How to Use the Controls in Zelda: Ocarina of Time on Nintendo Switch 2

Prerequisites

• Start Ocarina of Time on Nintendo Switch 2 and connect a controller. This guide covers the Switch 2 version’s listed controls, not the original Nintendo 64 or 3DS layouts.

• If you still need to confirm how to access the game, see How to Get and Play Zelda: Ocarina of Time on Nintendo Switch 2. The control references available here do not establish whether access is free or paid, so check that guide or the game’s listing for current access terms.

Open the in-game control guide

Find Basic Controls

1. Press + to open the menu.

2. Switch to the System tab.

3. Choose Controls to view the basic layout. Choose Special Actions if you want to see additional action combinations, including combat moves.

The menu’s labels are the best check if your button prompts or controller setup differ from the defaults below.[2]

Learn the default controls

These are the listed default controls for the Switch 2 version.[2]

Practice the controls in order

Move, interact, and adjust the camera

1. Use the left stick to walk around a safe area.

2. Tap A near an object or character to perform an available action. The exact action depends on what Link is facing.

3. Move the right stick to rotate the camera. Press it to reset the view if you lose your bearings.

4. Hold A to dash when you want to move faster.

Expected result: Link moves with the left stick, the camera responds to the right stick, and the on-screen prompt indicates when an action is available.

Jump and fight

1. Press X to jump when the game calls for a jump. Do not assume Link will automatically jump at a ledge as in older versions.

2. Press Y to attack.

3. Hold ZL to target an enemy or other target. Use Y while targeting to attack.

4. Open Special Actions from the menu’s System tab to check any additional combat combinations shown in your game.

Expected result: X triggers the jump, Y attacks, and holding ZL engages targeting. The Switch 2 mapping differs from older layouts: Y is the attack button, while B puts the weapon away.[1][2]

Use items and play the ocarina

1. Hold L or R to open Quick Select, then choose an item.

2. Press or hold ZR to use the equipped item, following the prompt shown for that item.

3. Press left on the D-pad to play the ocarina. Press right on the D-pad to talk to Navi.

Expected result: The selected item is equipped for use with ZR; the ocarina or Navi action is called up from the corresponding D-pad direction.[2]

Adjust to the Switch 2 version

If you have played the Nintendo 64 or 3DS version, avoid relying on muscle memory: the Switch 2 version uses Y to attack and B to put away. It also lists a dedicated X jump and a right-stick camera, rather than the older layouts.[1][2]

The preview information describes options for swapping jump controls and changing ocarina-playing controls, but reports differ about some settings. Check the live Controls screen in your installed version before relying on a particular remap. The sources also do not establish a complete in-game remapping menu for every button.[1]

Troubleshooting and verify the setup

A familiar button does the wrong thing

Check System > Controls in the + menu. On the Switch 2 defaults, B puts the weapon away; use Y to attack. If you changed a setting or controller mapping, follow the prompts in the control screen rather than an older Nintendo 64 or 3DS guide.[1][2]

The camera does not recenter when you target

Use the right stick to rotate the camera and press the right stick to reset it. ZL is for targeting, not the camera reset. Holding it engages targeting, so Link may also raise his shield if he has one.[1][2]

A jump or item action is not working

Check the on-screen prompt and the Basic Controls page. The listed jump button is X; item use is ZR after selecting an item with Quick Select. Some actions depend on having the relevant item or being in a situation where the action is available.

Confirm you are ready

You have the basic setup when you can move Link, rotate and reset the camera, jump with X, attack with Y, and open the map with −. Then test Quick Select and ZR with an available item. Reopen System > Controls at any time to verify the displayed mapping.

Sources

• Ocarina of Time | Controls Guide | The Legend of Zelda - GameWith

• Ocarina of Time Switch 2 Controls: Every Button and the ...

• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Controls Guide - VULKK