The remake for Zelda: Ocarina of Time isn’t just a modern visual upgrade of the classic N64 game; it also makes use of a modern hardware feature, one that is built-in with the Switch 2 console.
As shown during The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct’s first gameplay deep dive, you will be able to play Link’s iconic ocarina not just with button inputs but also with your own voice humming the melodies of songs like “Zelda’s Lullaby”.
While the Switch 2’s built-in mic was originally designed for GameChat, the system’s integrated voice chat feature, it has had other gameplay functions too, such as in several minigames in Super Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV. But this is probably the most intuitive use of the functionality seen so far.
Instead of just humming, Nintendo is also releasing an ocarina based on the Ocarina of Time that will be available to buy from the Nintendo Store. If you play the songs with the ocarina, the mic will also pick this up.
As Aonuma notes during the presentation, the game will only play the notes for songs you have already learned, but it could be a game-changer if players are able to hum their own custom tune for the Scarecrow’s Song.
In addition, the Zelda Notes app will also be getting an Ocarina of Time update, which will include a way for you to play the ocarina using your smartphone’s touch screen. You’ll not just be able to play along to songs from the game but also compose your own tunes and share with a QR code.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake launches for Nintendo Switch 2 on November 5.
