The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2: Why Nintendo’s Shortage Hits Even Fans Who Preordered
99 Pro Controller far exceeded expectations, according to Bill van Zyll, Nintendo’s vice president for Latin America, who told YouTube’s Coelho no Japão in October 2026.
Nintendo’s 40th-anniversary Switch 2 console sold out within seconds of preorder launches, despite preorders, and demand for the $519.99 console and $99.99 Pro Controller far exceeded expectations, according to Bill van Zyll, Nintendo’s vice president for Latin America, who told YouTube’s Coelho no Japão in October 2026.
Key numbers
| Stat | Figure | Date | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price of Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 console | $519.99 | October 2026 | Nintendo Insider |
| Price of standard Switch 2 console | $499.99 | October 2026 | Gizmodo |
| Price of Zelda 40th Anniversary Pro Controller | $99.99 | October 2026 | Gizmodo |
| Price difference between Zelda edition and standard Switch 2 | $20 | October 2026 | Gizmodo |
What happened
Nintendo’s 40th-anniversary Switch 2 console and Pro Controller sold out within seconds of preorder launches in October 2026, despite preorders, and the company underestimated demand for the limited-edition hardware, according to Bill van Zyll, Nintendo’s vice president for Latin America.
The shortage affected even those who preordered, with Walmart canceling some pre-orders a day before delivery and Target delaying shipments until mid-November. Nintendo acknowledged the issue globally, stating that pre-sales hit their maximum capacity and that restocks would take time.
Who is affected
Fans worldwide, including those who preordered the $519.99 Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 console or the $99.99 Pro Controller, are affected by the shortage, with many unable to secure the limited-edition hardware despite preorders.
Retailers like Walmart and Target have also faced backlash, with some customers reporting cancellations or delays, while the Nintendo Store has seen repeated restocks that disappear almost instantly.
Timeline of Nintendo Switch Zelda 40th Anniversary releases and shortages
- September 2026: Preorders for the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 console and Pro Controller go live and sell out within seconds.
- October 2, 2026: Nintendo announces the $519.99 Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 console and $99.99 Pro Controller, with the console priced $20 more than the standard Switch 2.
- October 28, 2026: Nintendo acknowledges the shortage in an interview with Coelho no Japão, stating demand exceeded expectations globally.
- October 29, 2026: The Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 console and Pro Controller launch, selling out almost instantly. Walmart cancels some pre-orders a day before delivery.
- October 30, 2026: Target delays shipments until mid-November. The Nintendo Store sees repeated restocks that disappear quickly.
- October 31, 2026: Additional stock of the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 console becomes available at the Nintendo Store, but restocks continue to sell out rapidly.
- November 5, 2026: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake releases on the Nintendo Switch 2.
The price of the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 console is $519.99, which is $20 more than the standard Switch 2 console priced at $499.99.
What to do next
Fans looking to secure the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 console or Pro Controller should monitor the Nintendo Store app for restock notifications, as the official retailer has seen the most restocks.
Those who missed preorders can also check secondary markets, though prices have skyrocketed, with the console selling for between $600 and $800 on platforms like eBay.
What we don’t know
Nintendo has not provided a specific timeline for when additional stock of the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 console and Pro Controller will be available, nor has the company confirmed if or when the carrying case and screen protector will be restocked.
It is also unclear how long the shortage will persist, as Nintendo continues to work on replenishing inventory.
Why it matters
The shortage highlights the immense demand for the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 console, which marks the 40th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda series, released in 1987.
The limited-edition hardware, including the console, Pro Controller, and carrying case, has become a highly sought-after collectible, with fans eager to own a piece of gaming history.
- Monitor the Nintendo Store app for restock notifications, as it has seen the most restocks.
- Check secondary markets like eBay, though prices have significantly increased.
- Consider alternative retailers, though delays and cancellations have been reported.
- Be patient, as Nintendo continues to work on replenishing inventory.
- Keep an eye out for additional stock of the carrying case and screen protector.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 console so hard to find?
Nintendo underestimated the demand for the limited-edition hardware, leading to a shortage despite preorders. The console and Pro Controller sold out within seconds of preorder launches, and restocks have disappeared almost instantly.
Can I still preorder the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 console?
Preorders are no longer available, but the Nintendo Store has seen repeated restocks. Fans should monitor the app for notifications.
How much is the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 console on the secondary market?
The console is selling for between $600 and $800 on platforms like eBay, significantly higher than the $519.99 retail price.
When will the carrying case and screen protector be available again?
Nintendo has not provided a specific timeline for when additional stock of the carrying case and screen protector will be available.
Is the Ocarina of Time remake available now?
Yes, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake released on November 5, 2026, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Why did Walmart cancel some pre-orders?
Walmart cited overselling pre-orders and supply chain delays as reasons for cancellations, though affected customers will not be charged.
See what America is searching today →
Sources
- Nintendo issues new statement on Zelda 40th anniversary Switch 2 shortage — polygon.com, 2026-10-28
- Zelda 40th Anniversary Console Back In Stock — nintendo-insider.com, 2026-10-29
- Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 Pre-Orders Cancelled at Walmart, Delayed at Target — stevivor.com, 2026-10-30
- The 40th Anniversary Zelda Switch 2 Is a Beauty to Behold and Now I Hate That I Want It — gizmodo.com, 2026-10-02
- Gallery: Here's A Closer Look At The Zelda 40th Anniversary Special Edition Switch 2 — nintendolife.com, 2026-10-29
- Nintendo Store restocks Nintendo Switch Zelda 40th Anniversary on October 29 — el-balad.com, 2026-10-31