Ocarina of Time players cover Linkin Park, Macarena on Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo’s Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake, released last week on the Nintendo Switch 2, has sparked a global wave of in‑game music covers. Players are using the game’s updated ocarina function to re‑record popular songs from Linkin Park, Sabrina Carpenter, and even the disco hit “Macarena.” The new feature lets users play melodies with the controller or feed real‑world sounds into the console’s microphone, turning humming into in‑game music.

The remake builds on the original’s iconic pipe, which can change day to night, summon Epona, and unlock secret passages. Nintendo added a modern interface that lets players learn songs as they progress, and the microphone integration turns everyday sounds into playable tunes. The game hit the market just weeks ago and has already become one of the best‑reviewed titles in Metacritic history, topping the site’s player‑reviewed list and beating classics like “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.” The high praise and new features have encouraged fans to experiment with the ocarina in creative ways.

Among the most popular covers is a Linkin Park remix of “In The End,” which has been viewed more than four million times on X. A “Macarena of Time” remix has racked up over 334,000 views, while other re‑workings include Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild,” Eiffel 95’s “Blue (Da Ba Dee),” and Ninajirachi’s “WannaCry.” Fans have even turned the game into a rickroll, and tracks from Pokémon, Final Fantasy, Super Mario Bros., Star Wars, and The Lord of the Rings have all been given an Ocarina twist. The viral trend shows how a nostalgic game can become a platform for modern pop culture mash‑ups.

Nintendo is capitalising on the renewed interest with a 40th‑anniversary concert tour. The first show will open at Tokyo’s Garden Theatre in January 2027, followed by dates in Europe, North America and Australia. Two nights are booked at London’s Royal Albert Hall, and additional concerts in France, Germany, Italy and Spain are being planned. The tour underscores how the game’s musical legacy continues to resonate, turning a childhood favourite into a contemporary cultural touchstone.