‘The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’ Shatters Metacritic Benchmarks on Switch 2
Nintendo appears to have validated its creative strategy by remaking The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for its Switch 2 platform, achieving widespread critical acclaim alongside an unprecedented reception among everyday players. The visually resplendent remake, which launched in retail channels last week, quickly secured two historic records on the review aggregator Metacritic within days of its arrival.
Initially, critical reviews placed the launch as the highest-rated video game release of 2026 to date, carrying an aggregate score of 96 out of 100. However, the commercial discourse surrounding the title escalated further as Forbes highlighted an even rarer feat: the Switch 2 edition has officially become the highest-rated game by user review scores in the platform’s history, claiming a record-setting score of 9.6 out of 10.
Legacy Parallels: From the Nintendo 64 Original to Modern Platforms
The achievement draws a direct parallel to the franchise’s heritage. The original 1998 release of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for the Nintendo 64 remains the highest-rated game by professional critics in Metacritic’s history, maintaining an unmatched critical score of 99 out of 100 over several decades. Now, the Switch 2 version mirrors that legacy on the audience side by claiming the site’s top aggregate ranking from user feedback.
The 9.6 user score is supported by significant engagement, with more than 8,750 users contributing ratings in the early days following release. While this substantial volume suggests the aggregate is not merely a statistical anomaly driven by an isolated sample size, the broader mechanics of aggregator platforms must be considered. Metacritic does not mandate proof or verification of purchase for user reviews, leaving open the reality that contributors may submit scores without direct firsthand play.
Why This Matters
Delivering a celebrated flagship remake during the Switch 2 lifecycle solidifies Nintendo’s catalog strength while proving the enduring commercial and cultural footprint of the Zelda franchise. However, industry dynamics could test this early momentum. The remake had only been publicly available for slightly more than four days at the time of publication, meaning user sentiment could shift as more players complete the title.
Furthermore, major competition is on the horizon. With Rockstar Games scheduled to release Grand Theft Auto VI on November 19, the gaming industry faces one of the most anticipated releases in entertainment history. That impending arrival represents a potential challenger to Ocarina of Time‘s newly minted position atop the aggregator’s all-time player rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What records did the ‘Ocarina of Time’ remake break on Metacritic?
The Switch 2 remake became the highest-scoring video game release of 2026 so far with a 96 out of 100 critic score. Additionally, it achieved an all-time Metacritic record for user reviews, holding the top spot with a 9.6 out of 10 rating.
How does the remake compare to the original Nintendo 64 release?
While the Switch 2 remake currently claims the highest user score in Metacritic history at 9.6 out of 10, the original Nintendo 64 release continues to hold the record for the highest-rated game by critics of all time, sitting at a 99 out of 100 aggregate score.
Can Metacritic user scores change after launch?
Yes. Because the title had only been available for roughly four days post-launch and Metacritic does not require verified purchases to submit a user score, the overall rating may fluctuate over time as additional players review the title or as competitor releases arrive.
