The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake Becomes the Highest-Rated Game of 2026 on Metacritic
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake has officially climbed to the top of Metacritic’s highest-rated games of 2026, earning an impressive score of 96 out of 100 on Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo’s highly anticipated remake of the legendary 1998 adventure has received overwhelming praise from critics worldwide, securing its position as one of the most critically acclaimed video games of the year.
Ocarina of Time Remake Achieves an Impressive Metacritic Score
According to the latest review reports, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake has achieved a Metacritic score of 96/100, based on approximately 80 professional critic reviews.
This remarkable achievement places the game ahead of Sektori, which previously held the top position among 2026 releases with a Metacritic score of 93.
The three-point difference gives Nintendo’s remake a significant advantage, although its final score could still change as additional reviews are published.
One of the Highest-Rated Games in Metacritic History
Beyond dominating the 2026 rankings, Ocarina of Time Remake has also entered Metacritic’s list of the highest-rated video games of all time.
At one point, the remake reached 24th place in the all-time rankings, placing it among some of the most celebrated games ever created.
Its impressive reception puts it in the same category as legendary titles such as:
- Half-Life
- Elden Ring
- Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty
- Baldur’s Gate 3
- The Orange Box
- Resident Evil 4
Several of these titles share similarly high Metacritic scores, meaning their exact positions can vary depending on the site’s ranking calculations.
Despite its outstanding performance, the remake has yet to surpass the original Ocarina of Time.
The Original Ocarina of Time Still Holds the Record
Released for the Nintendo 64 in 1998, the original The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time continues to hold the number one position on Metacritic’s all-time rankings with an extraordinary 99/100 score.
Nearly three decades after its original release, the classic remains the highest-rated game in Metacritic history.
The remake’s 96/100 rating demonstrates how successfully Nintendo has brought this iconic adventure to modern hardware while preserving the elements that made the original so influential.
Critics have particularly praised the improved visuals, modernized controls, enhanced gameplay experience, and the preservation of the original game’s world design and memorable soundtrack.
Can GTA 6 Take the Top Spot in 2026?
Although Ocarina of Time Remake currently leads Metacritic’s 2026 rankings, one major competitor could still challenge its position before the end of the year.
Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled for release on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Rockstar Games’ highly anticipated open-world adventure is expected to become one of the year’s biggest gaming releases.
If GTA 6 receives similarly exceptional reviews, it could potentially challenge Nintendo’s remake for the title of the highest-rated game of 2026.
However, until official reviews are published, it remains impossible to predict whether Rockstar’s upcoming blockbuster will surpass the 96-point benchmark.
A Remarkable Achievement for Nintendo Switch 2
The critical success of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake represents another major achievement for Nintendo and its latest gaming console.
By modernizing one of gaming’s most beloved adventures without losing its original identity, Nintendo has delivered a remake that appeals to both longtime Zelda fans and a new generation of players.
With a Metacritic score of 96, the game has already established itself as one of the standout releases of 2026.
Whether Ocarina of Time Remake can maintain its position at the top until the end of the year remains to be seen, especially with GTA 6 approaching.