Leak: This report has NOT yet been officially confirmed by Nintendo.
The remake of Zelda: Ocarina of Time has only been out on Switch 2 since November 5, 2026, and already there are new datamining discoveries. Dataminer MrCheeze claims to have found the abbreviation “MQ” in the code. This likely stands for Master Quest, the harder version of the classic. It is currently missing from the game itself.
Dataminer OatmealDome claims to have confirmed the findings. According to Video Games Chronicle, he posted on X that there is data for Master Quest in the game. The mode would be unlocked by owning a DLC and is not just an update. The data is incomplete, but the world is mirrored and dungeons are altered, for example, cows appear in Jabu-Jabu's Belly.
What is Master Quest anyway?
Master Quest was released in 2003 for the GameCube. The mode features stronger enemies and redesigned dungeons. It was also included in the 2011 3DS remake but could only be unlocked after completing the game once. In that version, the world is also mirrored. Its absence in the Switch 2 remake has disappointed many fans. The findings in the code now suggest that it could be added later.
Will Master Quest cost extra in the Ocarina of Time Remake?
This cannot be determined from the data. According to Kotaku, the code in the current patch only checks for a single DLC, referred to as “MQ.” Whether it will be paid is unknown. A free DLC, for example, for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, is also conceivable. Kotaku also wonders why Nintendo would take the DLC route at all instead of distributing Master Quest to everyone via an update. Whether further DLCs are planned is also not apparent from the data.
For players, this means: If you are currently playing through the remake, you don't need to do anything. There is no release date, price, or announcement, and files in the code are not a commitment. They only prove that Nintendo has worked on it or is working on it.
Does this hint at a Majora’s Mask remake?
Kotaku mentions a second, even vaguer hint. YouTuber Austin John Plays tested various amiibo in the remake. The Young Link and Young Zelda figures, announced for next year, reportedly unlock wearable masks. The code is also said to contain dialogues for an as-yet unknown mask that is barely described. Kotaku and the YouTuber consider an amiibo with Majora's Mask or Skull Kid possible, fitting a remake of the sequel. This is speculation. Nothing is confirmed.
How well is the Ocarina of Time Remake performing?
Well enough that Nintendo likely has an interest in providing additional content. According to Nintendo Life, it was the second-largest physical franchise launch in the UK. Chris Dring of The Game Business states it surpasses Breath of the Wild by about 35 percent and is roughly half that of Tears of the Kingdom. Our assessment is: a DLC with Master Quest would be an obvious reason for veterans to jump back in. However, we would wait until Nintendo itself says something. You can read more about the remake in our report on how the Ocarina of Time Remake runs at 60 FPS in places via emulator on PC.
Source: Video Games Chronicle, Kotaku, GamePro, Nintendo Life
Would you pay extra for Master Quest in the Ocarina of Time Remake, or do you expect it as a free update?
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