HORI Reveals New Official Zelda Ocarina Accessory for Nintendo Switch 2
Gaming accessory manufacturer HORI has revealed a new Zelda device that lets fans physically play some of the series’ most recognizable melodies and use them to interact directly with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 remake.
The “Electric OCARINA OF TIME” recreates Link’s iconic instrument as an electronic toy built specifically around the new sound-recognition system included in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2.
Rather than functioning as a conventional controller, the accessory produces musical notes that are picked up by the Nintendo Switch 2’s built-in microphone, allowing recognized melodies to trigger their corresponding actions inside the game.
That means players can physically perform songs instead of entering them through traditional button inputs, bringing one of Ocarina of Time’s most memorable gameplay mechanics outside of the screen.
HORI has included two different ways to use the accessory, beginning with a Free Play Mode that lets players press the finger-hole buttons individually to produce notes and create their own melodies.
Auto-Play Mode provides a considerably easier alternative by allowing all 12 of the game’s ocarina songs to be played at the press of a button, meaning players do not actually need to learn each melody to use the device.
Despite its appearance, HORI stresses that the accessory is not a real wind instrument and does not require users to blow into it, with all sounds instead generated electronically through its buttons and finger holes.
A volume control dial is built into the body, while a headphone jack allows the ocarina to be connected to headphones or an external speaker when players want to hear its sounds without relying on the integrated audio.
HORI will also include a dedicated display stand, allowing the replica to double as a Zelda collectible when it is not being used.
The electronic ocarina measures approximately 17.5 cm wide, 11.5 cm tall and 6 cm deep, with a weight of around 145g before batteries are installed.
It requires three AA batteries to operate, which are not included, and HORI also makes clear that neither the Ocarina of Time software nor the Nintendo Switch 2 itself comes bundled with the accessory.
The reveal forms part of Nintendo’s much wider celebration of The Legend of Zelda’s 40th anniversary, which has placed Ocarina of Time at the center of several major announcements.
Nintendo has now confirmed that the completely rebuilt Nintendo Switch 2 version of the 1998 classic will launch on November 5, featuring overhauled visuals, fully voiced cutscenes, expanded dialogue, symphonic orchestral music and reworked movement and camera controls.
The remake was first revealed earlier this year and marks the second major recreation of Ocarina of Time following the Nintendo 3DS version released in 2011.
Its new sound-recognition feature is not limited to HORI’s accessory either, with Nintendo confirming that players can perform or even hum one of Link’s learned melodies near the Switch 2 microphone and have the game recognize the song.
A separate playable ocarina is also being produced for fans who want an actual musical instrument, while new Young Link and Young Zelda amiibo figures will arrive in 2027 and unlock special masks inspired by retro graphics when used with the remake.
Nintendo is also releasing a Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition Nintendo Switch 2 on October 29 alongside matching Pro Controllers and a carrying case, with all of the anniversary hardware featuring Triforce-inspired designs.
Elsewhere, LEGO has revealed a 1,750-piece Ocarina of Time display set recreating Link riding Epona for spring 2027, while Hasbro is developing a 27-inch Electronic Master Sword equipped with more than 15 touch and motion-activated sounds.
Those releases add to an already expanding selection of Zelda collectibles, with Hasbro recently launching its new Heroes of Hyrule action figure line with Link, Zelda and Ganondorf from Tears of the Kingdom.
Nintendo is extending the anniversary beyond merchandise as well, with a worldwide concert series beginning in Japan in January 2027 before reaching North America in February, Europe in April and Australia in May.
HORI USA has priced the “Electric OCARINA OF TIME” at $49.99, with its American product page currently listing the accessory ahead of release but not providing a specific launch date.
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