How to Play Zelda Ocarina of Time on Switch

This guide walks you through getting The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time running on your Nintendo Switch, whether you’re using the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership or a hacked console. You’ll learn the exact steps to start playing, control the game with the Switch’s button layout, and avoid common pitfalls like save issues or audio glitches.

What You’ll Need

• A Nintendo Switch console (any model: original, Lite, or OLED).
• A Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership (the only legal way to play Ocarina of Time on Switch). This is a paid add-on to the standard Nintendo Switch Online service.
• An internet connection for the initial download and verification of the membership.
• Enough free storage space on your Switch (the N64 app and the game take up roughly 300 MB combined).
• A Nintendo Account linked to your Switch profile.

Step-by-Step

1. Purchase and activate the Expansion Pack: From the Switch Home menu, open the Nintendo eShop. Select your user icon, then choose “Nintendo Switch Online” from the left sidebar. Scroll to “Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack” and select “Membership Options.” Choose the plan (individual or family) and complete the purchase. After buying, the membership activates automatically on your account.
2. Download the N64 app: Go back to the Home menu and select the Nintendo eShop icon. Search for “Nintendo 64” or “N64”. You’ll find the “Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Switch Online” app. Select “Free Download” (the app itself is free; the games are locked behind the Expansion Pack). Wait for the download to finish.
3. Launch the N64 app: Return to the Home menu and open the N64 app from your game list. The app will check your membership status. If you have the Expansion Pack, you’ll see the game library screen.
4. Select Ocarina of Time: In the N64 app’s library, scroll to find The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. It will have a “Play” button. Select it. The game will download (if not already cached) and then launch.
5. Understand the Switch button mapping: The N64 controller had a distinctive layout. On Switch, the mapping is:
   • A button = N64 A (context action, talk, open doors).
   • B button = N64 B (cancel, run, back).
   • Right Joy-Con stick = N64 C-buttons (use items, look around when holding Z).
   • Left Joy-Con stick = N64 Control Stick (move Link).
   • L button = N64 Z (target/lock-on).
   • R button = N64 R (first-person look).
   • ZR button = N64 Z (target/lock-on) – same as L, for convenience.
   • + button = Start (pause menu).
   • – button = N64 Start (same as +, but also used for the N64 menu).
6. Start a new game: Press A on the title screen. Choose “New Game” and select a save slot. The game will begin with the iconic intro sequence.
7. Save your game: Ocarina of Time uses two save methods: Owl Statues (save anywhere) and the Song of Time (save at any time, but only in the menu). To save, press + to open the pause menu, then select “Save” and choose a slot. The game will also prompt you to save after major events.

Common Mistakes

• Using the wrong stick for C-buttons: Many players try to use the right stick to look around, but that’s mapped to R. The right stick is for C-buttons, which are essential for using items like the Ocarina or Bombs. To look around, hold R and move the right stick.
• Forgetting to target with Z: The Z button (L or ZR on Switch) is crucial for combat and interacting with objects. Without it, you’ll miss many puzzles and fights.
• Saving only with Owl Statues: Owl Statues are sparse; rely on the Song of Time (learned early) to save anywhere. To use it, open the menu, select the Ocarina, play the Song of Time (A, then up, then A, then down, then A, then up, then A), and then choose “Save.”
• Not using the N64 rewind feature: The N64 app includes a rewind feature (hold ZL + L or ZR + R). If you die, you can rewind to just before the mistake. Many players forget this and lose progress.
• Assuming the game is the 3DS version: The Switch version is the original N64 ROM, not the 3DS remake. The graphics are the original, and some quality-of-life improvements (like the boss rush mode) are absent.

Tips

• Use the rewind feature liberally: The rewind is a lifesaver for tough sections. It’s not cheating; it’s a built-in convenience.
• Play with the Pro Controller: If you have a Switch Pro Controller, it’s more comfortable for long sessions than the Joy-Cons. The mapping is the same.
• Learn the songs early: The Ocarina songs (Zelda’s Lullaby, Epona’s Song, etc.) are key to progressing. Write them down or memorize them.
• Use the N64 app’s save states: The N64 app allows you to create suspend points (save states) at any moment. Press ZL + ZR to open the N64 menu, then select “Suspend Point.” This is even more flexible than the in-game save.
• Adjust the screen size: If the game looks stretched, go to the N64 app’s settings (gear icon) and adjust the screen size to “4:3” or “Pixel Perfect” for the original aspect ratio.

Troubleshooting

• Game won’t launch: Ensure your membership is active. Go to the eShop and check your subscription status. If it’s active, try restarting the Switch (hold the power button, select “Power Options,” then “Restart”).
• Audio stutters or crackles: This can happen if the Switch is overheating or if the game is running from an SD card. Try moving the N64 app to internal storage (System Settings > Data Management > Move Data). Also, ensure the console has good ventilation.
• Controller not responding: Make sure the Joy-Cons are attached or synced. In the N64 app, you can press ZL + ZR to open the menu and check controller settings. If using a Pro Controller, ensure it’s paired.
• Game freezes: Use the rewind feature to go back a few seconds. If it keeps freezing, close the N64 app and reopen it. If the issue persists, restart the Switch.
• Save data lost: The N64 app uses the Switch’s save data system. If you delete the N64 app, you lose your saves. To back up, ensure you have cloud saves enabled (requires Nintendo Switch Online, which you already have for the Expansion Pack).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Ocarina of Time on Switch without the Expansion Pack?

No, the game is only available through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. There is no standalone purchase option.

Is this the same as the 3DS version?

No, it’s the original Nintendo 64 version, with the original graphics and controls. The 3DS remake has improved visuals and a few extra features.

Can I use the N64 controller with the Switch?

Yes, Nintendo sells a wireless N64 controller for Switch that works with the N64 app. It’s sold separately and requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership to pair.

How do I save the game?

You can save at Owl Statues, or use the Song of Time to save anywhere. The N64 app also offers suspend points (save states) that you can use at any time.

Is there a rewind feature?

Yes, the N64 app includes a rewind feature. Hold ZL + L (or ZR + R) to rewind up to a few seconds. This is very helpful for difficult sections.

Can I transfer my save from the Wii U or 3DS?

No, save data is not transferable between platforms. You’ll need to start a new game on Switch.

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