Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 Console Sells Out as Scalpers Push Prices Higher
Fans hoping to secure the Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition Switch 2 console before the holidays may already be facing a difficult search. After the special-edition system appeared for pre-order at major retailers, stock disappeared quickly, creating an opening for resellers to list the console at much higher prices.
The limited-edition Switch 2 was released for pre-order following Nintendo’s latest presentation, with Best Buy among the first major retailers to offer it. Demand was immediate, and the console sold out fast. Since then, other retailers including Amazon, Target, and Nintendo’s own store have also listed the system, but availability has remained extremely limited or completely sold out.
The timing has only made the situation more intense. With excitement building around the upcoming Ocarina of Time remake, interest in Zelda-themed hardware is surging. Collectors, longtime fans, and holiday shoppers are all competing for the same limited stock, while scalpers are taking advantage of the shortage.
The Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition Switch 2 has attracted attention partly because Nintendo did not place an extreme premium on the special design. The standard Switch 2 is priced at $499.99 after a recent price adjustment, while the Zelda-themed edition costs $519.99. For only a small increase, buyers get a collectible black, gold, and green design tied to one of Nintendo’s most beloved franchises.
Pre-orders are expected to begin shipping on October 29, just ahead of the Ocarina of Time remake release on November 5. That close release window has made the console even more desirable, especially for players who want the full Zelda experience on new hardware.
However, the reasonable retail price has also made the console a prime target for resellers. On auction marketplaces, the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 is already being listed and sold for far above its official price. Many listings are landing in the $730 to $900 range, putting the system hundreds of dollars above MSRP.
While the resale prices are steep, the long-term value of the console remains uncertain. Nintendo has dealt with similar demand spikes before. The Tears of the Kingdom OLED Switch also became hard to find when it first launched in 2023, leading to strong resale activity early on. Over time, additional supply helped reduce the shortage, and reseller profits dropped.
That same pattern could happen again if Nintendo sends more Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition Switch 2 units to retailers before the holiday shopping season. If restocks arrive in meaningful numbers, resale prices may cool quickly. If supply remains limited, prices could climb even higher as Christmas approaches.
The console is not the only Zelda anniversary item being targeted. The matching Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition Switch 2 Pro Controller has also sold out at some retailers. Priced at $99.99, the controller is already appearing on auction sites for around $170 to $200.
Nintendo is also offering an exclusive version of the controller that includes a display stand. At only $10 more than the standard version, it became an easy choice for collectors, and pre-order quantities were claimed quickly.
For now, buyers interested in the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 console or matching Pro Controller may need to watch retailer restocks closely. Paying inflated resale prices may be tempting for collectors who do not want to miss out, but history suggests patience could pay off if Nintendo increases supply.
With the Ocarina of Time remake around the corner and Zelda’s 40th anniversary creating major nostalgia, demand for these limited-edition Switch 2 products is unlikely to fade soon. Whether this becomes a short-lived sellout or one of the hardest Nintendo collectibles to find this holiday season will depend on how quickly new stock reaches stores.
