Amazon is currently facing significant backlash from players experiencing substantial shipping delays for the newly released remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on Switch 2. Many customers who pre-ordered the physical version of the game are reporting that their copies will not arrive until after the weekend, with some facing delays of up to a week past the initial release date. This situation has led to widespread disappointment and frustration among fans eager to play the modernized classic.
Fans have voiced their dissatisfaction on social media platforms, with some recalling similar issues with past Amazon game pre-orders. When approached for comment, Amazon's customer service offered vague explanations for the delays, stating that "unforeseen changes in obtaining the item can occur" despite best efforts to predict availability. These explanations have done little to appease angered customers.
The threat of shipping delays is increasingly pushing consumers toward digital purchases. Recent Nintendo sales data indicates that digital game sales accounted for 61.5% of software sales between April and June, a 2.2% increase year-over-year. This trend highlights a growing preference for the immediate availability offered by digital downloads over the potential logistical issues associated with physical releases.
While Nintendo has affirmed its commitment to supporting physical game releases, the nature of many Switch 2 physical copies adds another layer of complexity. Instead of containing the full game, these physical components often function as keys to initiate a download from Nintendo's servers. This process not only consumes significant storage space on the console but also makes the game's accessibility dependent on the longevity of Nintendo's online infrastructure. The recent move by PlayStation to scale back physical disc production further emphasizes the precarious future of physical media, making Nintendo's approach to Switch 2 game cards particularly concerning for long-term preservation.