Nintendo acknowledges worldwide Zelda merchandise shortage
The Legend of Zelda has built a remarkably loyal audience since the original NES release in 1987. For many players, 1998’s Ocarina of Time remains the defining entry, introducing Link’s adventure to 3D and helping turn the series into a global cultural phenomenon.
Nintendo’s 40th-anniversary campaign includes collectibles, special hardware and a remake of Ocarina of Time. However, demand has outpaced supply, leaving fans in several markets unable to find the anniversary products they want.
The shortage affects the limited-edition Nintendo Switch 2, along with other anniversary merchandise. Nintendo has now admitted that it underestimated the response and says replenishment work is under way.
Demand for anniversary products exceeded expectations
In an interview with the YouTube channel Coelho no Japão, Bill van Zyll, Nintendo’s vice president and general manager for Latin America, said the company had not anticipated how strongly the anniversary range would be received.
“If we expected it, we wouldn’t be in that situation, right? At least not to this extent. I will tell you that it’s a global phenomenon. We have this issue absolutely everywhere. I’d say we apologise for that. That certainly is not the intent. We underestimated how well it would be received. There are certainly some markets that stand out. The United States did extremely well as well. It’s a global phenomenon where they’re running out of product. The pre-sales are hitting their max, and certainly that’s what happened to us in Brazil. We are working on replenishments of the special hardware and the software, but it’ll take a little bit of time.”
More Switch 2 hardware is planned
Pre-order allocations for the limited-edition Nintendo Switch 2 have reportedly sold out within seconds whenever they become available. Resale listings have also placed the console between $600 and $800 on eBay and other secondary markets.
Van Zyll asked fans to remain patient, but Nintendo has not provided replenishment dates or quantities. The company’s current plan covers the special-edition Switch 2, the Switch 2 Pro Controller, a carrying case and a screen protector.
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Ocarina of Time remake release date
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is scheduled to launch exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on 5 November 2026. The remake is available to pre-order for $59.99 through the Nintendo eShop.
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