Nintendo Issues Official Statement On Zelda 40th Anniversary Controversy

Published Oct 19, 2026, 9:24 AM EDT

Sharmila is an engineer-turned-gaming hardware journalist and freelance contributor at ScreenRant who has been covering the gaming and tech industry since 2021. While she first built her expertise writing about video games, she has since pivoted towards gaming hardware, with a focus on PC components, peripherals, handhelds, and performance-driven tech. When she’s not testing gear or writing about the latest hardware trends, she can usually be found diving into competitive shooters or keeping up with the evolving esports scene.

Nintendo had expected fans to welcome The Legend of Zelda’s 40th anniversary with a lot of warmth, but what it failed to measure was the magnitude of enthusiasm, leading to several products selling out quicker than expected. The shortages have left buyers scrambling to grab the limited-edition collectibles they were planning to get, leading to commotion, and now, prompting the company to acknowledge that it underestimated demand.

Bill van Zyll, Nintendo’s vice president and general manager for Latin America, addressed the situation in an interview with Brazilian YouTube channel Coelho no Japão. Acknowledging that demand had been strong across multiple markets, including the United States and Brazil, van Zyll apologized to customers who missed out and confirmed that Nintendo was working to replenish its anniversary products. That said, the exact dates when these products would come back to stock and at what quantities are unknown.

Which Zelda 40th Anniversary Products Sold Out?

The shortages emerged soon after Nintendo announced its Zelda 40th anniversary plans on September 8 and 9. Sources reported on September 9 that several products were already listed as sold out on Nintendo’s US online store. The Australian store had also run out of pre-order availability for the anniversary console and Pro Controller.

The affected items included the Zelda-themed Nintendo Switch 2 40th Anniversary Edition, featuring Triforce designs, and two versions of the anniversary Pro Controller: one sold separately and another bundled with a display stand. The matching Nintendo Switch 2 carrying case with a screen protector was also listed as sold out in the United States.

Interestingly, Young Link and Young Zelda amiibo figures were listed as sold out (pre-orders) on the US store as well, despite being scheduled to launch next year.

The physical version of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time also faced supply problems at some online retailers. Nintendo announced that the first print run would feature textured foil cover art, available while stocks last. According to sources, some retailers struggled to meet demand after that special packaging was revealed, which is only fair considering how excited fans are about the special game edition.

Nintendo had already indicated on its UK store page on September 12 that it would announce when stock was replenished through the Nintendo Store app. Van Zyll’s recent comments provide a broader acknowledgment of the demand problem, but Nintendo hasn’t specified restock dates or quantities for every affected product so far.

Nintendo Has More Zelda Anniversary Plans Ahead

Besides new hardware and software, Nintendo’s official anniversary announcement includes international concerts and collectibles planned for 2026 and 2027.

It’s been all pre-orders so far. The anniversary edition Nintendo Switch 2 and matching accessories are scheduled to launch on October 29. The enhanced Ocarina of Time arrives on November 5, featuring overhauled visuals, new features, fully voiced cutscenes, expanded dialogue, orchestral music, and updated camera and movement controls.

Beyond merchandise, the celebrations include additional features for ZELDA NOTES in the Nintendo Switch app, daily Zelda-themed digital cards through Nintendo Today!, and special activities at the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto. There's also a live-action The Legend of Zelda film scheduled to reach cinemas worldwide on April 30 next year.

For buyers who missed the initial pre-orders, availability will depend on their region and retailer. Nintendo has confirmed that replenishment for The Legend of Zelda 40th anniversary products is being worked on, but customers should check official stores and local retailers for updates rather than assume every item is currently unavailable.

The Legend of Zelda franchise follows the adventures of Link, an elf-like Hylian, and Princess Zelda as they protect the land of Hyrule from the evil warlord-turned-demon king Ganon. The series is known for its mix of action, adventure, and puzzle-solving elements, often revolving around the collection of the Triforce, a powerful relic left by the goddesses who created Hyrule.