Nintendo admits it underestimated Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 demand

Nintendo has acknowledged that it did not expect this much demand for the Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition Switch 2. Bill van Zyll, Nintendo’s vice president and general manager for Latin America, said in an interview with the YouTube channel Coelho no Japão that the company “underestimated how well it would be received.” He also confirmed that restocks are being prepared.

Van Zyll described the shortage as worldwide. “It’s a global phenomenon; we have this issue everywhere,” he said, adding: “we apologise for that. That certainly wasn’t the intent.” He named North America as one of the markets that stood out, and said the United States “did extremely well.” Pre-sales hit their maximum in Brazil as well, he said.

On supply, he said Nintendo is “working on replenishments of the special hardware and software, but it’ll take a little bit of time.” His message to buyers was “Please be patient.” Asked about expectations, he said: “It caught us by surprise. We expected a positive response, but the magnitude… It’s amazing.”

The special edition console was revealed alongside the announcement of a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. GamesRadar+ gives the console’s launch date as October 29 and the remake’s release date as November 5. Nintendo Life reports that the system has been going in and out of stock at various European retailers in recent weeks.

Why it matters

The shortage lands in the weeks before launch, when buyers are trying to secure the console ahead of the remake. Van Zyll’s comments confirm that the supply problem is not limited to one region and that Nintendo expects to replenish both the special console and the accompanying software.

GamesRadar+ notes that the original Switch also had a Zelda-themed edition and an Animal Crossing: New Horizons edition, and both sold out quickly. Nintendo Life likewise points to the popularity of earlier special edition Switch consoles, which makes the company’s surprise notable.

What we don’t know yet

Van Zyll gave no figures for how many units were made or how many are coming, and no date for restocks. Beyond saying it will take “a little bit of time,” he did not say whether new stock will arrive before the October 29 launch.