Take-Two CEO Praises Zelda Remake's 96 Score Ahead of GTA VI Launch

Key points

• Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick praised the Ocarina of Time remake, stating it is 'terrific' and that Nintendo should be 'very proud of the title.'
• Zelnick dismissed the idea of direct competition, arguing that in entertainment, one competes against 'everything and nothing' because consumer time is finite but not mandatory.
• The Ocarina of Time remake currently holds a 96/100 Metacritic score, making it the highest-rated game of 2026, while GTA VI is labeled the most anticipated launch of all time.
• GTA VI launches on November 19 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, featuring a digital-only release with 'code-in-a-box' retail options, while the Zelda remake is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2.
• GTA VI presales have exceeded expectations, and the game is set to run at 30fps on PS5, PS5 Pro, and Xbox Series X|S, with cloud gaming support for Xbox One.

Background

The Ocarina of Time remake launched on November 5, 2026, for the Nintendo Switch 2, featuring a faithful visual recreation of the 1998 classic alongside new features like a boss rematch hub and orchestral score. Nintendo of America president Devon Pritchard previously stated that the decision to bring GTA VI to the Switch 2 rests solely with Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive, with no current announcements. Nintendo reported a 37% year-over-year drop in Switch 2 sales for the quarter ending September 30 due to a global memory chip shortage, though the console remains 6 million units ahead of the original Switch's launch trajectory. The digital file size for the Zelda remake was recently compressed to 24.54GB ahead of its launch.

How outlets are covering it

Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick, speaking to GamesBeat, emphasized that entertainment is a 'want to have' rather than a 'must-have,' comparing it to food where quality determines consumption. He stated that if Take-Two creates the 'best entertainment on earth,' consumers will choose it, regardless of other releases. GameSpot and Nintendo Everything reported that Activision marketing chief Tyler Bahl previously claimed GTA VI and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 were the two biggest games of 2026, adding 'no offense to Zelda.' GoNintendo highlighted that while Zelnick acknowledged the Zelda remake's success, he expected GTA VI to surpass it in sales and acclaim. Nintendo Life noted that early reports suggest positive sales for the Zelda remake in certain locations, while GTA VI presales have exceeded expectations. Some online commentators argued that the two games target vastly different audiences and can coexist, while others noted that the Zelda remake is a Switch 2 exclusive, limiting direct competition with GTA VI's console availability.

Why it matters

The interaction between Take-Two and Nintendo highlights the competitive dynamics of the entertainment industry, where major releases must vie for consumer attention and spending. The success of the Ocarina of Time remake, with its high Metacritic score and positive sales, demonstrates Nintendo's ability to capture market share even in the face of highly anticipated competitors like GTA VI. For Take-Two, the acknowledgment of the Zelda remake's success underscores the importance of creating high-quality entertainment to attract consumers in a crowded market. The differing platform availability and pricing strategies for the two games also reflect the evolving landscape of console exclusivity and digital distribution, with GTA VI's digital-only release and code-in-a-box model contrasting with Nintendo's traditional retail and digital offerings.

What to watch

GTA VI is scheduled to launch on November 19, 2026, for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, with cloud gaming support for Xbox One. The game is expected to run at 30fps on PS5, PS5 Pro, and Xbox Series X|S. The Ocarina of Time remake is already available on the Nintendo Switch 2, with sales and critical reception continuing to be monitored. Future updates may include potential ports of GTA VI to the Switch 2, though Nintendo of America president Devon Pritchard has stated that this decision rests with Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive. The performance of both games in terms of sales and critical reception will likely be a key focus in the coming months, with GTA VI's presales already exceeding expectations.