A Zelda-Themed Switch 2 Console Is Coming, Leakers Say
Nintendo is reportedly preparing a Legend of Zelda-themed Switch 2 console to celebrate the franchise's 40th anniversary, and it might arrive before the year is out. According to leakers Shpeshal_Nick and Necrolipe, the special edition hardware is in the works, though details on the console's actual design remain under wraps for now. What we do have, however, is a description of the matching Pro Controller: mostly black with green tips, gold accents, and a Triforce emblem sitting between the - and + buttons. That's a clean, understated look that nods to the series without going full gold-and-green chaos.
The timing makes sense. The Zelda franchise turns 40 this year, and Nintendo loves a good anniversary celebration — especially one that moves hardware. A special edition Switch 2, possibly bundled with the rumored Ocarina of Time remake, would be a massive holiday-season driver. The leak suggests the console and controller could be revealed and released sometime in 2026, which aligns with Nintendo's pattern of dropping themed hardware alongside major game launches.
It's worth noting that this isn't just any anniversary. Forty years of Zelda covers everything from the NES original to Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. That's a lot of history to pull design cues from. While early speculation pointed to a console themed specifically on Ocarina of Time — given the remake rumors — the leakers say Nintendo has instead chosen to celebrate the entire franchise. That could mean a more generalized design: maybe Hylian crests, Master Sword motifs, or subtle references across multiple eras.
Yeah both the controller and console are “Zelda themed” not necessarily Ocarina
— Shpeshal Nick (@Shpeshal_Nick) July 23, 2026
Reaction on social media was swift, with many pointing out that a 40th anniversary console feels like a no-brainer. The Zelda fanbase is enormous, and the Switch 2 is still fresh enough that a special edition could drive serious pre-order demand. If Nintendo bundles it with the Ocarina of Time remake — which itself would be a massive draw — that package becomes nearly irresistible for collectors and newcomers alike.
What We Know About the Controller
Necrolipe's description of the Pro Controller is the most concrete detail so far. Black body, green-tipped analog sticks, gold accents, and a Triforce emblem between the - and + buttons. That's a subtle but unmistakable Zelda look. Green tips nod to Link's classic tunic, gold accents evoke the series' recurring treasure motifs, and the Triforce is, well, the Triforce. It's restrained enough that it won't clash with your living room setup, but fans will immediately recognize what it is.
Whether the console itself follows a similar black-and-gold scheme or goes full Hyrule with a green shell remains unknown. Past Zelda hardware has ranged from the gold NES cartridge to the gold-and-black 3DS XL and the Breath of the Wild-themed Switch dock. Nintendo tends to keep special edition consoles tasteful rather than garish, so expect something that feels premium rather than a toy.
Why This Matters for Switch 2 Owners
A Zelda 40th anniversary console isn't just a collector's item — it's a signal of Nintendo's commitment to the franchise on its new hardware. The Switch 2 launched with Mario and Metroid titles, but Zelda is arguably Nintendo's most beloved single-player series. A themed console, especially one potentially bundled with an Ocarina of Time remake, tells us that Nintendo is betting big on Zelda as a system seller for the Switch 2's first full year.
It also raises the question of what else is coming. If the console is tied to the 40th anniversary, we could see a wave of Zelda releases: the Ocarina of Time remake, maybe a Wind Waker or Twilight Princess port, or even a brand-new 2D Zelda title. Nintendo has been quiet about its post-launch Switch 2 lineup, but a Zelda-themed hardware drop suggests the company is ready to go all-in on the franchise's milestone year.
Counterpoint: Leaks Are Still Leaks
Before you start saving up, remember that this is a leak, not an announcement. Shpeshal_Nick and Necrolipe have solid track records, but nothing is confirmed until Nintendo puts out a press release. Plans change. Hardware gets delayed. The controller description could be accurate while the console itself ends up looking completely different — or never releases at all. Nintendo is notoriously secretive, and the company has scrapped themed hardware in the past.
There's also the question of availability. Special edition consoles are typically produced in limited quantities, and scalpers will be circling. If this console does launch, expect it to sell out fast. The Zelda fanbase is passionate, and a 40th anniversary edition with a bundled remake would be one of the most sought-after pieces of Nintendo hardware in years.
What Comes Next
If the leak holds, a reveal could come as early as September or October, with a release in time for the holiday season. That would give Nintendo a clean window to announce the console, open pre-orders, and ship units before the end of the year. The 40th anniversary itself runs through 2026, so there's no rush — but holiday sales are too big an opportunity to miss.
Keep an eye on Nintendo's Direct presentations and social media channels. If a Zelda 40th anniversary Switch 2 console is real, we'll likely see it alongside the Ocarina of Time remake reveal. And if that happens, expect the internet to lose its collective mind — and pre-order servers to crash under the weight of demand.
Reaction on social media: see the full post
Yeah both the controller and console are “Zelda themed” not necessarily Ocarina
— Shpeshal Nick (@Shpeshal_Nick) July 23, 2026
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