BODY: Nintendo released the Nintendo Switch 2 (Japanese-language, domestic-only) The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition on October 29. AUTOMATON reports that, with fears of scalping running high, the console is nonetheless available at list price from several stores, at least at the time of writing.
The 40th anniversary console comes without a game. The Triforce, the symbol of the Zelda series, appears as a design motif on the back of the console, the included dock and the Joy-Con 2 controllers. The Joy-Con 2 and the dock also use their own base colors, and removing the dock cover reveals pixel-art Link and Zelda. It arrives ahead of the full remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, which AUTOMATON says is due on November 4. It was released together with a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller and a carrying case in the same anniversary design. The price is 62,980 yen including tax.
Preorders began late on September 8 and ran into September 9, and the Nintendo Store and other retailers sold out quickly. Some retailers reopened preorders before launch, and stock appears to have been prepared for launch day.
On the flea-market site Mercari, AUTOMATON found that most listings were unsold. Some had sold, but most were priced only about 1,000 yen above the 62,980 yen list price. Several days after launch, some online shops were still selling the console by back-order, and social media posts reported that stock remained at electronics retailers. The article says the Pro Controller and carrying case are in a similar position.
AUTOMATON notes that Nintendo has taken thorough anti-scalping measures since the original Switch 2 launched. The Nintendo Store required 50 hours or more of Nintendo Switch play time until the console's price increase in May this year. For this edition, the store applied only the regular one-per-person limit and sold out. The article says retailers appear to have received enough supply, which would explain why high resale prices are not conspicuous.
The article also recalls that Nintendo announced the 2023 Tears of the Kingdom edition of the Nintendo Switch (OLED model) was not limited in quantity. It says it is not clear whether the new edition is limited, but suggests supply may have been set up to match high demand. The writer concludes that retail stores seem to be selling it steadily and that buyers should get one early.
Originally reported by AUTOMATON (Japanese).