Ethan Crossfield 
Nintendo is adding a major collector-focused release to the Switch 2 lineup. The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition Nintendo Switch 2 launches on October 29, giving the hardware a distinctive Zelda design shortly before The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time arrives on the platform on November 5.
What Happened: A Zelda-Themed Switch 2 Arrives October 29
The new console commemorates 40 years of The Legend of Zelda with a black-and-gold finish across the system and its dock. The dock features Triforce imagery, while additional series-inspired patterns and symbols appear on the console itself. Matching Joy-Con 2 controllers use green and gold, making the design more substantial than a simple franchise logo.
Nintendo is also releasing related accessories, including a Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition Switch 2 Pro Controller and a carrying case bundled with a screen protector. The console itself does not include The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, so buyers who want the game will need to purchase it separately.
Why It Matters: Hardware and Anniversary Releases Meet
The announcement gives Nintendo a recognizable hardware centerpiece as the Switch 2 moves through its first year and heads toward the holiday season. Rather than relying only on new games or upgraded versions of existing releases, Nintendo is using one of its most established franchises to make the console itself part of the celebration.
The timing is particularly deliberate. Ocarina of Time launches as a Switch 2 exclusive on November 5, one week after the themed console reaches stores. The remake rebuilds the 1998 classic with overhauled visuals, expanded dialogue, symphonic music, modernized camera and movement controls, and other additions. That combination gives Zelda fans a coordinated hardware-and-software release window, even though the game is not included with the console.
What to Watch Next: Ocarina of Time and Collector Details
The next major date is October 29, when the Zelda-themed Switch 2 becomes available. The following week brings Ocarina of Time on November 5, placing both releases within a short period for fans deciding whether to invest in the new hardware and remake.
Nintendo is also adding a physical-release collectible to the game launch. The first physical print run will include textured foil cover art while supplies last. That detail, alongside the themed console, Pro Controller, and carrying case, shows how strongly Nintendo is positioning this anniversary period toward collectors. Availability limits are confirmed for the game's physical cover art, but the source does not provide pricing or broader stock information for the hardware or accessories.
Key Takeaways
- The Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition Switch 2 launches on October 29.
- The package includes themed hardware and matching Joy-Con 2 controllers.
- A Zelda Pro Controller and carrying case with screen protector are also planned.
- Ocarina of Time launches separately on Switch 2 on November 5.
- The first physical game print run includes textured foil cover art while supplies last.
Expert View
This is a strong example of Nintendo extending a major game celebration beyond software. The Zelda design gives Switch 2 a more distinct identity during an important holiday window, while Ocarina of Time supplies the release momentum one week later. The decision to sell the game separately may frustrate players seeking a complete bundle, but the hardware and accessory lineup should appeal directly to long-time Zelda collectors.
