Major US retailer Best Buy has confirmed it will open select stores at midnight to celebrate the launch of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, pairing the late-night festivities with a fresh batch of the highly sought-after limited-edition Zelda 40th Anniversary Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. With its website now displaying a countdown to November 5, Best Buy is positioning itself as one of the few brick-and-mortar destinations where fans can both pick up their copy of the remake and potentially grab a rare collector’s console on release day.
The midnight openings mark a notable return to in-person gaming events for the retailer, which has leaned increasingly toward online fulfillment in recent years. Best Buy is simultaneously restocking its inventory of the special-edition Switch 2 hardware and matching Pro controllers, offering a second chance to enthusiasts who missed out during the preorder frenzy that swept through September.
A Second Chance at a Sold-Out Console
The freshly stocked limited-edition console and accessories were first unveiled last month during the dedicated Zelda 40th Anniversary Nintendo Direct, which also delivered the first gameplay reveal for Ocarina of Time alongside its official release date. The special edition Switch 2 console and matching accessories are scheduled to become available from October 29, though they remain currently sold out at every major retailer in the U.S., making Best Buy’s announcement a rare ray of hope for disappointed buyers.
For now, Best Buy has not specified exactly how many systems will be available or which individual stores will receive stock, cautioning that quantities are strictly limited. The retailer also warned that store hours will vary depending on region, advising customers to check with their local location before heading out for the midnight celebration.
Picking Up Preorders In-Store
Beyond the launch event itself, Best Buy has introduced a convenience option for fans who already placed an Ocarina of Time preorder set for shipping. Those who would rather collect their copy during the midnight opening can modify their order through their “Best Buy purchase history,” allowing them to switch from home delivery to in-store pickup without placing a separate transaction.
However, there is a compelling financial reason to shop around before committing. Both Amazon and Walmart have Ocarina of Time listed for $59.88 instead of the standard $69.99 retail price, potentially saving buyers roughly ten dollars on the game itself regardless of whether they attend Best Buy’s event.
A Faithful Remake for New Hardware
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Switch 2 represents a full remake of the beloved 1998 Nintendo 64 original, featuring overhauled graphics that bring the classic adventure up to modern visual standards. According to Nintendo, this is a “faithful interpretation” designed specifically for new hardware, though it does include additional lines of dialogue for characters encountered along Link’s journey, intended to give them greater personality than their original counterparts.
The remake arrives as one of the marquee launch-adjacent titles driving enthusiasm around Ocarina of Time’s November 5 release, a date that Best Buy has embraced with its countdown and midnight events. As demand continues to outstrip supply for both the game and the limited-edition hardware, Best Buy’s combination of in-store celebrations and restocked consoles positions it as a focal point for American fans hoping to experience the launch firsthand.
Looking Ahead
Fans interested in attending Best Buy’s midnight event are encouraged to contact their local store directly to confirm hours and availability, given that both vary by region. With quantities limited on the special-edition Switch 2 console and accessories, early confirmation will likely prove essential for those hoping to secure a unit alongside the Ocarina of Time launch celebration.
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