Hardware leaks have once again put Hyrule in the spotlight. In the last few hours, images have circulated on social media showing what could be the first special edition Nintendo Switch 2, as well as a matching Pro Controller, both dedicated to the 40th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda. This has caused quite a stir, especially since the Japanese company has neither confirmed nor denied anything so far.
The timing couldn't be better. Nintendo has the highly anticipated remake of Ocarina of Time for Switch 2 on the horizon , expected to launch later this year. Furthermore, the live-action film adaptation of the saga is slated for release on April 30, 2027. With such a timeline, a grand celebration of the 40th anniversary seems almost obligatory, and these leaks could be the first tangible proof of that.
The first special edition of Switch 2
The images, initially shared by leak-focused accounts like CentroLeaks and Brazilian journalist 'Necro' Felipe Lima, show a bundle that includes a Switch 2 console with Joy-Con 2 controllers in a striking dark green and black color scheme with gold accents. The dock also boasts an elegant finish with the Triforce symbol engraved on one side. If confirmed, this would be the first themed console of Nintendo's new generation , something that hasn't happened since the special editions of the original Switch.
The design doesn't appear to be solely tied to Ocarina of Time, but rather pays homage to the entire franchise . In fact, the packaging features a commemorative 40th-anniversary logo that hasn't yet been officially unveiled. The chosen colors, gold and dark green, directly evoke classic NES cartridges and the Triforce aesthetic, a nod that longtime fans will surely appreciate.
A matching Pro Controller with a retro touch
Alongside the console, the new Pro Controller for the anniversary edition has also been leaked. The controller maintains the same color scheme, with one grip in black and the other in dark green, and a golden Triforce in the center. But what has attracted the most attention is a detail on the back: a small 8-bit sprite of Link , just as he appeared in the first game from 1986. A detail that has set social media ablaze.
The leak also includes photos of the boxes for both products, suggesting that the material could already be in production or, at least, in a very advanced stage of design. However, the authenticity of the images remains a mystery . On forums like Famiboards, opinions are divided: some believe they are real, while others point to a possible AI-generated image or a simple 3D rendering.
Real leak or staged?
The credibility of the sources is a factor to consider. Felipe Lima, director of Universo Nintendo, known as 'Necro,' has a track record of accurate leaks, such as the logo for the Switch 2 itself. He has confirmed that the images are 'legitimate' and match what he had previously seen. Even so, Nintendo hasn't said a word about it , and until there's an official announcement, this remains just a rumor, however appealing it may seem.
If this turns out to be true, it would be a strategic move by Nintendo. The company typically reserves special editions of its consoles for major milestones, and Zelda's 40th anniversary is undoubtedly one of them. Furthermore, the arrival of the Ocarina of Time remake in late 2026 would be the perfect complement to this hardware, creating a joint launch campaign that could boost sales of the new console.
The context: Ocarina of Time remake and the film
The Ocarina of Time remake, along with these leaks, is the main focus of the final stretch of the year. Although Nintendo has already confirmed it, they haven't yet shown any gameplay or given a specific release date. Theories point to a release between November and December, which would coincide with the holiday season and, therefore, with the highly anticipated GTA 6. The possibility of both games overlapping release dates is something that worries many, but it could also be an incentive for Nintendo to make a move sooner.
Meanwhile, the live-action Zelda movie continues to generate buzz. Several cast members have recently been leaked, including Sam Neill, Dichen Lachman as Impa, Uli Latukefu as Ganondorf, and Yvonne Strahovski and Lydia Peckham in yet-to-be-confirmed roles. Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, known for House of the Dragon, will voice Link. These casting leaks reinforce the feeling that Nintendo is gearing up for a major announcement, possibly during a Nintendo Direct dedicated to the series.
Upcoming events and possible announcements
With Gamescom 2026 just around the corner (August 26-30 in Cologne) and the Tokyo Game Show scheduled for mid-September, the coming weeks are crucial. Nintendo has confirmed its presence at the German trade show, and while it hasn't detailed what it will showcase, everything points to Zelda being one of the main attractions . It wouldn't be unreasonable to expect a 'Zelda Direct' before the end of summer, where the mystery of this special edition is finally revealed and the Ocarina of Time remake is shown in action.
Meanwhile, fans can do nothing but speculate and dream about getting their hands on this very special edition. The combination of a themed console, a controller with a retro touch, and a remake of one of the best installments in history is, to say the least, tempting. We'll have to wait for Nintendo to break its silence, but what's clear is that Zelda's 40th anniversary is going to be a hot topic before the year is out.
