Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 Console Leak Reveals Gold Joy-Con Design Ahead of Ocarina of Time Remake

By Powkong Staff | August 12, 2026

TL;DR: Leaked images published August 11, 2026 show a Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 console and matching Pro Controller featuring a gold-and-black color scheme. The design commemorates Zelda's 40th anniversary rather than the upcoming Ocarina of Time remake, and the leak arrives as Nintendo prepares a price increase on Switch 2 hardware and a Direct focused on the remake.

What the Leak Shows
Timing: Why This Leak Matters Now
40th Anniversary vs. Ocarina of Time Remake
Collector Value and Rarity Outlook
Accessory Considerations for Special Edition Owners
FAQ
Sources

What the Leak Shows: Gold Accents, Black Base, and a Matching Pro Controller

On August 11, 2026, images of a Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 console and Pro Controller reportedly leaked online, showing a gold-and-black design that appears to celebrate the franchise's 40th anniversary rather than the Ocarina of Time remake. The images were first reported by Video Game News coverage of the leaked images, with additional reporting from Nintendo Life's report on the leaked designs.

The leaked console design features a predominantly black chassis with gold Joy-Con controllers, gold D-pad and face buttons, and a gold Nintendo Switch logo on the dock. The matching Pro Controller reportedly uses the same black-and-gold treatment with a Triforce emblem on the face. The images appear to be product renders or early manufacturing photos rather than official press materials, which is consistent with how prior Nintendo special edition hardware has leaked before official announcements.

For context, the original Legend of Zelda released in Japan on February 21, 1986, for the Famicom Disk System. A 40th anniversary celebration in 2026 aligns with Nintendo's pattern of marking franchise milestones with dedicated hardware, as seen with the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch in 2020 and the Splatoon 3 OLED model in 2022. The leaked design's gold colorway also echoes the gold Nintendo Entertainment System cartridge used for the original Zelda in North America in 1987, a deliberate callback that fans have already noted in comment sections across gaming forums.

Timing: Why This Leak Matters Now

The leak arrives at a critical moment for Switch 2 buyers. Nintendo has confirmed a price increase on Switch 2 consoles is approaching, with reports indicating the $400 baseline price will rise soon. A report on the approaching Switch 2 price increase notes that the current $400 price point is the last chance to buy at the lower rate before the hike takes effect. This creates a decision point for consumers: buy a standard Switch 2 now at $400, or wait for the Zelda 40th Anniversary edition and pay the higher price.

The leak also arrives ahead of a rumored Nintendo Direct focused on the Ocarina of Time remake. Reporting from Video Game News coverage of the leak context indicates fans are waiting for both the Ocarina of Time remake release date and a Direct that gives the remake a proper showcase. If Nintendo pairs the Direct with a special edition console announcement, the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 could launch alongside the remake, following the pattern Nintendo established with the Tears of the Kingdom OLED model in 2023.

Historical precedent supports this timing. The Tears of the Kingdom Switch OLED launched on April 28, 2023, two weeks before the game's May 12, 2023 release date. If Nintendo follows the same cadence for the Zelda 40th Anniversary hardware, a Direct in late August or September 2026 could confirm both the remake's release date and the special edition console's availability. Consumers who want the special edition should plan for a potential launch window between October and December 2026, given Nintendo's holiday season hardware push.

40th Anniversary vs. Ocarina of Time Remake: Two Different Product Cycles

The leaked design's gold-and-black colorway signals a 40th anniversary celebration rather than an Ocarina of Time remake tie-in. This distinction matters for collectors because it changes the expected design language and marketing push. An Ocarina of Time-themed console would likely feature green accents, the Kokiri Emerald, or imagery from Hyrule Field and the Temple of Time. Instead, the leaked design uses gold as the dominant accent color, which is the franchise's most recognizable visual identity across its 40-year history.

The 40th anniversary angle also suggests Nintendo is treating this as a broader franchise celebration rather than a single-game promotion. This could mean the special edition hardware launches with a wider marketing campaign spanning multiple Zelda titles, possibly including the Ocarina of Time remake, a potential remaster of The Wind Waker or Twilight Princess, and new content for existing Switch 2 titles. Nintendo has historically used milestone anniversaries to bundle multiple announcements, as seen with the Super Mario Bros. 35th anniversary in 2020, which included Super Mario 3D All-Stars, Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros., and Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit.

For the Ocarina of Time remake specifically, the game itself remains unconfirmed for a release date. The leak reporting from Nintendo Life notes that the leaked console images appear to be based on Zelda's 40th anniversary rather than the Ocarina of Time remake, which suggests the two products are on separate timelines. The remake could launch in 2026 or 2027 independently of the anniversary hardware.

Collector Value and Rarity Outlook for the Zelda 40th Anniversary Console

Nintendo special edition consoles historically appreciate in value, and the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 is positioned to follow that trend. The Tears of the Kingdom OLED model, which retailed at $349.99 in 2023, now sells for $400 to $500 on the secondary market depending on condition and completeness. The Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch, which retailed at $299.99 in 2020, now commands $350 to $450 used. The Zelda franchise's collector base is among Nintendo's most dedicated, which historically drives higher secondary market premiums.

Several factors will influence the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2's collector value. First, production volume: Nintendo typically produces fewer units of anniversary hardware than standard models, and the Switch 2's supply chain constraints could further limit availability. Second, the price increase: if the Switch 2's baseline price rises from $400 to $450 or higher, the special edition will launch at the elevated price point, which sets a higher floor for secondary market pricing. Third, the design's distinctiveness: the gold-and-black colorway is visually striking and immediately recognizable as Zelda-themed, which appeals to collectors who display their hardware.

Collectors should also consider the Pro Controller's value independently. The Zelda 40th Anniversary Pro Controller, if it follows the pattern of the Tears of the Kingdom Pro Controller, could retail at $74.99 or $79.99. The Tears of the Kingdom Pro Controller currently sells for $100 to $130 on the secondary market, representing a 33% to 73% premium over its original retail price. A gold Triforce Pro Controller with the 40th anniversary branding could see similar or higher premiums given the milestone nature of the release.

Accessory Considerations for Special Edition Owners

Special edition console owners face a unique accessory challenge: protecting and using hardware that has collectible value. A gold Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 that gets scratched or damaged loses significant resale value, which means protective accessories become essential purchases rather than optional extras. For owners who plan to actually play the console rather than keep it sealed, a dock and charging solution that preserves the console's condition matters as much as the console itself.

For daily use, the POWKONG Cubedock 2 - Portable Dock & Charging Block for Switch 2 offers a compact alternative to Nintendo's official dock, which is particularly useful for collectors who want to keep the special edition dock in its box. The Cubedock 2 provides HDMI output and charging in a single brick-sized unit, making it easy to move the console between TV and handheld modes without unplugging the official dock. For travel, the POWKONG Cubedock - Portable Switch Dock & Charging Block delivers the same functionality in a smaller form factor.

Charging the gold Joy-Con controllers separately is also worth considering, especially for collectors who want to minimize wear on the console's rail connectors. The POWKONG Plantdock 2 Piranha - Switch Dock & Joy-Con Charger combines a dock with a dedicated Joy-Con charging station, allowing owners to keep controllers topped up without repeatedly attaching and detaching them from the console. For power delivery, the POWKONG Brickgeek 65W Switch/Switch 2 Power Adapter - Blue provides 65W charging that works with both the Switch 2 and other USB-C devices, reducing the need to carry Nintendo's proprietary power adapter.

Owners who plan to resell the console later should keep all original packaging, including the special edition dock, Joy-Con straps, and documentation. The presence of the original dock in the box can add $50 to $100 to the resale value, based on observed patterns in the Tears of the Kingdom and Animal Crossing special edition markets. Using a third-party dock like the Cubedock for daily play preserves the original dock's condition and maximizes the console's future resale value.

FAQ

When will the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 be officially announced?

Nintendo has not officially confirmed the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 as of August 12, 2026. The leaked images surfaced on August 11, 2026, and Nintendo typically announces special edition hardware 4 to 8 weeks before launch. If the console launches alongside the Ocarina of Time remake, an announcement could come in a Direct scheduled for late August or September 2026.

How much will the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 cost?

No official pricing has been announced. Based on the current Switch 2 price of $400 and the approaching price increase, the special edition will likely retail at $449.99 to $499.99 if it launches after the price hike takes effect. The special edition Pro Controller would likely cost $74.99 to $79.99 based on prior Zelda Pro Controller pricing.

Is the Zelda 40th Anniversary console tied to the Ocarina of Time remake?

Based on the leaked design, the console commemorates Zelda's 40th anniversary rather than the Ocarina of Time remake specifically. The gold colorway references the franchise's overall identity, not the green and earthy tones associated with Ocarina of Time. The two products may launch in the same window but appear to be separate initiatives.

Should I buy a standard Switch 2 now at $400 or wait for the Zelda edition?

If you want the Zelda special edition and are willing to pay a premium, waiting is the right choice. If you want a Switch 2 at the lowest possible price, buy now before the price increase takes effect. The standard console will cost more after the hike, and the Zelda edition will launch at the elevated price point.

Will the Zelda 40th Anniversary Pro Controller work with the original Switch?

Nintendo Pro Controllers are cross-compatible between the original Switch and Switch 2. The Zelda 40th Anniversary Pro Controller, if it follows standard Pro Controller specifications, will work with both consoles, the Switch Lite, and PC via Bluetooth or USB connection.