Nintendo releases Zelda 40th anniversary Switch 2 console and Pro Controller

Nintendo released the Zelda-themed Switch 2 console system and matching Pro Controller on Oct. 29, 2026, to mark The Legend of Zelda’s 40th anniversary.

Polygon reported that preorder windows sold out within seconds each time and resale listings reached between $600 and $800 on eBay and other markets. IGN said the edition sold out at most major retailers ahead of its Oct. 29 release.

Nintendo said more Zelda-themed Switch 2 stock is coming but gave no date, after demand outpaced supply globally, including strong U.S. sales and maxed pre-sales in Brazil. “We underestimated how well it would be received,” said Bill van Zyll, Nintendo’s vice president and general manager for Latin America.

Stevivor reported that Walmart cancelled some Zelda Switch 2 pre-orders a day before delivery, saying the item was out of stock, customers would not be charged, and no system was on the way. Target customers who pre-ordered were told to wait until mid-November for their orders. Walmart blamed a supply chain delay for keeping select stores from selling the hardware until next month, a separate issue from the cancellations that affects shoppers who did not pre-order.

Nintendo Everything described the Zelda Pro Controller as having a semi-reflective gold face plate, gradient green handles and back, a Triforce between the + and – buttons, and a Link sprite from the original Legend of Zelda, and said it is the second official Switch 2 Pro Controller with a built-in design; the first was Resident Evil-themed but completely black with a subtle imprint. IGN described the left grip as black and the right grip as deep green, mirroring Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 colors, with a black-and-gold Triforce on the front.

Nintendo Everything said dust can enter the bottom of the Switch 2 Pro Controller’s sticks if left out for weeks or months, dulling the feel. The included Hyrule Castle stand requires a specific forward-tilting angle and can tumble from a slight bump, though fit may vary by unit. Nintendo Everything recommends tomtoc cases to block dust and Savage Raven thumb grips, preferably black to match, to shield sticks from chips, grease and dirt. Savage Raven thumb grip packs contain two of each grip, with three different grips per pack.

Nintendo Everything said the stand depicts Hyrule Castle and mountains, reuses art supposedly from a Zelda jigsaw puzzle seen on other merchandise, and looks clean and detailed. IGN reported that the standard Zelda 40th Anniversary Pro Controller costs $99.99 at GameStop, Walmart, Best Buy, Target and Nintendo, and that Nintendo sells a bundle adding a matching display stand for $109.99, while Nintendo UK lists the bundle at £92.99; the standard edition is the controller alone.

FINCHANNEL reported that Japan lists the anniversary Switch 2 at ¥62,980 including tax as a Japanese-language system without the game, while U.S. retailer Target lists it at $519.99 despite no official Nintendo U.S. MSRP, or manufacturer’s suggested retail price. The anniversary Switch 2 system does not include Ocarina of Time; players must buy the game separately. The Pro Controller and carrying case launch Oct. 29 in Japan at ¥12,980 and ¥3,980; Nintendo limits the stand-equipped controller to its New York and San Francisco stores and the Nintendo Store.

Stevivor reported that Hori announced Zelda-themed Switch 2 accessories for release in Japan in November, with preorders open on the Hori Store and Amazon. Hori’s Japanese line prices a slim hard pouch at 4,480 yen, a shoulder pouch at 4,980 yen, and an all-in-one storage bag at 5,480 yen. Hori also lists a wireless HORIPAD Turbo controller for 8,980 yen and a game card case holding up to six cards for 1,780 yen.

Stevivor reported that Nintendo’s 40th anniversary range includes the Zelda-themed Switch 2, a Pro Controller, a carrying case, Ocarina of Time amiibo, and a playable Ocarina. The official Nintendo Store in Australia received more Zelda Switch 2 stock during the week of Oct. 30, 2026, per Vooks.net, as cited by Nintendo Life. A Nintendo Life reader poll drew 42 votes and comments described mixed results, including buying through four retailers and refusing scalper prices.

Stevivor reported that one Nintendo Life reader received the Zelda Switch 2 console and a case from different retailers on the same day after ordering through four retailers, one of them overseas. One Nintendo Life reader said they never got the Zelda Switch 2 because preorder windows landed during work hours and they will not pay scalper prices.

Stevivor reported that Walmart customer service told some affected customers that the retailer had oversold preorders for the Zelda-themed Switch 2 after cancelling orders a day before delivery. Walmart’s website continued to list the Zelda-themed Switch 2 as out of stock after the cancellations, with listings appearing at higher prices.

IGN reported that as of Sept. 9, 2026, GameStop was the last major retailer it could find offering preorders for the Zelda 40th Anniversary Pro Controller. The controller had been selling out at most major retailers ahead of its Oct. 29 release, leaving limited stock elsewhere.

Nintendo’s replenishment plan for Zelda 40th-anniversary products includes the limited-edition Switch 2, the Switch 2 Pro Controller, the carrying case, and the screen protector. Nintendo said replenishments of hardware and software are planned without dates or quantities.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake launches Nov. 5, 2026, exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2, with preorders at $59.99 on Nintendo eShop. In the remake, players can make Link jump with a button command, and the right stick improves camera control.

FINCHANNEL reported that the day-and-night cycle continues even when players are inside towns. The remake adds Threads of Time, a feature that lets players track their progress and upcoming goal while adventuring. Nintendo says the first physical print run will use special packaging featuring textured foil cover art, available while supplies last.

FINCHANNEL reported that the original Ocarina of Time is still available via Nintendo Switch Online’s Nintendo 64 library, while the Switch 2 remake uses rebuilt assets, redesigned areas, voiced sequences and modified controls compared with the original. Nintendo said in June that Ocarina of Time was being remade only for Switch 2 in 2026.

FINCHANNEL reported that Nintendo’s global Zelda 40th Anniversary Concert series begins in Tokyo in January 2027, then Chicago in February, London in April, and Melbourne in May. Young Link and Young Zelda Ocarina of Time amiibo launch in 2027 and can unlock special in-game masks featuring a retro visual style, and the live-action film The Legend of Zelda opens in theaters worldwide on April 30, 2027.

FINCHANNEL reported that the Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct included announcements of new Zelda-related content for Nintendo’s Today! app and expanded ZELDA NOTES features. The expanded ZELDA NOTES for the remake will offer adventure tracking, location challenges, a virtual ocarina, and a daily quiz with more than 2,000 questions.