Zelda-Themed Switch 2 Release Marred by Supply Issues and Disappointment
The eagerly awaited 40th anniversary edition of the Nintendo Switch 2 and a matching Zelda-themed Pro controller saw initial sales success, but many customers faced difficulties in securing the console.
The highly anticipated release of the 40th anniversary edition of the Nintendo Switch 2 console, along with a matching Zelda-themed Pro controller, has been met with both excitement and frustration among fans. According to reports, the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake will launch on November 5, 2026, adding another layer of anticipation to the already packed holiday season for gaming enthusiasts 13.
The special edition console and controller, released on October 29, 2026, quickly became a hot commodity, with pre-orders selling out almost immediately upon becoming available in early September 2026 1. This swift uptake left many hopeful buyers scrambling to secure their place in line, only to find the coveted items sold out online well before the official release date 2.
Walmart, one of the primary retailers for the Zelda-themed Switch 2, faced significant challenges in meeting demand. Several customers who had pre-ordered the console from Walmart were informed just one day before the release that their orders could not be fulfilled, a situation exacerbated by the company's overselling of available stock 2. On release day, some Walmart stores received their shipments late, while others were restricted from selling the console even though they had stock on hand 2.
Other major retailers also encountered issues. Target reported delays and cancellations for some pre-orders of the Zelda-themed Switch 2, mirroring the struggles faced by Walmart 2. In contrast, Best Buy, which had a later release date for the console, managed to avoid many of these supply chain problems 2.
Pricing for the special edition console was also a point of interest. Walmart listed the Zelda-themed Switch 2 at a higher price due to third-party sellers, but hoped to restock the console at the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) on launch day 1. Meanwhile, the Nintendo Store held the exclusive rights to sell the Zelda-themed Pro Controller with a display stand, which came with a $10 premium over the standard version 1.
Physical copies of the game, featuring foil-gilded covers for the first print run, added to the allure of the release 3. Despite the challenges faced by some retailers and customers, the excitement surrounding the 40th anniversary edition of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its accompanying Zelda-themed accessories shows no signs of waning.
What We Know
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake will be launched on November 5, 2026. 13
- The 40th anniversary edition of the Nintendo Switch 2 console and a matching Zelda-themed Pro controller were released on October 29, 2026. 1
- Initial pre-orders for the Zelda-themed Switch 2 and Pro controller were sold out within minutes after being made available in early September 2026. 1
- Many customers who did not pre-order the console found it sold out online prior to the release date. 2
- Some customers who pre-ordered the console from Walmart were informed one day before the release that their orders could not be fulfilled. 2
- Walmart experienced overselling of the console stock, leading to difficulties in fulfilling pre-orders. 2
- Some Walmart stores received shipments late on release day, while others faced restrictions on selling the console despite having stock available. 2
- Target reported delays and cancellations for some pre-orders of the Zelda-themed Switch 2 console. 2
- Best Buy experienced fewer supply issues compared to Walmart and Target. 2
- Walmart lists the Zelda-themed Switch 2 at a higher price due to third-party sellers, but hopes for a restock at the MSRP on launch day. 1
- The Nintendo Store is the exclusive retailer for the Zelda-themed Pro Controller with a display stand, which costs $10 more. 1
- Physical copies of the game will have foil-gilded covers for the first print run. 3
Verification report
Likely accurate — probability of truth 66%, weighted across 16 claims from 3 independent outlets.
- likely The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake will be launched on November 5, 2026. (83%)
- likely The 40th anniversary edition of the Nintendo Switch 2 console and a matching Zelda-themed Pro controller were released on October 29, 2026. (71%)
- likely Initial pre-orders for the Zelda-themed Switch 2 and Pro controller were sold out within minutes after being made available in early September 2026. (71%)
- likely Many customers who did not pre-order the console found it sold out online prior to the release date. (70%)
- likely Some customers who pre-ordered the console from Walmart were informed one day before the release that their orders could not be fulfilled. (70%)
- likely Walmart experienced overselling of the console stock, leading to difficulties in fulfilling pre-orders. (70%)
- likely Some Walmart stores received shipments late on release day, while others faced restrictions on selling the console despite having stock available. (70%)
- likely Target reported delays and cancellations for some pre-orders of the Zelda-themed Switch 2 console. (70%)
- likely Best Buy, which had a later release date for the console, experienced fewer supply issues compared to Walmart and Target. (70%)
- unverified Target confirmed restocking of the Zelda-themed Switch 2 and Pro controller on November 5, 2026, in-store, and November 6, 2026, online. (51%)
- unverified Best Buy will have new stock of the Zelda-themed Switch 2 and Pro controller on November 5, 2026, during in-store midnight launch events for the Ocarina of Time game. (51%)
- unverified Some extra Zelda-themed Switch 2 consoles will be available at Best Buy's midnight launch event on November 5th. (46%)
- unverified Zelda-themed Switch 2 Pro Controllers will be on sale on October 29th. (46%)
- likely Walmart lists the Zelda-themed Switch 2 at a higher price due to third-party sellers, but hopes for a restock at the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) on launch day. (71%)
- likely The Nintendo Store is the exclusive retailer for the Zelda-themed Pro Controller with a display stand, which costs $10 more. (71%)
- likely Physical copies of the game will have foil-gilded covers for the first print run. (67%)
Sources
- Tom's Guide — Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition Switch 2 console and controller restock live — latest launch day updates as Target confirms drop
https://www.tomsguide.com/news/live/zelda-anniversary-edition-switch-2-console-launch-day-restock-live-updates - Polygon — The 'Zelda' Switch 2 Console Release Is A Confirmed Disaster For Some
https://www.polygon.com/zelda-switch-2-ocarina-of-time-edition-preorder-cancel-delay-walmart-target/ - Kotaku — How To Get The Foil Cover Zelda: Ocarina Of Time And Its Impossible-To-Find Special Edition Switch 2 Console
https://kotaku.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-legend-of-zelda-ocarina-of-time-pre-orders-2000750512