Ocarina of Time on Nintendo Switch 2: Default controls, differences from prior versions, and quick-start guidance

On Switch 2, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time uses a distinct control layout designed for more modern inputs. The core inputs map as follows: Y to attack, X to jump, B to put away, and A to perform actions, with holding A enabling dashing. ZL targets, ZR uses the selected item, L and R open the Quick Select menu, and the left and right D‑pad buttons handle ocarina play and Navi dialogue respectively. The map and system menu are opened with the Minus and Plus buttons. Movement is by the left stick, while the right stick rotates the camera, and pressing the right stick resets the camera. If you’re familiar with the N64 or 3DS versions, the standout change is the sword moving from B to Y. This information reflects the preview build’s Basic Controls and Options screens as of before launch and aligns with Nintendo’s store materials that describe enhanced controls and camera movements.

Default inputs and on-screen actions

What changed from the N64 and 3DS controls

Across major actions, Switch 2 reorganized controls to accommodate modern inputs. Sword previously bound to B is now bound to Y. ZL now raises your shield once you own one, avoiding accidental shield raises from attempting to snap the camera; using the right stick for aiming and camera control helps keep your shield down until you need it. Ledges no longer auto-jump; they require a deliberate button press, a change noted by Eurogamer. Some previews suggest you can keep the old control scheme, but the Options screens in the preview show 13 settings without an auto-jump option or a classic layout, so treat any old-layout option as unconfirmed until launch. Players coming from Breath of the Wild may notice sprint behavior differently, with sprint mapped to A, while B may instinctively be pressed first.

Target swapping and combat nuance you should know

There isn’t a dedicated target-swap button in the Switch 2 layout. To switch targets when facing multiple enemies, you must release ZL and press it again to retarget. This is a carried-over limitation from the original design, and it directly affects how you approach group fights and combat flow.

Can you change the jump button?

Yes, Jump remapping is possible, but preview materials disagree on where Jump can land. The preview build’s Swap Jump Controls option reads, “Assign jump to B, and assign other actions, like put away, to X,” which describes a swap between Jump and Put Away. Some previews describe Jump moving to Y or swapping with Attack, but the on-screen option text itself is the authoritative cue for the moment; it could still change before launch. Lane and other outlets describe similar swaps, reinforcing that this is a preview-safe area.

Quick-start settings you should consider

The preview build shows 13 settings, plus an amiibo toggle, with specific values. When you’re starting in Kokiri Forest, a concise set of four changes can make a big difference. Targeting Type is best kept as Hold to keep the lock while ZL is pressed, with one-press re-locks as you release. Motion-Control Aiming lets you choose gyro-based aiming or stick-based aiming for items like the Fairy Bow or Hookshot. Ocarina Mic Input was None in the footage, so switch it on if you want to hum notes via the mic. In-Game Interface is Normal, which preserves a full heads-up display; Master mode removes the lock-on marker and can obscure navigation, making it a poor first-run choice.

Settings at a glance

Recommended quick-start changes for fresh playthroughs: keep Targeting Type on Hold for easier locking during long fights; turn Motion-Control Aiming off if you prefer precise button aiming; turn Ocarina Mic Input On if you want to hum notes; keep In-Game Interface on Normal to retain the full heads-up display for awareness. These four settings provide an accessible starting point, with the ability to tailor further as you gain comfort with the new layout.

Combat moves and combos on Switch 2

The Special Actions page lists powerful techniques that require more than one button. Core named moves include Roll Attack, Backflip, Jump Attack, and Side Jump, with a Target move and a Spin Attack appearing in practice. Here are common inputs observed in previews and footage:

Horizontal swing is performed by pressing Y. Vertical swing is achieved by holding the left stick up and pressing Y, and you can perform the thrust in the same way while targeting. Jump attack occurs while targeting: press X then Y, or tilt forward and press A, with Zeltik noting it still deals double damage. Spin attack can be executed by holding the attack button and rotating the stick, then pressing attack. For Roll, use Move plus Action; Backflip uses Target plus Move Down plus Action; Side Hop uses Target plus Move Left or Right plus Action. Jumping and attacking can be combined in a variety of sequences, depending on timing and positioning.

Nintendo Wire and Zeltik’s footage also point to target-specific maneuvers, with a few later techniques appearing as you unlock them. Targeting has a known limitation: there isn’t a straightforward multi-enemy target swap; Game Informer’s Brian Shea documented that swapping targets among several enemies required releasing the trigger, moving the camera, and squeezing it again, a behavior that matches the original game in spirit.

Remapping and accessibility options

Inside the game, only a few button mappings have been definitively changed so far: Swap Jump Controls and Swap Ocarina-Playing Controls. On the system level, Switch 2 supports per-controller button remapping, so you can tailor controls to your preference. The Switch 2 Pro Controller and Joy-Con 2 charging grip include GL and GR buttons; holding HOME during gameplay lets you assign any function to these, such that Jump placed on a GL/GR button keeps your thumb on the camera stick for better control.

The Ocarina and the Electric Ocarina of Time accessory

Ocarina of Time on Switch 2 supports playing the ocarina via the D-pad and the face buttons. To play, press left on the D-pad to activate the ocarina, then use L, R, A, Y, and X for the notes. Our songs guide lists every tune, and StrategyWiki provides a full ocarina note mapping table across platforms, including Switch 2.

Electric Ocarina of Time

Release information tied to Nintendo’s official materials describes an official Electric Ocarina of Time accessory designed specifically for Switch 2 sound recognition. This peripheral comes in two modes: Free Play Mode, where you touch button holes to play notes freely, and Auto-Play Mode, which can perform 12 in-game songs with a single press. A built-in Volume Control Dial allows you to adjust loudness, and a headphone jack enables private listening or external speakers for a richer experience. The product is marketed as an electronic toy, not a real ocarina, and the mouthpiece button and finger buttons are used rather than blowing into it. It is not a game controller, and the package excludes three AA batteries and a screwdriver. The official price is $49.99, and as of November 2 it was out of stock on Nintendo’s US store. The accessory is designed to work with the game’s sound recognition feature on Switch 2, and Nintendo’s materials emphasize its role in bringing music to life within the game world.

Notes on verification and official materials

Several claims about the controls and features come from previews and official marketing material. A cautious approach is warranted for certain items until launch, particularly any proposals about retaining an older layout. Official materials and the preview text suggest that Hold for Targeting and Motion-Control Aiming remain feasible choices, but some statements about legacy layouts or exact feature remappings should be treated as provisional until the game’s final release and subsequent patch notes.

FAQ

What button is Jump in Ocarina of Time on Switch 2? By default, Jump is mapped to X. The Swap Jump Controls option can move Jump to B, while Put Away moves to X, according to the preview text.

How do you run in the Switch 2 version? Hold A to dash. Game Informer also notes you can sprint out of a roll, when applicable.

Can you still play with the old N64 controls? Not as a preset in the preview’s Options screens. You can use Nintendo’s Switch 2 button mapping, or play the original through Nintendo Classics, where StrategyWiki notes controls can be remapped in the suspend menu.

Does Ocarina of Time have gyro aiming on Switch 2? Yes. Gyro aiming is optional, controlled by Motion-Control Aiming in the Options menu, as it was in the preview build.

How do you play the ocarina on Switch 2? Press left on the D-pad to activate the ocarina, then press A, Y, X, or other relevant inputs for notes. Our songs guide provides notes; an official Electric Ocarina of Time accessory is priced at $49.99 and, as noted, was out of stock at the US store on November 2.

When can you try these controls? The digital version is expected to unlock at 9 p.m. PT on November 4. A release-time guide and preorder information cover different time zones and file size considerations.