Nintendo Pre-orders Physical Ocarina for Switch 2 Zelda Remake
A Hori-produced wind instrument lets players trigger in-game actions by playing real musical notes.
Nintendo has opened pre-orders for a physical ocarina accessory designed for the upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on the Nintendo Switch 2. The peripheral allows players to perform real-life musical notes that are mirrored by Link within the game world.
Produced by Hori, the physical instrument connects directly to the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware to translate acoustic performance into digital gameplay actions. This hardware integration was first showcased during the Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct. For those without the physical instrument, Nintendo is also launching "Zelda Notes," a dedicated service integrated into the Nintendo Switch App that enables users to play the ocarina via a smartphone touch screen.
A Next-Gen Showcase
The remake of the 1998 Nintendo 64 classic serves as a primary showcase for the capabilities of the Nintendo Switch 2. Beyond the musical integration, the title introduces updated camera movements and new gameplay mechanics, including jumping and dashing, to modernize the experience for a new generation of hardware. The game is officially scheduled for release on November 5.
Bridging Physical and Digital Play
This move represents a rare strategic decision by Nintendo to integrate a specialized physical musical instrument as a core gameplay peripheral. By bridging the gap between real-world performance and digital interaction, Nintendo is leaning into the tactile nature of the original game's most iconic mechanic. The inclusion of both a high-end physical accessory and a mobile app alternative ensures that the musical element remains accessible across different user preferences and price points.
Looking Ahead
As the November 5 release date approaches, the industry will be watching to see how the Switch 2 handles the translation of real-time audio input. While the Hori accessory and the Zelda Notes app provide the primary methods of interaction, the extent to which these musical elements are required for progression—or remain optional immersive features—remains to be seen.