Since Nintendo announced the official release of a Switch 2 console bundled with The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, securing the Triforce-themed hardware has proven difficult. Despite frequent restocks, the special edition consoles have been selling out within seconds online. While many fans hoped Best Buy would offer a bot-free alternative for purchasing the system and its accessories, the retailer's midnight launch event on November 4 has instead revealed that human demand is creating significant competition at physical locations.
Best Buy is hosting the midnight release for the upcoming Zelda game, the associated Nintendo Switch 2 system, and the Pro Controller. Customers who have already pre-ordered can arrange for their items to be shipped to a local store for pickup during the event. However, the retailer's website indicates that a limited number of consoles and controllers will also be available for purchase in-store without a prior reservation. This availability has prompted fans across the United States to line up hours, and in some cases days, before the launch.
Social media images from various stores show long queues, with some onlookers mistakenly assuming the lines are for Pokémon cards or Black Friday deals. In reality, the crowds are gathering for the imminent release of the hot Nintendo products. Some Best Buy locations have organized two separate lines: one for customers fulfilling pre-orders and another for those attempting to buy from the limited in-store stock. Early estimates suggest that individual stores are receiving between 10 and 20 units of the Switch 2 Zelda console, a quantity likely to sell out faster than physical game copies or standalone accessories.
Not all locations initially listed as participating in the midnight release will actually receive inventory on Wednesday night. While pre-orders remain valid for these affected stores, they will not be selling the consoles early. Given that Best Buy has not hosted recent midnight launches, many customers are relying on their experience with Pokémon card releases to gauge the situation. Experts advise fans to verify if their local store is participating and to assess line lengths several hours before midnight to avoid wasting time at packed locations.
Additionally, Best Buy will not have electric ocarina instruments available for purchase on November 5, as the accessory remains sold out on Nintendo's official website. Fans seeking this specific item are encouraged to monitor the official Nintendo Store app for potential restocks of Zelda products.
Sources: Polygon.