Nintendo says Zelda: Ocarina of Time consumes more Switch 2 storage than expected

With the Ocarina of Time remake release date imminent, some confusion lingers about its file size. Nintendo now cautions that the Switch 2 title demands additional storage space. Already the largest mainline Zelda game, it may take up more than 27 GB on consoles.

Launch day surprise?

The gaming giant updated followers on Japanese social media about the requirement. Depending on the translator used, the text means either “more than” or “at least” 27 GB. Nintendo then suggests deleting no longer played Switch 2 games or resorting to a MicroSD Express card.

The eShop lists contrasting Ocarina of Time file sizes on regional pages. On the U.S. site, it specifies the same 27 GB figure, while in the UK, it’s a trimmer 24.5 GB. Either way, it wouldn’t be unusual for a digital download or installation to exceed estimates slightly.

During installation, temporary files may be needed for the setup process that are later erased. Still, another possibility is that Nintendo is preparing a day-one update for the Ocarina of Time release date.

Physical benefits

In response to the post, critics argued the Switch 2 storage requirement was a reason to opt for physical media. Unlike Game-Key Cards, cartridges usually boot without downloads. After retailers sold or shipped the Zelda game early, players are exploring Hyrule ahead of schedule. So far, there is no evidence of a patch, but one could come on November 5th.  

The digital version of the remake is unlikely to be significantly larger than advertised. Regardless, the file size surpasses the 24.1 GB current-gen edition of Breath of the Wild. Tears of the Kingdom checks in at a relatively compact 20.1 GB. The original 32 MB N64 title is minuscule by comparison, at around 800 times smaller.

Many releases consume far more Switch 2 storage space, like the upcoming Final Fantasy 7 Revelation, estimated at 130 GB. While the Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake file size isn’t imposing, console users face a dilemma. The handheld’s 256 GB capacity fills up quickly, forcing owners to buy pricey MicroSD Express cards.