Zelda: Ocarina of Time Switch 2 Pre-Orders Surge Past 100,000 on Amazon as Nintendo Takes on GTA 6
Nintendo’s upcoming Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake for Switch 2 is shaping up to be one of the biggest physical game launches of the year. Despite sharing a crowded November release window with Rockstar’s highly anticipated GTA 6, the refreshed Zelda classic is already pulling in remarkable pre-order numbers.
According to recent Amazon sales activity, Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Switch 2 has sold more than 100,000 physical copies in the last 30 days alone. That puts it ahead of every other listed 2026 game on the platform during the same period, including GTA 6 editions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox.
The strong performance is especially notable because Nintendo’s decision to launch so close to GTA 6 initially looked risky. Rockstar’s open-world blockbuster is expected to dominate gaming conversations, but Nintendo appears to be winning over a different kind of buyer: fans of physical releases, collectors, and longtime Zelda players eager to revisit one of the most celebrated games ever made.
On Amazon’s U.S. marketplace, the Ocarina of Time remake is currently sitting among the top-selling video games. In comparison, recent 30-day sales for the standard physical versions of GTA 6 on PS5 and Xbox are reportedly far lower, totaling around 11,000 combined units.
That does not necessarily mean Zelda will outsell GTA 6 overall. The two games have very different sales patterns. Pre-orders for the Ocarina of Time remake opened in early September, while GTA 6 reservations began earlier in the summer, meaning Rockstar’s sales have been spread across a longer period. GTA 6 is also expected to draw massive digital sales through console storefronts, which Amazon’s physical sales data does not reflect.
Still, the momentum behind Zelda is hard to ignore.
One major reason for the rush appears to be the game’s physical edition. Unlike some modern retail releases that only include a download code, Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Switch 2 is expected to ship with an actual cartridge. That detail matters to collectors, especially Nintendo fans who continue to value boxed games.
Nintendo is also adding extra appeal with a limited foil cover for the first print run. For collectors, early copies may become more desirable over time, which likely explains why pre-orders have accelerated so quickly.
Pricing has helped as well. Amazon has offered a $10 pre-release discount on the game, bringing additional attention to the physical edition. First-party Nintendo games rarely receive major discounts before launch, so even a modest price drop can push fans to secure a copy early.
Demand is not limited to Amazon, either. Other major retailers are also seeing strong interest. Some stores are preparing midnight launch events for the game, suggesting that enthusiasm extends beyond online pre-orders.
Nintendo is supporting the release with more than just the game. A special-edition Zelda-themed Switch 2 console and matching Pro Controller are launching alongside the remake. Both items have reportedly been difficult to find in stock, with resellers already attempting to profit from the high demand.
Rockstar also has its own merchandise strategy for GTA 6, including physical collectibles, apparel, music releases, and other fan items. However, Nintendo’s advantage at retail may come from the strength of its collector-focused physical game package and limited-edition hardware.
The bigger picture is clear: Zelda: Ocarina of Time remains a powerhouse name decades after its original release. A modern remake on Switch 2 gives Nintendo a major exclusive at a critical time, and early sales suggest fans are responding in a big way.
GTA 6 may still become the year’s biggest overall game once digital sales, global pre-orders, and launch-week numbers are counted. But in the physical retail space, Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Switch 2 is already proving that nostalgia, smart packaging, and Nintendo’s loyal fan base can still create massive demand.
If these pre-order trends continue, Nintendo could be looking at one of the strongest Switch 2 software launches yet.
