Nintendo Reveals Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 Special Edition
The gaming giant celebrates four decades of the legendary franchise with a themed console and Pro Controller launching October 29.
Nintendo has officially revealed a special edition Nintendo Switch 2 console and Pro Controller to commemorate the 40th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda. The announcement, delivered during a Zelda-focused Nintendo Direct on September 8, 2026, confirms the company's plan to leverage its most iconic intellectual property to mark the milestone.
The themed hardware is scheduled for release on October 29, 2026. According to official details, the special edition console features a prominent Triforce design on the dock and utilizes a gold, green, and black color palette for the Joy-Con controllers. A matching Pro Controller follows the same gold, green, and black aesthetic. Additionally, Nintendo confirmed that a special carrying case will be available for purchase on the same October 29 launch date.
A Strategic Anniversary Celebration
This reveal is part of a wider celebration of the franchise's 40-year history. The dedicated Nintendo Direct not only showcased the hardware but also touched upon an upcoming live-action movie based on the series. The official confirmation follows a period of instability in August, during which leaked product photos had already begun circulating online, fueling speculation before the company's formal announcement.
Driving Hardware Adoption
This release marks the first official special edition hardware for the Nintendo Switch 2. By tying the hardware to a prestigious anniversary, Nintendo is signaling its long-term strategy for the new console's lifecycle. The launch is specifically linked to a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, which is scheduled to hit the market shortly after the hardware on November 5, 2026. Using a high-profile remake to anchor the hardware release is a calculated move to drive early adoption of the Switch 2 among both hardcore collectors and casual fans.
What to Watch
While the hardware aesthetics and release dates are now confirmed, the industry is closely watching for further details on the Ocarina of Time remake. As the October 29 date approaches, the primary remaining questions involve pricing and availability, as special edition hardware typically faces high demand and limited stock. Further updates are expected as Nintendo moves closer to the November software launch.