ZELDA: OCARINA OF TIME REMAKE SCORES A MASSIVE 96 ON METACRITIC! IS NINTENDO ABOUT TO CLAIM ANOTHER GAME OF THE YEAR?!

NEXT GENERATION GAMING | REVIEW SCORES ARE IN!

Nintendo has done it again! One of gaming's most legendary adventures has returned, and the early reviews are giving gamers plenty to talk about.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake has landed an impressive 96 Metascore, making it the highest-rated game of 2026 so far, according to the current Metacritic rankings.

That's right! Link is back, Hyrule is looking better than ever, and Nintendo may have another serious Game of the Year contender on its hands. But can a remake of a 1998 classic actually compete for gaming's biggest awards in 2026? Let's take a closer look!

A 96 METASCORE! NINTENDO HAS A HIT ON ITS HANDS!

The reviews are in, and the reception has been overwhelmingly positive.

With a Metascore of 96, the remake has climbed to the top of the 2026 review rankings, putting it ahead of several other highly rated releases this year.

For perspective, here's how the different versions compare:

• Ocarina of Time (Nintendo 64): 99 Metascore

• Ocarina of Time 3D (Nintendo 3DS): 94 Metascore

• Ocarina of Time (Nintendo Switch 2, 2026): 96 Metascore

The remake hasn't surpassed the original's legendary 99, but it has improved upon the 3DS version's 94.

That's quite an accomplishment for a game revisiting an adventure that first introduced millions of players to 3D Zelda.

WHAT MAKES THIS REMAKE SO SPECIAL?

Nintendo hasn't simply given the original game a fresh coat of paint.

The Switch 2 version features completely overhauled visuals, voiced cutscenes, expanded dialogue, and symphonic orchestral music.

Players can also look forward to modernized controls, including jumping, dashing, and improved camera movement.

And there's an especially interesting addition: players can interact with the game's musical mechanics using the Nintendo Switch 2 microphone, including humming or playing instruments.

The goal appears to be preserving what made the original so special while making the experience more accessible to a new generation.

For longtime fans, it's an opportunity to revisit Hyrule with a fresh perspective. For newcomers, it's a chance to experience one of gaming's most influential adventures in a modern presentation.

THE GAME OF THE YEAR CONVERSATION IS GETTING INTERESTING!

Nintendo knows a thing or two about producing award-winning games.

In 2017, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild took home The Game Awards' coveted Game of the Year award.

Then, in 2023, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom received another Game of the Year nomination, although it ultimately lost to Baldur's Gate 3.

Now, in 2026, Nintendo has another Zelda title generating serious awards-season attention.

However, there's an important distinction: a 96 Metascore does not automatically translate into a Game of the Year award. Metacritic aggregates professional reviews, while The Game Awards winner is determined through its own voting process.

Still, a score this high puts the remake firmly in the conversation.

BUT THERE'S ONE BIG PROBLEM: GTA VI IS COMING!

Just when Nintendo appears to be enjoying the spotlight, Rockstar Games is preparing to release Grand Theft Auto VI on November 19, 2026.

And let's be honest: GTA VI is not just another major release.

It's one of the most anticipated entertainment launches in recent memory, and its arrival could completely change the awards conversation.

Historically, the Grand Theft Auto franchise has delivered some extraordinary review scores:

• Grand Theft Auto III: 97

• Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas: 95

• Grand Theft Auto IV: 98

• Grand Theft Auto V: 97

Those numbers make GTA VI a formidable potential competitor, although its review scores have yet to be established.

Will Rockstar deliver another critically acclaimed masterpiece? Or will Nintendo's return to Hyrule remain the highest-rated game of the year?

That's a showdown worth watching!

NGG FINAL THOUGHTS: CAN LINK TAKE HOME ANOTHER GAME OF THE YEAR?

A 96 Metascore is no small accomplishment, especially when you're revisiting a game that already carries a legendary reputation.

Nintendo has managed to bring Ocarina of Time back into the spotlight, and the early critical response suggests that the remake has done justice to its source material.

But 2026 isn't over.

With Grand Theft Auto VI approaching, and other major releases already competing for recognition, the race for Game of the Year is far from settled.

Personally, seeing a classic like Ocarina of Time receive this kind of recognition is a reminder that great game design doesn't necessarily age out of relevance.

NOW WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Does Ocarina of Time deserve a 96 Metascore?

Can Nintendo pull off another Game of the Year victory in 2026?

And do you think GTA VI has what it takes to dethrone Link?

Join the conversation and let NEXT GENERATION GAMING know what you think!

NEXT GENERATION GAMING – Your Next Generation Source for Gaming News, Reviews, and Entertainment.

Sources

• Nintendo – Official Ocarina of Time Switch 2 page — Features, platform, and November 5 release date.

• GameSpot – Ocarina of Time remake claims the 2026 review crown — Metascore of 96 based on 81 reviews in its report.

• GamesRadar – Remake's Metacritic score and comparison with the original — 96 score, original's 99, and 3DS version's 94.

• Kotaku – Review roundup — Critical reception and review highlights.

• Forbes - https://tech.yahoo.com/gaming/articles/legend-zelda-ocarina-time-remake-142842573.html