Ethan Crossfield 
Limited-edition hardware has become a major flashpoint for console communities, where launch-day availability can be as closely watched as the games themselves. Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition Switch 2 followed that pattern immediately: Amazon briefly accepted orders on release day, but the retailer had sold out by 11:55 ET on October 29.
A Zelda-themed Switch 2 with a premium price
Nintendo revealed the anniversary system in September and launched it in the United States on October 29 for $519.99. That places the themed model $20 above the standard Switch 2. The release is part of Nintendo’s celebration of The Legend of Zelda’s 40th anniversary, with a matching Pro Controller and carrying case also arriving separately. Those accessories are not included with the console, so buyers seeking the full coordinated set face additional purchases when stock is available.
Launch-day availability disappeared quickly
Amazon’s release-day listing gave prospective buyers another route after earlier preorder opportunities repeatedly opened and closed within minutes. The window did not last: Amazon was sold out by late morning on October 29. Nintendo’s U.S. store was also listing the console as unavailable, alongside the themed controller and carrying case. Supply issues extended beyond those storefronts, as some Walmart customers reported canceled preorders shortly before launch and had to search for alternatives on release day.
Nintendo says more units are being pursued
Nintendo has acknowledged that demand for its Zelda anniversary hardware and accessories exceeded expectations. Bill van Zyll, Nintendo’s Latin America vice president and general manager, described the preorder shortfall as a worldwide issue in a late-October 2026 interview, while noting that the United States has been especially affected. He indicated that Nintendo is working to bring more units to market. That suggests a restock remains possible in the coming weeks, but no retailer timing or guaranteed allocation has been announced.
Key points
- The Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition Switch 2 launched in the U.S. on October 29.
- Its launch price is $519.99, which is $20 above the standard Switch 2.
- Amazon sold out of the console by 11:55 ET on release day.
- Nintendo says it is working to improve supply, but has not confirmed a restock date.
Zelda Switch 2 launch availability
| Item | U.S. price | Status reported on October 29 |
|---|---|---|
| Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition Switch 2 | $519.99 | Sold out at Amazon and Nintendo's U.S. store |
| Matching Pro Controller | Not stated | Unavailable at Nintendo's U.S. store |
| Matching carrying case | Not stated | Unavailable at Nintendo's U.S. store |
Expert View
This launch underlines how anniversary branding can turn a console variant into a high-demand collector product rather than a routine hardware option. For Nintendo, the immediate sellouts create strong visibility around Zelda’s milestone, but canceled orders and inaccessible accessories can frustrate committed fans. The key next step is consistent restocking across retailers, especially in the U.S., where Nintendo has identified the shortage as particularly severe.
