seem obvious for those of you who have played recent games in the series.
But in the Nintendo 64 game, you'd automatically jump when you got close to an edge, so jumping by pressing a button is a major change.
By the way…*splish*! Haha, we fell into the water, but it's fine. Link can swim.
You can also swim faster.
And if you spot something below, like you see here, you can dive underwater.
Since we have a few rupees, let's stop by the store.
Hello!
There are all sorts of things for sale. It's important to be prepared for your adventure, so… Let's see. I'll buy these Deku Nuts on the left.
They can stun enemies, so if you find any, I recommend collecting lots of them.
OK, now that we have some Deku Nuts, let's equip them.
You can see them equipped on the top right.
OK. Let's continue.
Ah, this kid saying “Hmph...” is Mido. He's kind of bossy.
Saria mentioned something earlier about the Great Deku Tree…
So huuuuuuge!
This is the Great Deku Tree.
He's kind of like the guardian spirit of Kokiri Forest.
He doesn't seem to be doing too well…so you'll need to go inside and investigate. That's how the adventure begins.
This area inside the Great Deku Tree is a dungeon.
In this game, dungeons like these can be found in different parts of Hyrule.
And now, I'd like to introduce the fairy companion, Navi. She accompanies Link and helps you in different ways.
OK, let's continue.
This looks like a spider web.
Ah, some enemies appeared!
OK. When you get close to an enemy, target it first.
Do that, and you can move around while targeting the enemy.
Since we have the opportunity, let's hear what Navi has to say.
She says, “Oh, watch it! That's a Deku Baba.” and will give you a hint on how to defeat the enemy. I recommend hearing her out first.
OK, let's draw our sword and fight. Here we go!
Take this, and that! OK, we got it!
Let's get the item.
There's another one!
Since we have the chance, let's try throwing the Deku Nuts we obtained earlier.
Here we go. Take that!
Use it to stun the enemy, then be quick and…strike! Easily done.
Oh, there's one more.
Processing speeds have come a long way since Nintendo 64, so the actions in this game feel snappier and more satisfying.
Hmm. It looks like there's a path above, so we'll climb these vines.
Let's keep going.
OK. We've advanced a bit deeper into the dungeon. There's a door here, so let's proceed.
Oh, a treasure chest. Let's go check it out.
Oh no! We fell down.
Hmm. We can't go this way...but there are some vines, so…let's climb here.
Up we go.
Here's the treasure chest. Let's open it.
What do you think is inside?
We got the slingshot!
It's useful for hitting faraway objects.
There's a spider enemy here.
Just like recent games in the series, you can swap between items with a single button.
And you can also aim the slingshot using motion controls, like this.
If you press the targeting button we used earlier…you'll be able to aim pretty quickly and fire.
OK. We want to get back to the other side, but the bridge collapsed and there isn't another path.
At times like these, I suggest taking a look at your surroundings.
I see something that looks like an eye.
If we use the slingshot we got earlier and fire at it…bullseye!
Just like that.
As you gain more items, your options will expand. After that, it just becomes a matter of when and how you use them. Those are the basics of gameplay.
OK, we've changed locations. Now, I'd like to show you the area beyond Kokiri Forest.
Let's exit through the cave.
By the way, there's a loading screen whenever you move between certain areas. This is something we intentionally kept to preserve the essence of the original game.
And here…is Hyrule Field.
Located in the heart of the Kingdom of Hyrule, it serves as a gateway to many different locations.
So, over there...you can spot a volcano called Death Mountain.
By the way, if you need to know where to go, there's a new feature we recommend using.
It's called Threads of Time. At any point, you can see the progress you've made in the story, and what your next objective is.
Also, as you continue your adventure, this large tapestry will gradually fill in, adding another fun element to gameplay.
So, based on this, we should head to Hyrule Castle…
OK. Do you see it? There's a castle in the distance, and a gate just below it. Let's head over there.
By the way, in the original game, I believe some players rolled to get around faster.
Now, if you hold down the A Button…you roll, then dash, like this!
Dashing is recommended whenever you're traveling longer distances.
And now, we've reached the castle gate.
OK then. Let's go inside.
This is Hyrule Castle Town.
Hyruleans come and go through this bustling square.
As you can see, there are a lot of people here.
In the original game, the camera was fixed. But now you can move it freely, so you can take your time looking all around town.
How about we chat with these two here?
They seem to get along well...
Everyone has a different personality, so please try talking to as many people as possible.
OK. There are back alleys further in this direction.
We've added quite a few new details, including some parts that were merely backdrops at the time.
Around town, you can hear gossip from the townsfolk and play minigames in shops.
It's a place where you can take a break during your adventure.
I think there might be a few players who will spend quite some time here.
Now, can you tell that the sun is setting and night is falling?
In the original game, time actually stopped flowing whenever you were in town. But in this game, time marches on, no matter where you are.
OK, we're back in Hyrule Field. It's nighttime.
Now, I want to introduce the most important item in this game.
It's the ocarina, of course.
Play it, and different things can happen. Let me show you.
This tune is called Sun's Song.
And voilà! It was evening, but now it's daytime!
Mysterious, isn't it?
In this game, certain events only happen during the day or night, so please try out different things.
By the way, there's a fun little feature with the ocarina unique to Nintendo Switch 2.
Are you ready?
Would you look at that. Hum a song Link's learned, and he'll play it!
And here's an ocarina like the one in the game. It'll be available for purchase on Nintendo Store.
Let me play it for a bit.
The game can even respond to instruments!
Oh, and when you play this song…a horse will come running over!
Link can ride a horse as an adult, but I'll leave that for you to try out for yourselves.
Let's stop here.
What did you think?
As you saw, not only have the visuals evolved, but the gameplay experience has also greatly improved. The game has been reborn.
The characters that Link meets are fully voiced during in-game cutscenes.
[in-game voice] Navi: So come on! Let’s go together!
We were focused on detail with this remake, including refreshing the sounds.
After today's Nintendo Direct, we'll be adding the title screen theme you hear to Nintendo Music. Please give it a listen if you'd like.
And now…the release date.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time launches November 5th.
We hope you're looking forward to it.

Now, let me hand things over to Mr. Fujibayashi, who will share more information about the game.

Hello, everyone. I'm working as a producer alongside Mr. Aonuma on The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. My name is Hidemaro Fujibayashi.
First, I'm going to talk about the smart-device feature, ZELDA NOTES.

It's a game-specific service that you can use with the Nintendo Switch App for smart devices.
Currently, you can use it with the Nintendo Switch 2 Editions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and it has various features that can support your adventure.
ZELDA NOTES can also be used with The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
Today, I'd like to introduce a few features that you'll be able to use.
In Today's Record, you can see your accomplishments on a particular day in chronological order.
Screenshots are taken automatically while you're playing and will also be added to ZELDA NOTES.
Plus, you can see the number of enemies you've defeated, along with other stats from that day's play session.
In Gossip Quests, use the image on your smart device as a hint to find the location indicated in the game.
It looks like this is the place.
Once you locate it, you'll earn points, which can be exchanged for music scores for the ocarina.
How do you use them, you ask?
Use them in Play Ocarina.
As you can see here…you can freely play this ocarina using the screen on your smart device.
Using the music scores, you can play along with a guide, or listen to it play automatically.
You can also make your own music scores, and create QR code patterns to share your creations online, for example.
Ocarina of Time Quiz is a feature where you'll answer a series of questions about the game.
Like this question, for example. Do you know the answer?
The answer is…this!
Questions can test your knowledge, or have images, among others. Over 2,000 questions are included.
You can take the quiz once per day, but if you spend rupees you've collected in the game, you can try again as many times as you'd like.
Use the in-game shops to transfer rupees over.
ZELDA NOTES has other features to support your adventure, so please check them out.

Next, there will be new amiibo figures.
Young Link…as well as Young Zelda.

These amiibo unlock special in-game masks. We hope you're looking forward to them.
Also, please take a look at this.

A specially designed Nintendo Switch 2 for The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary is on the way.
It has a design that features the Triforce.
There will also be a specially designed Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, as well as a carrying case.

On Nintendo Switch 2, you can play many games in the series, from the first game to the latest release.
And if you include related titles…then you can enjoy all the games shown here.
Whether it's classic games, or more recent titles, we hope you'll check them out during the 40th anniversary.

That's all for The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct.
We'd like to conclude with a new trailer for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
Thank you very much for watching.

[I think I always knew.]
["Knew that you'd leave the forest behind someday."]

[Even if that much is true...]
[You're my friend. Forever and ever.]
[Wh— Who's there?]
[That's great stuff, kid! Good on ya.]

[I'm real impressed.]
[You know what? You're not half bad.]
[Gatekeeper, throw down the bridge!]

[Now this world and the Triforce...belong to me!]
[Look out!]