Nintendo has opened pre-orders for the electric ocarina designed for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on Switch 2. The accessory was absent from the game’s official gameplay presentation, which instead highlighted the 40th Anniversary Switch 2 console and a foil-cover edition.
The surprise announcement fills in two details that had been missing: the electric ocarina will launch on November 5, one week after the game, and costs $49.99. You can pre-order it via Nintendo here.
What the electric ocarina does
This is an optional accessory, but it is designed to connect the player’s real-world performance with the game. Link can replicate the melodies played on the device, giving the instrument a practical role beyond display value.
- Free Play: Play your own melodies on the instrument.
- Auto-Play: Select from 12 pre-programmed songs.
- Zelda Notes support: Save and share songs using QR codes.
- Headphone connection: Connect audio equipment through the built-in headphone jack.
- Display stand: Keep the ocarina on its dedicated stand when it is not being used.
Players should note that this is not a traditional wind instrument. Rather than blowing into it, users activate the sound by pressing a button on the mouthpiece. That makes it simpler to use, but it also means the accessory does not reproduce the physical playing experience of a real ocarina.
At $49.99, the accessory sits well below the cost of the themed console and other premium hardware. It may appeal to collectors who missed out on the ocarina keychain pre-order bonus, as well as players looking for a more interactive companion to the remake.
For more gaming and hardware coverage, browse the RETROCADE Arcade Blog or explore the arcade machine buying guide for advice on choosing dedicated gaming hardware.
Zelda Switch 2 console pre-orders remain difficult
The themed green-and-gold Switch 2 console has appeared for sale several times through Nintendo’s online store, including during the weekend of September 11. People using Nintendo’s dedicated app received availability notifications immediately.
Nintendo has said that further pre-order opportunities will be offered over time, and some recent waves lasted longer than expected. However, major online retailers including Amazon and Target have continued to sell through their allocations quickly, sometimes after restocking multiple times in one day.
GameStop locations have also reportedly told store managers that they will not take console pre-orders at this time. For Australian readers tracking the release, retailer stock and local launch details may differ, so it is worth checking official regional announcements before committing to an order.
Although the console may be the headline collector item, the electric ocarina is the more focused accessory: it connects directly to the remake’s musical mechanics without requiring the larger investment of themed hardware. Fans planning a dedicated gaming setup can also compare arcade machines, bartop arcades and arcade parts through RETROCADE.
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