On November 6, 2026, the YouTube channel ElAnalistaDeBits released a video comparing the graphics of the retail versions of *The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time* for the N64, 3DS, and Switch 2.
A comparison video that conveys the concept: “The look may change, but the experience remains the same”
Graphics quality has undergone a dramatic transformation across the N64, 3DS, and Switch 2 versions.While significant progress is evident from the 1998 N64 version to the 2011 3DS version, the 2026 Switch 2 version showcases even greater graphical advancements—from Hyrule Castle in the distance to the horses’ coats and the vegetation on the grasslands.
Even in exactly the same locations, it’s immediately obvious when comparing the versions that the graphics have evolved to match each hardware generation. However, rocky areas and spots marked by vines—indicating climbable surfaces—are positioned in the exact same places, suggesting that the level design aims to maintain the same feel as the original version.
Character models have also evolved over the generations. These graphical advancements truly reflect the progress made in both hardware and software over the 28 years since the original release.
In the “Ask the Developers” segment for this Switch 2 version, it was explained that the game was created under the concept of “changing the visuals but not the experience,” and the graphic comparison video released this time effectively conveys this concept.
*The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time* is now available for the Nintendo Switch 2.
