Nintendo’s New Zelda: Ocarina of Time Pre-Order Bonus Leaves Some Switch 2 Fans Wanting More
Nintendo has revealed a new pre-order bonus for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake ahead of its November 5 release, but the announcement is not getting the enthusiastic reaction the company may have hoped for.
Players who pre-order the digital eShop version of the game will receive a Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary digital wallpaper. The bonus is available for a limited time and is expected to remain claimable until late November 23. After purchase, buyers should receive an email containing a My Nintendo download option for the wallpaper, which will be offered in multiple formats and screen sizes.
The wallpaper uses the same visual style seen on the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 console and Pro Controller packaging. Its design includes a triangular pattern mixed with imagery inspired by characters such as Link and Princess Zelda. While some fans may appreciate the clean anniversary-themed artwork, others feel the reward is underwhelming, especially compared with the more collectible physical bonuses being offered in other regions.
The biggest frustration is that the wallpaper appears to be exclusive to the digital version of the game. Players who buy the physical Switch 2 edition do not seem to have a clear way to claim it. For collectors, that is disappointing, since many Zelda fans prefer boxed releases, especially for a major title like Ocarina of Time.
In the United States, physical pre-order bonuses for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake are fairly limited. Major retailers are currently offering a textured foil cover as the main incentive. While that may appeal to fans who enjoy special packaging, it does not match the variety of extras available in some other countries.
Canada, for example, is getting a holographic slipcover inspired by the original release. In France, one retailer is offering packaging that recreates the classic Nintendo 64 box design, giving longtime fans a stronger nostalgia factor. Other regional bonuses reportedly include items such as Spiritual Stones, a key chain, a tote bag, and stickers.
Compared with those physical collectibles, a digital wallpaper feels modest. It has no clear resale or collector value, and fans have already started creating similar designs based on preview images. That has made the bonus feel less exclusive, even though it is officially tied to the anniversary celebration.
Still, the digital version does have one advantage: price. In the U.S., the eShop edition is listed at $59.99, which is $10 cheaper than the physical copy. However, some stores have already offered similar discounts on the boxed version before launch, which may make the digital-only wallpaper less persuasive for buyers who want something tangible.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remains one of the most beloved games in Nintendo history, and its return on Switch 2 is already a major event for longtime fans. But when it comes to pre-order rewards, many players were hoping for something more memorable than a downloadable image.
For digital buyers, the anniversary wallpaper is a nice extra. For collectors, especially in the United States, it may feel like a missed opportunity.
