Ethan Crossfield 
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is getting a nostalgic pre-order bonus ahead of its November 5 release on Switch 2, but most fans will not be able to obtain it. EB Games Canada is offering a holographic slipcover inspired by the original Nintendo 64 packaging, making it a particularly fitting extra for longtime Zelda players.
What Happened With the Ocarina of Time Bonus
Pre-orders for the Switch 2 remake are now available at multiple retailers. In Canada, customers who purchase the game through EB Games will receive a holographic slipcover designed to evoke the box used for the 1998 N64 release. The bonus is a strong match for a remake built around one of Nintendo's most recognizable games, but the offer appears to be exclusive to Canada. Players in other regions therefore cannot count on receiving the same item with their pre-orders.
Why the Slipcover Matters to Zelda Fans
The original Ocarina of Time quickly became known as one of the greatest games ever made, and its N64 identity remains a major part of its appeal. The Switch 2 version is positioned as more than a simple re-release, with upgraded graphics and performance alongside hardware-specific features. These include motion-controlled aiming for items such as the Slingshot, microphone support for the in-game Ocarina, and integration of the Zelda Notes feature from the Nintendo Switch mobile app. Against that backdrop, an N64-inspired collectible gives Canadian buyers a small but meaningful connection to the game's history. It is not essential to the experience, but its regional limitation makes it frustrating for collectors elsewhere.
What to Watch Next
Nintendo is treating the remake as a major Switch 2 release. Alongside the game, the company is offering a special-edition console, a Pro Controller, and amiibo based on Young Link and Young Zelda. Nintendo has also shown gameplay after months without substantial updates, and the early reception described in the source has been positive. The central question now is whether the remake can modernize a revered classic without losing what made it special. A version that changes too much could disappoint longtime players, while one that stays too close to the original may feel less welcoming to newcomers. With launch approaching, the response to the upgraded presentation and new features will be more important than any retailer-exclusive collectible.
Key Takeaways for Prospective Buyers
- The remake launches on Switch 2 on November 5.
- EB Games Canada is offering a holographic N64-inspired slipcover.
- The bonus appears to be unavailable outside Canada.
- The remake adds upgraded visuals, performance, motion aiming, and microphone support.
- A special-edition console, Pro Controller, and two Zelda amiibo are also planned.
Expert View
The Canadian slipcover is exactly the kind of low-cost, high-sentiment extra that can strengthen a premium remake's identity. Its regional exclusivity is unlikely to affect sales, since Ocarina of Time's reputation will do most of the work, but it does highlight how uneven collectible incentives can feel to an international fanbase. For Nintendo, the bigger test is whether the Switch 2 enhancements justify revisiting a classic that already remains available through Nintendo Switch Online.
