The Legend of Zelda Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders flew off the shelves when they launched in the US yesterday. The special edition encases Ninty's latest handheld in gold and green with the brand's first alternative Joy-Con design and a gorgeous dock covered in those lovely triangles. The $519.99 device ($20 more than the new $499 MSRP of the standard Switch 2) doesn't come with a copy of Ocarina of Time Remake included, though pre-orders on the game itself are going equally wild right now.
Switch 2: Check Walmart
Pro Controller: Check Best Buy
Carry case: $39.99 at Target
Ocarina of Time: $69.99 at Amazon
We've also got a whole host of accessories to contend with, and the Legend of Zelda Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is proving just as difficult to get your hands on right now. Keep your eyes peeled across the web, though, as Nintendo hasn't yet specified whether this is a "limited" edition or a "special" edition. If the latter, we could well see more stock runs hitting the shelves. If that's the case, it pays to know where to shop first.
I've been tracking high profile pre-orders ever since the hectic days of the PS5 and Xbox Series X, I watched as Nintendo Switch 2 stock melted off the shelves just last year. In all that time, I've picked up a thing or two about who is likely to drop Legend of Zelda Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders first and the steps you should take to make sure your order goes through without a hitch.
Legend of Zelda Switch 2 pre-orders have scurried off the shelves. This page has been updated to include US and UK retailers' current stock status.
The Legend of Zelda Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders in the US
Legend of Zelda Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders in the UK
How to plan for your Legend of Zelda Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order
Preparation is key whenever you know you'll be fighting against resellers for a pre-order.
Retailers know about this battle as well, which is why many put a few extra steps in place before allowing you to check out. The first thing you can do now is make sure you can jump through those particular hoops as quickly as possible when Nintendo Switch 2 Legend of Zelda pre-orders land.
1. Sign up for an account
Best Buy is the biggest example of this, but Nintendo will also likely require you to have an account to place your pre-order. It doesn't need to be a paid account or subscription, but it's safe to assume at least these two stores will require some credentials before selling you your special edition.
2. Save your details
There's another reason to keep an account with all the retailers you're planning to attempt a pre-order with. Signing in means you can keep all your payment and shipping information saved and ready to go when the race to checkout is on.
Many stock hunters complain that high-profile consoles are sometimes snatched right out of their cart during the checkout process. That's because your special edition Nintendo Switch 2 isn't actually yours until all that payment information is cleared - if someone is ahead of you and you're last in line your pre-order will still go to them.
Keeping your delivery and payment details saved and ready to go can save you precious click time.
3. Don't forget mobile
Best Buy and Walmart have both struggled under high demand during major pre-order windows in recent years. Sites crash, slow down, bug out, or simply won't load at all. It's a common occurrence, but we've found that mobile versions of those sites can often get you in while others are smashing that refresh button.
How much does the Legend of Zelda Nintendo Switch 2 cost?
The Legend of Zelda Nintendo Switch 2 costs $519.99 in the US and £429.99 in the UK.
Will more Legend of Zelda Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders be available?
The likelihood of seeing more Zelda Switch 2 stock before release day depends on whether this is a special edition or a limited edition. Nintendo itself hasn't revealed its availability plans so far, but going off track record I'd optimistically assume the former. That means there could be additional manufacturing runs on the handheld, in which case we'd at least see more stock arriving around that October 29 release date.
Is Ocarina of Time Remake included with the Legend of Zelda Nintendo Switch 2?
The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake is not included with the special edition Nintendo Switch 2 console. That's pretty typical for Nintendo, who rarely includes the game with its special releases.
Nintendo also dropped news of Hasbro's new electronic Master Sword and the new Lego Link and Epona set in its Direct, but you can also check out all the best Legend of Zelda merch we've found so far.
