Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake Sells 5.2 Million in Four Days, a Switch 2 Record
Nintendo says The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Switch 2 passed 5.2 million units in four days, while Metacritic user scores hit an all-time high.
Record start for the Zelda remake
Nintendo announced that The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2 sold more than 5.2 million units worldwide in the first four days after its November 5 launch. That makes it the fastest-selling Nintendo-published Switch 2 game, both globally and in the U.S., Canada and Latin America.
Nintendo notes the figures come from its internal sales data and include both digital and physical sales.
What the game is
The release is a full remake of the 1998 Nintendo 64 original. Link's journey across Hyrule still unfolds in two different eras, but the game now has reimagined visuals, orchestral music, voice acting and expanded cutscenes. Nintendo also reworked the camera and movement controls, and describes the game as a good entry point into the series.
It is part of the Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary celebration, which marks four decades since the first game launched in Japan in 1986. The celebration also includes a worldwide concert tour starting in 2027 and a live-action Zelda film, due in theaters on April 30, 2027.
How it compares with Mario Kart World
According to Game Informer, the remake is now the Switch 2's second-best-selling Nintendo game. It sits behind Mario Kart World, which Game Informer puts at 16.48 million copies sold to date. The outlet says Ocarina could one day overtake it if the pace continues, but notes that Mario Kart games usually hold the top spot. Nintendo's own announcement does not give a ranking beyond the "fastest-selling" claim.
Game Informer scored the remake 9.25 out of 10 in its review.
Metacritic records
Mashable reports that the game has a 96 out of 100 Metacritic critic score. That is the highest of any 2026 release so far. Citing Forbes, it also says the remake now has the highest user score in the site's history, at 9.6 out of 10.
For context, Mashable notes the original Nintendo 64 game holds the critics' record on Metacritic with a 99.
There are caveats. More than 8,750 users had submitted scores, but Metacritic does not require proof of purchase. Mashable also points out that the game had only been in players' hands for a little over four days, so opinions could shift. It adds that Grand Theft Auto VI launches November 19, which could challenge the user-score lead.
What it means for you
If you own a Switch 2, the remake is available now, and Nintendo is presenting it as a friendly place to start with the series. User scores can move, so treat the current Metacritic numbers as a snapshot. Further sales updates from Nintendo would show whether the game keeps pace with Mario Kart World.
Also read Skyrim Switch eShop Sale Cuts 60% Off for 15th Anniversary, Ends Dec. 2
Quick answers
Is Ocarina of Time available on the original Switch?
No. The sources say the remake launched exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2.
When does the Zelda movie come out?
Nintendo says the live-action Legend of Zelda film arrives in theaters on April 30, 2027.
Does the sales figure include digital copies?
Yes. Nintendo says the 5.2 million figure includes both digital and physical sales.
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