Nintendo has issued a statement acknowledging that the demand for its 40th-anniversary Legend of Zelda merchandise has exceeded expectations. Bill van Zyll, Nintendo's vice president and general manager for Latin America, stated in an interview that the company underestimated how well the special edition items would be received.
"We have this issue absolutely everywhere," van Zyll said. "I'd say we apologize for that. That certainly is not the intent. We underestimated how well it would be received." He noted that pre-orders for the limited-edition Nintendo Switch 2 hardware have sold out rapidly, with consoles appearing on resale markets for significantly inflated prices. Similar issues have affected the availability of other 40th-anniversary merchandise.
Nintendo is working on replenishing stock for the special hardware, software, and accessories, including the limited-edition Nintendo Switch 2, its Pro Controller, and carrying case. Van Zyll urged fans to be patient, as these restocks will take time, and specific release dates or quantities could not yet be provided.
The Legend of Zelda series, which debuted in 1987, has a dedicated fanbase. The 1998 release of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is often cited as a pivotal moment that transformed the series into a cultural phenomenon, marking its transition to 3D graphics. The upcoming remake of Ocarina of Time for the Nintendo Switch 2 is scheduled for release on November 5, 2026, and is available for pre-order at $59.99 on the Nintendo eShop.