Best Buy will host midnight launch events at select U.S. stores on November 5th for the upcoming release of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on Switch 2. The event will also offer a limited supply of the highly sought-after, limited-edition 40th Anniversary Nintendo Switch 2 console and Pro Controller, potentially representing one of the final opportunities to purchase these hardware items at their retail price.
The decision to hold a midnight launch for a game release is a rarity in recent memory, though the Switch 2 itself saw similar events upon its initial launch. This nostalgic approach is particularly fitting for Ocarina of Time, a game often regarded as a landmark title in the Zelda series. "Limited numbers of The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Nintendo Switch 2 system and Pro Controller will also be available," according to an announcement shared by Wario64.
However, the allure of the special edition hardware appears to be a significant draw, possibly overshadowing the game itself. Pre-orders for both the console and the Pro Controller have already sold out at major retailers like Best Buy and Target. This scarcity means that the midnight launch event may be the last chance for consumers to acquire these items at face value before they inevitably appear on the resale market at inflated prices. Even pre-orders for the special edition carrying case are unavailable, indicating strong demand for Ocarina of Time-themed merchandise.
The resurgence of midnight game launches, even for a remake, evokes a sense of shared cultural experience. While unlikely to replicate the massive crowds seen for the Switch 2's debut or historic releases like Halo 3, the Ocarina of Time event may still encourage fans to gather, fostering a connection reminiscent of earlier gaming eras. "The good ol’ days were kinda good for a reason," the report notes, suggesting a desire for a return to such communal gaming events.