Best Buy Plans Midnight Launch for Zelda Switch 2 and Ocarina of Time Remake as Demand Surges
Best Buy is preparing a rare midnight launch event for the special edition Zelda Switch 2 console and the highly anticipated Ocarina of Time remake, giving fans another chance to secure one of the most sought-after gaming releases of the year.
Midnight console launches are not as common as they once were, especially for special edition hardware. Best Buy did not hold a similar event for the Tears of the Kingdom Switch OLED in 2023, which makes this upcoming launch stand out. For Zelda fans who have struggled with sold-out pre-orders and inflated resale prices, the in-store event could be a much-needed opportunity.
The timing is especially important because scalpers have already targeted the Ocarina of Time remake, the Zelda-themed Switch 2 console, and related accessories. Since pre-orders opened on September 8, both the game and the console have repeatedly gone out of stock at major retailers. The limited availability has created a thriving resale market, with the $520 console often appearing on auction and marketplace sites for more than $700 to $800.
Even the physical edition of the Ocarina of Time remake has been difficult to find, despite expectations that Nintendo would produce a large number of copies. Part of the demand comes from the first-print packaging, which includes a foil cover that has become highly desirable among collectors. Some retailers have suggested that this special packaging is one reason stock has been moving so quickly.
Depending on the region, fans may also find extra bonuses tied to the game’s release. These can include collectible stickers, themed items, or replicas inspired by the Spiritual Stones from Ocarina of Time. For buyers who are less concerned with owning a physical copy, the digital version remains the easiest and most reliable way to play at launch.
One drawback for Best Buy customers is that the hardware appears to be arriving earlier at some other retailers, with availability beginning on October 29. Still, the midnight launch could be one of the best options for shoppers who want to buy the Zelda Switch 2 console at retail price instead of paying steep resale markups.
At the moment, other major retail chains have not announced similar midnight launch plans for the Ocarina of Time remake. That could make Best Buy a key destination for Zelda fans hoping to celebrate the release in person and potentially walk away with the game, the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 console, or the matching controller.
With demand showing no signs of slowing down, shoppers should keep a close eye on retailer restocks and act quickly when inventory appears. The combination of nostalgia, limited-edition hardware, collector-focused packaging, and Zelda’s massive fanbase has turned this release into one of the biggest gaming shopping events of the season.
