Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 Gets a Battery Upgrade as Ocarina of Time Reveals More Physical Edition Details

Nintendo's Zelda anniversary console is seeing a possible hardware revision, while new packaging details and an Activision executive's comments put the franchise in the spotlight.

Fans of The Legend of Zelda have some exciting things to look forward to on the 40th anniversary, especially if you intend to get the special edition Nintendo Switch 2. News about console restocking and pre-orders has gone a surprising way with reports of a new batch of hardware that apparently has a replaceable battery.

Nintendo has also revealed more information on the physical version of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, which will include a holographic foil design on the packaging and an inner sleeve with a map of Hyrule. And there’s a debate on what title is going to grab the most attention this year, between Zelda, GTA 6, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4.

A report said Nintendo Spain confirmed the release of the Nintendo Switch 2: The Legend of Zelda Edition on October 29 and that it would not have a user-replaceable battery.

However, British retailer Smyths has reportedly received a new shipment of the console and its matching Pro Controller, with both products now listed as having replaceable batteries. Their product descriptions specifically mention batteries that users can replace themselves, suggesting that Nintendo could be preparing a revised version of the hardware. 

This development matters because buying a console for around $500 or more is a considerable investment, especially when you include taxes and additional accessories. If your Nintendo Switch 2 develops a hardware problem, sending it back to Nintendo and waiting for repairs can be frustrating, particularly when a major game has just launched.

Repair costs can also become expensive once your warranty expires, making it harder to justify keeping older hardware running. A replaceable battery would give you another option for maintaining your console without having to send the entire system away for servicing.

The situation becomes more concerning as Nintendo reportedly prepares to increase repair prices in Japan. According to IBT.game, the company plans to raise the cost of out-of-warranty repairs for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 starting November 16 because of rising component costs. Although the reported changes concern Japan, similar increases in other markets remain unconfirmed. If repair expenses continue to rise, being able to replace a battery yourself could become an increasingly useful feature for console owners.

However, there's still uncertainty surrounding the special edition's availability and the customers who have already placed their orders.

Gamer Cart DB reported on Twitter that a collector had received a response from Nintendo's UK support team confirming that a version of the Zelda anniversary console with a user-replaceable battery would exist. The support team reportedly could not clarify whether existing pre-orders would receive the revised version or whether Nintendo was preparing two different hardware revisions. 

The timing is particularly interesting because the European Union plans to implement its new battery regulations in February 2027. Nintendo could be preparing to distribute the revised Zelda Edition across other European markets, although the company has not formally announced such plans.https://www.gamescreed.com/news/ocarina-of-time-1-to-1-recreation

It's also unclear whether North America, Japan, and other regions will receive the same hardware revision. For now, the retailer listings and reported customer support response provide reasons to watch for an official announcement, but they don't confirm how Nintendo will handle existing orders.

A replaceable battery would also make the console easier to maintain over the years. Imagine your Nintendo Switch 2 developing a battery problem just before the launch of a highly anticipated game, leaving you waiting for repairs while everyone else starts playing. The same situation could happen if Nintendo eventually remakes The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask and your console stops working shortly before release. 

Elsewhere, Nintendo has revealed another detail about the physical edition of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

According to Go Nintendo, the inside cover of the game's physical case will feature a map of Hyrule, giving collectors something extra to enjoy alongside the game itself. Much of the attention has focused on the textured holographic foil covering the front of the packaging, but the inner artwork adds another detail worth looking forward to. Nintendo also posted a video showing the material used on the cover and how the foil catches the light.

That’s why physical copies are still a draw for players who enjoy collecting games—these details. Buying the digital copy just provides you with access to the game. Buying the physical copy gives you maps, artwork, and other materials to make the package feel more complete. One example comes from a used copy of Cat Quest, although the exact entry was either the second or third game in the series. 

Discovering extras in a used game can make the purchase feel more worthwhile, especially when the included materials are still in excellent condition. Even if you buy a game after its release date or don’t pre-order it, you can still get a surprise with special packaging for physical editions.

Retailers such as GameStop sometimes have copies with distinctive cases or additional materials, depending on the release and available stock. The holographic cover and Hyrule map make Ocarina of Time another example of how publishers can give physical releases something beyond the game itself.

Meanwhile, Activision has entered the conversation about this year's biggest games. According to Nintendo Everything, an Activision executive argued that GTA 6 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 would be the biggest games of the year, adding that the comment was not intended as an insult to Zelda.

Major releases could help to bring more people back to their PlayStation and XBOX consoles, spend time on their gaming dashboards, and start playing again, the executive said. In Activision's view, that increased activity might bring more attention to Call of Duty. The executive noted that it’s the community and social aspects of the franchise that are appealing, not the combat or gunplay.
One of the biggest reasons that people return to multiplayer games, even after the initial buzz wears off, is the simple fact that they can play with friends.

However, commercial success and overall excitement are not the same thing.

Call of Duty still has an audience, but enthusiasm for the yearly releases isn’t as strong as when the franchise was newer. There used to be midnight launches where fans would line up outside stores, and the series even brought in players who usually played JRPGs, traditional RPGs, and action RPGs. 

GTA 6 will probably continue to be a major talking point, while The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time has its draw with a returning audience and anniversary-related releases. Fans and collectors are also taking notice of the special edition console and physical packaging of Zelda. Call of Duty’s multiplayer elements may also help it sustain a healthy player base.

Nintendo has not officially confirmed its reported battery revision yet, so there may be more info on the console in the coming weeks. For now there are plenty of reasons to keep the 40th anniversary of Zelda on the minds of fans, with potential hardware upgrades, physical edition bonuses and competition from big franchises.