Daily Debate: Would You Rather Have the Original or 3DS Versions of Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask Ported to the Switch?

With the release of Super Mario 3D All Stars back in September, the internet has been abuzz, wondering whether or not the Zelda series will be getting the same treatment for their upcoming anniversary in 2021. Fans, websites, and content creators from all across the world are coming together to hypothesize which games they believe will get into a hypothetical Zelda 3D All Stars. 

Some of the most favored games are Ocarina of Time and its sequel Majora’s Mask, however, both of these games had remakes on the 3DS. These newer versions updated the graphics, had new features, and even changed some of the more frustrating parts of the originals. Logically, Nintendo would want to port the newest versions of some of their most popular games, right?

Not all of the changes were seen as positive by fans, however. Many cite the changes to the bosses in Majora’s Mask 3D as being a clear step down from the original game as an example. I do understand where some of the complaints are coming from. As much as I enjoy the updated art style, the original style has a certain charm the updated graphics couldn’t fully replicate. Also, part of what has kept Majora’s Mask so popular is the fact that it stepped away from some of the more common Zelda standards like bosses with giant eyeballs as their weak point and only one specific way to kill each boss, whereas the remakes doubled down on the tired tropes of the Zelda formula. 

Just as the remakes have issues that weren’t in the originals, they also have some amazing additions that the originals never had. I absolutely love the changes to the Bomber’s Notebook and “Song of Double Time” in Majora’s Mask 3D though. And the inclusion of both a boss rush mode and Master Quest mode in Ocarina of Time 3D help to keep an over 20-year old game fresh. 

Personally, I believe that the 3DS versions added enough to where I would prefer they get ported to the Switch. Being able to put these games on the big screen where I can fully appreciate them or take them on the go so I never have to stop playing is something that, as the other Zelda games on Switch can prove, really heightens the whole experience.

If Nintendo does decide to bring these games to the Switch in some fashion, which versions would you prefer? Do the positive changes and additions of the remakes outweigh the negatives in your eyes? Or will the originals always be the best of the best? Share your comments below!