Is Monolith Soft Leading the Charge on the ‘Ocarina of Time’ Remake? Retailer Leak Sparks Speculation

Speculation surrounding the highly anticipated remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time has reached a fever pitch following a potential slip-up by a major retailer. Norwegian storefront Elkjøp has listed the upcoming Switch 2 title on its website, explicitly identifying Monolith Soft as the lead developer behind the project.

While Nintendo has yet to provide official confirmation regarding the production team, the listing has intensified long-standing rumors that the studio behind the acclaimed Xenoblade Chronicles series is taking the reins on one of gaming’s most iconic titles.

A Growing Influence within Nintendo

For years, Monolith Soft has acted as a key support pillar for Nintendo’s internal teams, particularly within the EPD (Entertainment Planning & Development) division. The studio’s contribution to the franchise has evolved significantly over the last decade. Having provided assistance on Skyward Sword (2011), the team’s influence expanded dramatically with the development of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and its successor, Tears of the Kingdom.

In these recent blockbusters, Monolith Soft did far more than provide extra hands for asset creation or open-world level design; they were instrumental in implementing complex gameplay mechanics that typically originate from Nintendo’s internal developers. This shift in responsibility suggests that Monolith Soft is no longer merely a support studio, but a primary creative partner.

Beyond a 1:1 Remake

The prospect of Monolith Soft spearheading the Ocarina of Time project has sparked intense debate among fans regarding the nature of the remake. If the studio is indeed taking a lead, technical and creative role, many analysts suggest the project may move beyond a standard 1:1 graphical overhaul.

Evidence supporting a more ambitious scope includes comments from Zelda series General Manager Daiki Iwamoto, who has previously expressed a desire for Monolith Soft to play a “central role” in creating a “unique title” for the franchise. These sentiments were bolstered in May 2026 by reports from industry insider Nash Weedle, who claimed the studio would serve as the primary developer.

If this Xenoblade Chronicles studio is given the creative freedom to innovate, players could see significant departures from the original N64 formula—potentially including new dungeons, expanded map mechanics, and modern enemy designs that push the boundaries of the original game.

The Competition for the Project

While the Elkjøp listing points directly to Monolith Soft, some observers remain cautious. Other studios, such as Grezzo—the team behind Ocarina of Time 3D for the Nintendo 3DS and the recent Echoes of Wisdom—remain logical candidates for such a project. Entrusting the remake to an outside partner like Monolith Soft or Grezzo would effectively free up Nintendo EPD to focus its internal resources on the next generation of original Legend of Zelda experiences for the Switch 2.

As fans look toward a rumored September Nintendo Direct for clarity, the industry remains on edge. Whether this retailer listing is an insightful leak or a simple administrative error, it highlights the increasing prominence of Monolith Soft in Nintendo’s flagship portfolio. With a scheduled release window in 2026, the question of who is crafting the return to Hyrule remains one of the year’s most compelling mysteries.