Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 Stock Remains Depleted, Retailers Pivot to In-Store Drops

Nintendo Switch 2: The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition remains incredibly difficult to find online, with major retailers continuing to show the limited-edition console as sold out. However, that doesn't necessarily mean your chances of getting one are over.

With retailers increasingly shifting their remaining inventory towards physical stores (with several Ocarina of Time midnight launch events also featuring restocks for the special edition Switch 2 ), some fans may have better luck heading out to their local retailer than waiting for another online restock.

Nintendo Switch 2 - The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition

There are several reasons why retailers could be preferring to drop stock for in-store sales only, but an easy explanation would be simply that they are selling to real buyers, rather than aggressive bots set up by scalpers looking to sell the console at a profit.

That being said, retailers like Amazon and even Nintendo themselves are still occasionally going through restocks online, so it's still worth keeping an eye out every day in case you get lucky.

Along with the hype and success of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time arriving on Nintendo Switch 2 this week, demand for the anniversary hardware isn't exactly showing any signs of slowing down either.

After the summer reveal, preorders sold out almost immediately at retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy. Since then, online availability has remained extremely limited, with sporadic inventory appearing at Amazon and reports of Walmart orders being canceled due to stock shortages.

Nintendo Switch 2: The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition Console Images

Where to Check for Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 Stock

As I mentioned, Best Buy recently held special midnight openings at select locations for the Ocarina of Time remake on Switch 2, with 40th anniversary consoles also available for select walk-in customers, rather than hosting any restocks online. Since then, there are no new signs of any further restocks occurring via the retailer's online store.

Target has also said it will have more stock in stores from November 5 onwards ( specifically stating it will also be in-store only in its weekly ad ), but it may also be worth keeping an eye online as well in case any turn up there as well.

GameStop and Walmart are the other retailers worth checking in person, although we'd recommend calling ahead to confirm whether it has any consoles available for walk-in purchases.

If you're still hoping to get your hands on the console, here are the retailer pages worth bookmarking for those still hoping to nab one online rather than in-person. Availability can change quickly, so it's worth checking each one rather than relying on a single retailer.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Switch 2)

The Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition includes a custom black-and-gold Switch 2 console, themed Joy-Con 2 controllers, and a matching dock featuring the iconic gold Triforce emblem.

It retains all the usual Switch 2 functionality, including TV, Tabletop, and Handheld modes, but doesn't include a copy of Ocarina of Time.

That means anyone buying the $519.99 console will need to pick up the game separately. Might seem obvious to some of you, but trust me, plenty will be confused that it doesn't.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is available for $69.99 at Amazon, with the new release bringing a rebuilt version of Nintendo's beloved 1998 adventure, complete with modernized controls, reworked dungeon puzzles, and expanded Hyrule environments.

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller - The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition

It's also worth keeping an eye out for the matching Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 Pro Controller at most retailers as well, online and in store.

Like the console, the themed controller sold out shortly after preorders opened, and significant online restocks have been difficult to come by. Post launch-day inventory could offer another opportunity, although there are no guarantees of additional stock appearing going forward.

For now, I'd recommend checking your local stores before spending the day refreshing online listings.

The console may be difficult to find on a retailer's website, but that doesn't mean every last unit has disappeared from physical inventory. We'll continue monitoring Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and Nintendo for further availability updates.

Robert Anderson is a Senior Commerce Editor for IGN. Based in London, UK, he is a qualified journalist with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (First Class Degree) and over seven years of professional writing and editing experience.

You can usually find Robert lost in open-world RPG games like Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077. Outside of gaming, his passions include reading comics (especially Superman, Batman, and Spider-Man), taking photos, and keeping up with the latest in film and TV.

His primary coverage focuses on tracking down the best gaming deals and diving into the fast-paced world of Trading Card Games (TCGs). He regularly covers everything from the latest releases in Pokémon TCG and the most expensive cards to comprehensive Magic: The Gathering buying guides .