Nintendo has offered another look at The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, this time putting the spotlight on three familiar faces.
A newly shared image shows Saria, Darunia and Princess Ruto as they will appear in the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 remake. While Nintendo is clearly keeping the original designs recognizable, the new models feature considerably more detail.
The remake is currently scheduled to launch exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on November 5, 2026.
Three familiar Ocarina of Time characters return
The latest preview brings together three characters that longtime Zelda fans should immediately recognize.
Saria retains her classic Kokiri appearance, although her clothing now features much more detail. Her outfit appears to use more natural, leather-like materials instead of the much simpler design possible on the Nintendo 64.
Darunia remains considerably larger than the other characters. His updated model features a white loincloth alongside additional decorations around his arms and legs.
Princess Ruto appears to have received the least dramatic redesign of the three. However, the improved model, facial detail and higher visual quality still make the difference obvious when compared with the original game.
All three characters will also benefit from improved facial expressions.
More importantly, the remake will feature voiced dialogue during the main story, giving Nintendo another way to make these familiar characters feel more alive.
The Seven Sages remain important
Saria, Darunia and Ruto aren’t simply familiar characters appearing for nostalgia.
All three eventually become members of the Seven Sages, playing an important role in Link’s adventure against Ganondorf.
Princess Ruto is particularly interesting because players encounter her during different stages of her life. Nintendo has confirmed that Ruto will age between the two major portions of the story, although her older appearance has not yet been revealed.
That leaves at least one significant character redesign still waiting to be shown.
Ganondorf has already caused some speculation
Nintendo previously offered a glimpse of Ganondorf in another preview for the remake.
That footage quickly led to speculation among fans that Matt Mercer could be providing Ganondorf’s voice. Mercer previously voiced the character in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
However, Nintendo has not confirmed that casting for the Ocarina of Time remake.
For now, it remains fan speculation rather than an official announcement.
Hyrule is getting more than a visual upgrade
Nintendo isn’t simply replacing the old character models with modern ones.
Several areas across Hyrule are being expanded or redesigned to take advantage of the additional power available on Nintendo Switch 2. Castle Town is one of the locations receiving noticeable changes, with a more detailed environment compared with its Nintendo 64 counterpart.
Nintendo has also teased larger changes involving the Ice Cavern later in the adventure.
Exactly how far those changes will go remains unclear. However, the remake appears willing to expand on the original game instead of recreating every location exactly as players remember it.
New Switch 2 features are also included
The remake will introduce several additions designed specifically around Nintendo’s newer hardware and services.
One of those additions is the Trails of Time tapestry, while Zelda Notes integration will connect the game with the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app.
These additions join the updated environments, redesigned character models, improved facial animation and voice acting as some of the biggest differences from the 1998 original.
Nintendo is slowly revealing its new Ocarina of Time
Nintendo still appears to be holding plenty back ahead of launch.
Showing Saria, Darunia and Ruto gives fans another opportunity to see how the remake is balancing the recognizable designs of the Nintendo 64 classic with a much more modern presentation.
The biggest question may be just how much Nintendo intends to change beyond the visuals.
Expanded locations and teased alterations to areas such as the Ice Cavern suggest this could be more ambitious than a straightforward graphical remake.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on November 5, 2026.
