Is it possible that Nintendo could be rereleasing - what many consider to be the greatest game of all time - to the Nintendo Switch? Speculators online seem to believe so. Nintendo's recent registration of the Ocarina of Time trademark in Australia and Europe has led internet detectives to believe we may see the critically-acclaimed action-adventure rereleased in 2021 on the Switch. Let's hope!
The unfortunate reality is that this trademark doesn't necessarily mean we'll be seeing anything more in Hyrule - well, at least from the Ocarina of Time IP. We are coming up on the ten-year anniversary of the release of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, released in June of 2011, and in both Australia in Europe, a trademark will expire after ten years if the trademark-owner doesn't either renew it, or use it within that ten-year period. The trademark has been used extensively with merchandise considered, so it is entirely possible that the trademark is simply being registered to protect the IP past 2021, but fear not! All hope is not lost on the dream of being able to experience this gem of a game again on the Switch.
The news was leaked by Twitter user, Kelios, in a screenshot of the trademark registration. What's important to not here is that this is a new trademark being registered under the Ocarina of Time name, not a renewal of the trademark that Nintendo already had. While this still doesn't mean one way or another that a game will be released, it certainly seems like an odd time to register a new trademark for an IP that hasn't been touched in nearly a decade.
Nintendo is rumored to be releasing the 3D Super Mario Collection this year, in celebration of Super Mario's 35th anniversary. The Legend of Zelda was released only one year after Super Mario Bros, so who's to say they won't extend that same celebration to its other most beloved franchise this coming year? It's possible that Breath of the Wild 2 could serve as that 35th-anniversary release, but a remaster or rerelease of Ocarina of Time on the Nintendo Switch seems long overdue, so it shouldn't be ruled out. If Super Mario does get an official announcement for a 3D collection, then that will certainly fuel the fire surrounding this rumor. If we're really lucky, maybe we'll see a 3D Legend of Zelda Collection. Ocarina of Time, Wind Waker, Majora's Mask and Twilight Princess? Yes please!
While the July 20 Nintendo Direct Mini didn't give us any information on the 3D Super Mario Collection, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Publisher and Developer Relations, Steven Singer did say:
"With this new Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase, we are delighted to be shining a spotlight on great games from our development and publishing partners. With multiple showcases this year, we can continue highlighting the breadth of games and the variety of experiences all types of players can get on Nintendo Switch."
With multiple showcases coming, we can expect to hear some information regarding these rumors if they are true, so make sure to keep an ear out for these showcase dates!
Source: @KeliosFR