Key Takeaways
- The Nintendo Switch 2 recorded its highest weekly US hardware dollar sales of 2026 during the week ending October 31.
- The Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition console was a major driver of the sales increase, according to Circana analyst Mat Piscatella.
- Total US video game hardware spending increased by 81% compared to the same week in 2025.
- The special-edition console launched on October 29 for $519.99, but it does not include a copy of Ocarina of Time.
- The Ocarina of Time remake launched on November 5, meaning its hardware sales impact will be reflected in subsequent reporting.
Nintendo might finally have found something capable of bringing more attention back to the Switch 2. After several months of disappointing hardware sales, the console has just recorded its biggest weekly hardware sales performance of 2026 in the US, measured by revenue. Interestingly, the boost arrived just as Nintendo began celebrating one of its most beloved franchises with a special anniversary release.
According to Circana analyst Mat Piscatella, the Nintendo Switch 2 enjoyed its highest weekly hardware dollar sales of the year during the week ending October 31. The biggest contributor was the new The Legend of Zelda: 40th Anniversary Edition console, which launched just days before the highly anticipated Ocarina of Time remake.
While it is still too early to determine whether the remake can deliver a lasting recovery for Nintendo’s latest console, the initial numbers are certainly encouraging. Zelda fans have clearly shown considerable interest in the anniversary hardware, and Nintendo’s decision to connect the release to one of gaming’s most recognisable franchises appears to be paying off.
Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition Helps Switch 2 Achieve Its Biggest Sales Week of 2026
Mat Piscatella shared the latest sales information on Bluesky, confirming that The Legend of Zelda: 40th Anniversary Edition console helped push total US Switch 2 hardware dollar sales to their highest weekly level of 2026 so far.
The data covers the week ending October 31 and comes from Circana Retail Tracking Service. Piscatella also revealed that total US video game hardware spending increased by an impressive 81% compared to the same week a year earlier.
That is a notable improvement for an industry that has experienced some considerable hardware sales pressure throughout 2026. The Switch 2 has been particularly affected, with Circana’s September report showing a 14% year-over-year decline in US unit sales and a 12% drop in hardware dollar sales.
The anniversary release therefore arrives at an important moment for Nintendo. Rather than relying solely on another major software release, the company has combined nostalgia, limited-edition hardware, and the return of one of its most celebrated games to attract consumers.
It is worth remembering that Piscatella’s figures measure dollar sales rather than the actual number of consoles sold. Consequently, the latest report does not confirm that the Switch 2 achieved its highest weekly unit sales of the year. Nintendo and Circana have not disclosed a corresponding console sales figure for this particular week.
The Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 Console Is Selling Quickly
One of the biggest attractions behind the sales increase is undoubtedly the new Zelda-themed Switch 2. Nintendo released the special-edition console on October 29, giving fans an opportunity to celebrate the franchise’s 40th anniversary with hardware featuring a design inspired by the series.
The system includes Zelda-inspired detailing across the console, dock, and Joy-Con 2 controllers. The Triforce motifs give it a distinct appearance, making it particularly attractive to collectors who want something different from the standard Switch 2 hardware.
However, getting one has not been particularly easy. Various retailers reportedly ran out of stock shortly after the console became available, while resale listings and scalping activity also increased as demand grew.
The limited-edition model carries a price tag of $519.99 in the US (approximately £430 in the UK). There is one important detail that buyers should know before spending that amount: the console does not include a copy of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
That means players interested in experiencing the remake will need to purchase the game separately. Nevertheless, the strong response to the anniversary hardware suggests that Nintendo has managed to turn the franchise’s milestone celebration into an attractive hardware release.
Nintendo’s official announcement of the Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition provides additional details about the console and its special design.
Ocarina of Time’s November 5 Launch Makes the Sales Results Even More Interesting
Although the anniversary console has already helped the Switch 2 achieve its strongest weekly dollar sales performance of the year, the Ocarina of Time remake could provide another reason for players to pick up Nintendo’s latest hardware.
The remake officially launched on November 5, just under a week after the anniversary console arrived. This distinction is important because Piscatella’s record-setting sales figures cover the period ending October 31. The game itself therefore cannot be credited with directly causing that particular weekly sales record.
Instead, the anniversary console was the immediate driver identified by the Circana analyst. The remake’s actual contribution will become clearer when November’s sales figures become available.
There is also a reporting difference worth considering. Since the special-edition console arrived on October 29 and the remake followed on November 5, their sales performances will appear in separate monthly reports.
Still, Nintendo has plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the game’s reception. Ocarina of Time remains one of the most influential adventure games ever made, and bringing it back with updated visuals and a refreshed presentation gives longtime fans a compelling reason to revisit Hyrule.
Christian Donlan awarded the remake five stars in Eurogamer’s review, praising its ability to preserve the original game’s timeless qualities while giving the experience a fresh sense of clarity and vibrancy.
Can Ocarina of Time Help Nintendo Reverse the Switch 2 Sales Decline?
The latest numbers are certainly a positive development for Nintendo, but one strong sales week does not necessarily mean the Switch 2 has completely reversed its hardware slowdown.
The anniversary console has demonstrated that limited-edition hardware tied to a major gaming franchise can still generate considerable consumer interest. However, maintaining that momentum will require more than a popular collector’s edition.
The Ocarina of Time remake could be an important part of that strategy. Nintendo has a valuable advantage with its established franchises, particularly when it comes to games that carry decades of nostalgia. A high-profile Zelda release can attract longtime fans who might otherwise have delayed purchasing the new console.
The bigger question is whether that interest will continue beyond the initial launch period. The November sales report should provide a much clearer picture of how much additional demand the remake generated and whether Nintendo can turn the renewed excitement into sustained hardware sales.
For now, the Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition has given the Switch 2 a much-needed sales boost in the US. Ocarina of Time has arrived with plenty of attention surrounding it, and Nintendo will be hoping that the combination of its special-edition hardware and one of its most celebrated adventures can carry that momentum further into the holiday season.
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