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| Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 console shown at Walmart |
The highly anticipated Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 console is already appearing on store shelves ahead of its October 29 release date, and one fortunate European gamer has already gotten their hands on the coveted hardware.
Early Walmart Sighting Sparks Hope Among Fans
Photos circulating on social media, shared by deal tracker Nintendeal on X, show the special edition Zelda Switch 2 console sitting on a Walmart shelf with a $519.99 price tag clearly visible. While the sighting has excited fans, actually purchasing one at retail appears nearly impossible—store systems are likely blocking sales until the official launch date.
According to reports, one determined shopper nearly completed a purchase before a store manager stepped in to stop the transaction. The incident highlights the frustrating reality for collectors hoping to secure one of the most sought-after consoles of the year.
Adding to the scarcity concerns, Nintendeal reportedly learned that GameStop locations will receive only 0 to 5 units per store on launch day. Unlike Nintendo's New York and San Francisco locations, Walmart has not announced any special launch events for the Zelda edition.
Zelda Switch 2 spotted in the wild at Walmart https://t.co/YKZXokAmuP
— Nintendeal (@Nintendeal) October 25, 2026
European Buyer Gets Early Unboxing Opportunity
While most fans continue to refresh retailer pages hoping for a restock, one Reddit user from Europe managed to score an early pickup. User coiL_10 shared their experience on r/Switch, posting a detailed series of photos showcasing the handheld, dock, and Joy-Con 2 controllers.
The images have become one of the first in-depth looks at the Zelda 40th Anniversary edition's design, with commenters noting that the black, gold, and green color scheme appears more vibrant and accurate than Nintendo's official promotional materials suggested.
Battery Replacement Question Remains Unclear
The early unboxing also shed light on a lingering question about the special edition hardware. Irish retailer Smyths Toys had updated its product listing to indicate the Zelda Switch 2 would feature a user-replaceable battery—a detail that contradicted information on Nintendo's official website.
However, coiL_10 confirmed that their unit does not include the easier-to-service battery revision. This suggests their console may have come from an earlier production batch, leaving the door open for later units to feature the replaceable battery design.
Restock Tracking Becomes Essential for Hopeful Buyers
With physical retail availability uncertain and quantities expected to be extremely limited, experts recommend using dedicated restock trackers like TrackaLacker to monitor inventory changes across major retailers. The platform allows users to set up alerts for specific products, increasing the chances of securing a console before scalpers snap them up.
The situation mirrors the chaos that surrounded the standard Switch 2 launch in June 2025, when online pre-orders were fulfilled from a separate warehouse to manage overwhelming demand.
Additional Zelda Collectibles Also in High Demand
The Zelda Switch 2 console isn't the only anniversary item fans are chasing. Stores are reportedly stocking the matching Zelda-themed Pro Controller, and Best Buy has announced a midnight launch celebration on November 5 that will include the Ocarina of Time remake.
However, Walmart has already begun delaying some pre-orders for the game as its release date approaches, leaving customers frustrated and uncertain about when their orders will arrive.
For those still hoping to secure the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2, the advice is clear: keep those restock alerts active, check retailer websites frequently, and don't count on finding one sitting on a store shelf—at least not yet.
[EU] Store let me pick up my switch 2 Zelda early, as expected, does not have user-replaceable battery
by u/coiL_10 in Switch