Midnight Zelda Ocarina of Time Switch 2 launch draws global crowds
Around 500 fans queued in London for the midnight launch of the 4K Switch 2 remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, part of a worldwide cultural event for gamers seeking exclusive merchandise and early access.
Approximately 500 fans queued outside Argos on Oxford Street, London for the midnight launch of the 4K Switch 2 remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The event, scheduled for a November 7, 2026 release, turned into a nostalgic cultural gathering, with some attendees waiting for over four hours to secure their copy and exclusive items.
Nintendo senior executives were present at the tills during the launch. One attendee arrived at 22:45 and waited until the store closed at 2 am. After closing, remaining queuers had to provide contact details to receive a promised item by post. The launch attracted a massive crowd but was reportedly well organized. A senior editor from a gaming outlet noted, "The launch itself attracted a massive crowd, but the process was reportedly well organized, with customers moving through the stores relatively quickly."
Exclusive merch and promises
Attendees at the London event received an exclusive ocarina-shaped keyring and a replica of the original 1998 N64 game box. Staff assured that all attendees would receive the exclusive box, with any out-of-stock copies to be mailed later. This promise was not universal. A partner who attended the Paris midnight launch received nothing; Nintendo France did not collect details or promise mailing.
Global launch events
Similar midnight launch events took place in cities worldwide, including Melbourne, Mexico City, and Paris. These gatherings highlighted the enduring appeal of in-person gaming events, with Ocarina of Time as the main attraction and hardware being secondary. One narrator recalled previously spending six hours queueing at a Wii U midnight launch.
Retail stock outlook
Various retailers are preparing for the official release with limited stock. Best Buy is holding a midnight release for the game and has stock for the Zelda Edition Switch 2 system and Pro Controller. Nintendo shared information about potential stock availability, with some California stores having up to 100 Switch 2 systems and up to 50 Pro Controllers. GameStop is also preparing its own launch plans, and Walmart may become an option for game delivery. The Switch 2 system and Pro Controller are reportedly selling out across retailers.
| Retailer | Item | Stock Note |
|---|---|---|
| Best Buy | Zelda Edition Switch 2 System | Holding stock for midnight release |
| Best Buy | Pro Controller | Some locations have up to 50 units |
| Best Buy | Game Copies | Plenty available, in-store pickup for midnight |
| California Stores | Switch 2 System | Some have up to 100 units available |
Early access and collector demand
Some players may get early access on Wednesday due to Australia's midday release time. A user named Legacy for Ocarina of Time on the Ocarina of Time subreddit already shared screenshots and a physical boxed copy of the early release. The physical boxed copy features a foil finish giving a golden appearance, though the cartridge itself is not gold. This specific version has already sold out on Amazon. With the game scheduled for release in a few days and reviews expected to go live around launch, the cultural moment is firmly established. The article ends by noting that the physical boxed copy with a golden foil finish has sold out on Amazon and that Best Buy is holding midnight stock for the Zelda Edition Switch 2 system and Pro Controller.
