There is no reliable, sourced completion-time estimate for The Legend of Zelda – Sands of Time. The title refers to a fan-made Nintendo 64 ROM hack based on The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, not to an officially released Zelda game with published playtime data. The available listing and player comments establish the project’s identity and scope, but they do not provide an average, median, range, or representative “hours to beat” figure.
That means any precise number presented as the typical runtime would be guesswork. You can still plan a playthrough, understand what the listing confirms, and avoid confusing this hack with the separate 2003 game Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The short answer: a typical runtime has not been established
No credible source reviewed for this specific hack reports how many hours an ordinary player needs to finish it. There is no published average, median, completion-time range, or measured sample of players. The project page contains user comments about dungeons, exploration, bugs, patches, and individual playthrough experiences, but those comments are anecdotal. They are not a controlled or representative time study.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Consequently, the most accurate answer to “How long does it take to beat?” is unknown. A time such as 10, 20, or 40 hours would be an invented estimate unless it is clearly identified as one person’s own playthrough. The fact that the hack is marked complete does not imply a particular length.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Which game is “Sands of Time” here?
The exact title resolves to The Legend of Zelda – Sands of Time, a fan-made Nintendo 64 ROM hack credited to Debug log and Woon. Its base game is The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Romhack Plaza lists the hack as English-language, complete, version 1.22, with a release date of December 6, 2024. The listing names an Ocarina of Time (USA) .z64 file as the required base filename.
| Item | What the available listing says | What it does not establish |
|---|---|---|
| Project type | Fan-made Nintendo 64 ROM hack | An official Nintendo release |
| Base game | The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time | A standalone game with its own commercial release |
| Language | English | How long an English playthrough takes |
| Status | Complete | A guaranteed runtime or absence of bugs |
| Version | 1.22 | Any playtime statistic |
| Listed release date | 2024-12-06 | That the metadata cannot later be updated |
These are project metadata, not timing measurements. A complete status generally tells you that the creator considers the hack finished; it does not tell you whether the intended route is short, comparable to the base game, or longer because of added exploration.
Why the comments cannot supply an honest number
Player comments are useful for discovering what a hack feels like to play. In this case, comments discuss substantial dungeon and exploration content, as well as bugs, patches, and experiences from particular playthroughs. They can alert a prospective player to areas that may require attention, but they do not form a reliable completion-time dataset.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Anecdotes are not a representative sample
A commenter may be replaying familiar Ocarina of Time mechanics, searching every room, testing optional paths, or stopping to troubleshoot a patch. Another player may rush the critical path or already know the intended solutions. Without consistent definitions of “beat,” comparable routes, player skill levels, and a meaningful number of reports, converting those anecdotes into an average would create false precision.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Exploration changes what “finished” means
For a hack with dungeons and exploration, players may use “finished” to mean different things: reaching the ending, clearing every required dungeon, finding optional items, or investigating every area mentioned in the comments. The available sources do not define a completion standard or report separate times for those goals. A single universal number would therefore be misleading even if more individual reports existed.
Do not substitute another game’s playtime
The phrase “Sands of Time” is especially easy to misread. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is a separate 2003 Ubisoft game. Nintendo’s third-party copyright listing names that title independently; it is not a Zelda game and is not this Nintendo 64 hack.
| Title | Identity | Connection to this question |
|---|---|---|
| The Legend of Zelda – Sands of Time | Fan-made Nintendo 64 ROM hack based on Ocarina of Time | The subject of the question |
| Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time | Separate 2003 Ubisoft action-adventure game | Not a valid source for this hack’s runtime |
Playtime figures for Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, for any Zelda title other than this hack, or for the original Ocarina of Time cannot be transferred to the hack without evidence. Different level layouts, objectives, puzzles, routes, and player communities make such a comparison unsound.
Recommended Free Tools
What “complete” and version 1.22 tell you
Complete is a status label, not a promise of polish
The listing’s “complete” status indicates that the project is presented as finished rather than abandoned or in an early test phase. It does not guarantee that every player will have a bug-free run. The comments’ references to bugs and patches are a reminder that a finished project can still have technical issues or require a particular patching procedure.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Version 1.22 matters when comparing reports
If you find a future playthrough report, record the exact version before treating its time as relevant. The listing currently identifies version 1.22, but project pages can be updated. A report from an earlier build may involve different dungeon behavior, fixes, or routing. Version information is essential context, yet the listing still provides no time statistic for version 1.22.
How to plan your own playthrough without inventing a runtime
When no community estimate exists, the responsible approach is to plan around your own goals and record your result. That produces a useful personal baseline without presenting it as a universal answer.
- Confirm the exact project. Check that the page identifies The Legend of Zelda – Sands of Time, the Nintendo 64 platform, Ocarina of Time as the base game, English language, and version 1.22. This prevents accidentally timing a different “Sands of Time” title.
- Define what counts as completion. Decide in advance whether you will stop at the ending, include all required dungeons, or pursue optional exploration. Write that definition down; otherwise a later comparison will mix different goals.
- Record the build and setup. Note the version, the legally obtained base-game copy used for patching, the emulator or original-hardware setup, and any patch applied. Do not assume that a report from another build describes yours.
- Start a timer at a consistent point. For example, begin when the patched game first becomes playable and pause during breaks, troubleshooting, or time spent reading external instructions. A timer that includes technical setup is measuring a different thing from active play.
- Log interruptions and reloads. If a bug, failed patch, or hardware issue stops progress, record it separately. This distinguishes gameplay time from troubleshooting time and makes your result easier for another player to interpret.
- Report the route and endpoint. State whether you followed the main path, explored optional areas, or stopped after reaching the ending. A single number without this context is not a useful community estimate.
Your result would be a personal playthrough time, not proof of a typical runtime. Several independently recorded reports using the same version and completion definition would be needed before anyone could responsibly discuss a range.
Technical and ownership distinctions before you start
The hack is not an N64 cartridge
The listing identifies an Ocarina of Time (USA) .z64 base filename. That describes the file expected by the patching process; it does not mean the hack itself is an original Nintendo cartridge. A physical N64 cartridge for Ocarina of Time is related hardware or software, not the modified project.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential:Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Use a lawful base-game copy
Because this is a fan-made ROM hack, the usual process involves applying a patch to a copy of the required base game. Obtain the base game and create any backup or dump in a manner permitted where you live. Do not treat a cartridge purchase as authorization to download an unrelated, prepatched ROM, and do not rely on links that distribute copyrighted game images without permission.
Expect version-sensitive troubleshooting
The comments mention bugs and patches, so troubleshooting may be part of the experience for some players. Verify the required base filename and region, use the project’s stated patching instructions, and keep an unmodified backup of your legally obtained base file. If the patched result fails to boot, first check the region, file extension, patch version, and whether the patch was applied to the correct unmodified file. These checks can save time, but they still do not produce a gameplay-length estimate.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What evidence would support a future time estimate?
A credible answer could eventually be built from a clearly defined set of reports. Useful evidence would identify the exact hack version, the platform or emulator, the completion endpoint, whether optional exploration was included, and whether the clock measured active play or elapsed calendar time. Reports should come from multiple players rather than a single comment, and the article should distinguish a median or range from one unusually fast or slow run.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Until that evidence exists, phrases such as “most players finish in” or “the hack takes about” should be avoided. The current information supports only the project’s identity, release metadata, and qualitative descriptions of dungeons, exploration, bugs, patches, and playthroughs.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Questions a prospective player can answer now
Is it an official Zelda game?
No. It is a fan-made Nintendo 64 ROM hack built on Ocarina of Time. The listing’s complete status and version number describe the fan project, not an official Nintendo product.
Is it available in English?
The listing identifies English as its language. That is a language designation, not a statement about how long an English-language run takes.
What version is listed?
The page lists version 1.22 and a release date of 2024-12-06. Because project metadata can change, check the current listing when you begin and record the version used.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Can the original Ocarina of Time runtime answer this question?
No. The hack may alter progression, dungeons, exploration, or bugs. The base game identifies the project’s foundation, but it is not evidence of the modified game’s completion time.
Why not quote a player’s number from the comments?
A single player’s time can be a useful personal anecdote when it includes version and completion details. It cannot establish a typical time for the community, especially when the available comments do not provide a representative sample or consistent timing method.
Bottom line
The Legend of Zelda – Sands of Time is a complete, English Nintendo 64 fan hack based on Ocarina of Time, listed as version 1.22 with a December 6, 2024 release date. The available sources do not establish how many hours it normally takes to beat. Treat any exact figure found elsewhere as an individual report unless it documents a broad, version-specific sample and a clear definition of completion.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

