If you tried to preorder the Zelda 40th Anniversary Nintendo Switch 2 and came away empty-handed, you are definitely not alone. Preorders opened on September 8 and sold out in roughly four hours across major retailers. Nintendo has even admitted it underestimated demand.
But here is the good news: launch week is coming, and there are real reasons to stay hopeful. Below is everything Nintendo is releasing for Zelda's 40th anniversary, plus what we know about getting your hands on one.
Every Zelda 40th Anniversary product coming
Nintendo Switch 2, The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition (October 29): A special edition console with Triforce designs on the back of the system, the dock, and the Joy-Con 2 controllers. It is priced at $519.99, just $20 more than the standard Switch 2. Important: it does not include a game.
Switch 2 Pro Controller, Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition (October 29): A Zelda-themed Pro Controller decorated with patterns and illustrations inspired by the series. It is reported at $99.99, and Nintendo's listing pairs it with a display stand.
Zelda Carrying Case and Screen Protector (October 29): A themed case and screen protector set to match the console.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (November 5): The faithful Switch 2 remake of the 1998 classic, with rebuilt visuals, voiced cutscenes, orchestral music, modern camera controls, and a new quest log.
Young Link and Young Zelda amiibo (2027): Two new figures from Ocarina of Time. Scanning them unlocks special in-game masks for Link.
The Best Buy late-night launch: what is actually happening
You may have heard that Best Buy is doing something special at night for the launch. Here is what Best Buy has actually announced.
Nearly all U.S. Best Buy stores will open late on launch night so fans can pick up Ocarina of Time the moment it releases at midnight Eastern on November 5. In local time, that means doors open on Wednesday, November 4 at 11 p.m. Central, 10 p.m. Mountain, 9 p.m. Pacific, 8 p.m. in Alaska, and 6 p.m. in Hawaii.
The part Zelda fans should care about most: Best Buy says a limited number of Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 systems and Zelda Pro Controllers will be available to buy in select stores during the midnight launch. Best Buy has not said how many units each store will get, and it cannot guarantee that everyone will get one, so arriving early is your best bet.
A few more details worth knowing:
If you already preordered the game with in-store pickup, you can grab it during the late-night opening. Best Buy is also emailing customers with an option to switch to in-store pickup.
My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total members earn 10% back when they preorder Ocarina of Time.
We could not find any invitation or ticket system tied to the event. It appears to be first come, first served, so check Best Buy's store locator to confirm your local store is participating.
Will there be more stock on launch day?
We are hopeful. Nintendo has confirmed that more Zelda 40th Anniversary hardware is coming, though it has not shared dates or quantities. The official release date for the console and Pro Controller is October 29, and retailers sometimes receive extra units around a launch. Best Buy's midnight event is the only confirmed restock so far, but keep an eye on Walmart and Target, which have tended to restock early in the morning.
Do not overpay a scalper
Resale listings for the Zelda console have been running far above retail, with some reports of $750 to $900 on resale sites. That is a huge markup on a $519.99 console. Be especially careful with listings that seem too cheap or sellers who will not show photos of the actual unit, since scams are common with hot hardware.
Plan B: Get the game now, the console later
Remember, the special edition console does not come with Ocarina of Time anyway. The game plays on any Switch 2, and the standard Switch 2 is still available at regular retailers. So whether you score a Zelda console on launch night or end up with a standard model, you can lock in your copy of the game right now.
Preorder The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on Amazon
Our take
Missing the preorder window stings, especially for a console this special. But between Nintendo's promised restocks and Best Buy's late-night launch, launch week is your best shot yet. Set your alarm, check your local store, and get ready to play the Hero of Time all over again.