Nintendo has announced the first special edition of its Switch 2 hardware: The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition, priced at $519.99. Pre-orders went live immediately following a Nintendo Direct on September 9, 2026, with the console scheduled to ship on October 29. The edition does not include a game, but a matching Pro Controller ($99.99) and carrying case are also available.
The limited-edition console marks the 12th piece of Zelda-themed hardware Nintendo has released, spanning handheld and home systems since the Game Boy Advance SP in 2004. The Switch 2 tablet itself remains largely black, with gold triangles on the back, while the Joy-Cons sport a green design with a Triforce symbol on the left. The dock is finished in a two-tone gold and black with a prominent Triforce motif on the front and hidden easter eggs on the back. The packaging is said to feature textured foil cover art.
The announcement came during a Nintendo Direct that also showcased an upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The Switch 2 launched earlier this year, and this is its first limited-edition hardware variant, arriving later than the original Switch's first special edition (a Monster Hunter XX pack).
Alongside the console, Nintendo is selling a themed Pro Controller for $99.99 and a carrying case with screen protector. Pre-orders are available directly from Nintendo and through retailers such as Best Buy.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- This is the first special edition Switch 2, signaling Nintendo's strategy to drive hardware sales through coveted collector's items.
- The $520 price point, exclusive design, and tie-in with a major Ocarina of Time remake could trigger strong demand and potential stock shortages.
- The anniversary edition reinforces the enduring commercial power of the Zelda franchise, now 40 years old.
Background
Nintendo has a long history of releasing limited-edition consoles tied to major game franchises, with Zelda-themed hardware dating back to the Game Boy Advance SP in 2004. The Switch 2 launched in 2026, and this is its first limited-edition variant. The accompanying Ocarina of Time remake is a key title for the new platform, expected to drive adoption.
Key Perspectives
Nintendo: The company is leveraging its most beloved franchise to create a premium, collectible product that appeals to both new buyers and existing owners looking for a second console.
Collectors and fans: The design—green Joy-Cons, gold dock, and easter eggs—targets dedicated Zelda enthusiasts. The lack of an included game may be a minor disappointment, but the hardware itself is the draw.
Critics/Skeptics: The $520 price is $70 above the standard Switch 2, and the console does not include a game. For casual buyers, the value may be questionable compared to the base model.
What to Watch
- Pre-order sell-out times and secondary market prices for the edition.
- Whether Nintendo releases additional special editions for other franchises (e.g., Mario, Splatoon) later in the Switch 2 lifecycle.
- The reception of the Ocarina of Time remake, which could further boost demand for the themed hardware.