Ocarina of Time Switch 2 Remake Brings Back a Forgotten Zelda Item

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is the long-awaited return to traditional Zelda gameplay that many fans wanted after the Wild Era, but it’s actually leaning into nostalgia beyond just the original N64 game.

By far, the biggest and most immediately apparent gameplay change to the Switch 2 Ocarina of Time remake is Link’s ability to jump on command. Notably, Link’s jump in Ocarina of Time is a bit higher and more graceful than it was in BOTW, almost like it’s influenced by some magical powers. That’s for good reason.

It seems that the reason Link can jump on command in this version of OOT, but not in the N64 original, is because he’s now equipped with one of Zelda’s most iconic classic items: the Roc’s Feather.

Link Comes Equipped With the Roc’s Feather in the New Ocarina of Time

Link with the Roc's Feather in the Zelda: Ocarina of Time Switch 2 remake — Link with the Roc’s Feather in the Zelda: Ocarina of Time Switch 2 remake

As first pointed out by Zeltik in a recent video, Link’s new jumping ability in the Ocarina of Time remake is more than just a modernization; it’s a reference to The Legend of Zelda’s history. When looking at Link’s newly updated character design, there’s one detail that sticks out most on his cap: there’s a feather attached to it.

And this isn’t just any feather. When looking at its reddish striped design and color scheme, it’s obvious the feather on Link’s hat in OOT is a modernization of the Roc’s Feather as it first appeared in Link’s Awakening.

Link jumps in Zora's Domain in the Ocarina of Time remake on Switch 2 — Link jumps in Zora’s Domain in the Ocarina of Time remake on Switch 2

Link finds the Roc's Feather in The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening — Link finds the Roc’s Feather in The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening

Young Link jumps through fire in the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on Switch 2

In prior Zelda games of the 2D persuasion, equipping the Roc’s Feather would give Link the ability to jump. In fact, Link’s new hat in OOT wouldn’t even be the first time Link attached the Roc’s Feather to other equipment in order to give himself the ability to jump. In Hyrule Warriors, players can wear the Roc Boots, which are just a pair of iron boots with the Roc’s Feather attached.

Link’s New Design in the Ocarina of Time Remake Is Filled With References to the Rest of the Series

It’ll be interesting to see whether the Roc’s Feather on Link’s hat is actually explained in the game, or whether it’ll remain a fun Easter Egg reference for diehard fans (history suggests it’ll probably end up being the latter). In either case, it’s a phenomenal detail that shows how much thought and effort went into every aspect of Link’s new Ocarina of Time redesign.

While Link’s outfit proved a bit divisive when it was first fully revealed during the Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct, it has since slowly grown on fans as more of these kinds of details have been discovered over time. For example, fans have since realized that Link’s green leather armor is shaped like the head of an owl, apparently referencing the owl motif of the Hero’s Shade’s armor from Twilight Princess. Even the spiral designs on his outfit seem to be a callback to the Koroks, who are themselves just the distant descendants of the Kokiri children.

In including these kinds of Easter Eggs and references to other games, it feels like the new Ocarina of Time is subtly bringing together the scattered lore of the rest of the Zelda franchise.