The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is set to launch this week on November 5, 2025, and there is plenty to celebrate beforehand.
Think back to November 1998 when one of the biggest games on the Nintendo 64 console came out, if you can. And even if you cannot, the internet has extracted some of that nostalgia for others to see. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake is about to hit stores on November 5, and many stores around the world are bringing back midnight launches in-store. Google is celebrating the pre-launch that takes internet denizens back to how Google looked back in 1998. Meanwhile, those who buy their game at the Nintendo store at Argos Tottenham Court Road, London, during the midnight launch will receive a free Nintendo 64 box replica. Toronto, Canada will also have some fun launch events across specific flagship stores for EB Games and Best Buy.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake honours the 40th anniversary of the video game franchise in a big way, with the Nintendo Switch 2 – The Legend of Zelda – 40th Anniversary Edition console, the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, and a Nintendo Switch 2 carrying case with a screen protector already rolled out last week. Apparently, restocks will be happening during this first week of November, so fans should keep a lookout for places like Target and Best Buy, which have already confirmed they will be carrying some restocks. So, hopefully more people can show off their Triforce console and gear before Christmas comes around.
As of writing, Walmart, Amazon, and the Nintendo Store have not mentioned anything about The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake console and gear restocks at their stores. Walmart is already in deep waters following an online mishap where they realized they could not fulfill the special console preorders and reportedly offered customers a $519 digital gift card as compensation. Shoppers who have ordered any Legend of Zelda 40th anniversary items are encouraged to contact Walmart customer service to get that issue resolved.
If you are a Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time fan and want a little smile to start your day today, go ahead and Google anything related to ‘Zelda’ and ‘Ocarina of Time’, and a small Master Sword will appear on the bottom right of your screen. This does work on desktop or mobile. Then, a Triforce wash animation will convert the Google search area into an exact 1998 recreation of the Google search for the game. It does not lead to any HTML sites that may have been up at the time, but the general look can spark a memory or two from that time.
For London locals, the Nintendo store at Argos Tottenham Court Road, London, has been stocked with consoles, games, and merchandise for Nintendo games like Zelda, Mario, and Animal Crossing. Continuing its tradition, the Argos store will be giving out the N64 replica box, an inner tray within the replica box that holds the Nintendo Switch 2 remake, and a bonus Ocarina of Time key ring. It is unclear if it is playable, but it appears to be very tiny.
As for Canada and Toronto gamers, EB Games and Best Buy will be your best bet to celebrate The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake launch at midnight on November 4th. EB Games noted there will be a costume contest, trivia, photo ops, and special giveaways while supplies last. There were no confirmed details about special guests arriving, but those waiting should keep a close eye out to spot any local legends/celebrities in the wild. Be sure to check out EB Games’ official blog to see which location near you in Canada is hosting a midnight launch.
For Best Buy, the stakes have already been set high for the cosplay contest. Specifically at the flagship Best Buy on Bay & Dundas, their cosplay contest will be judged by a panel, with the winner announced at 11:15 p.m. ET that night (Nov 4). The winner will receive a limited-edition Nintendo Switch 2 – The Legend of Zelda – 40th Anniversary Edition and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake game. Additionally, they will have photo ops, hot chocolate and snacks, and a poster giveaway for the first 200 guests in line. This poster is so cool because it captures a piece of art from every Zelda game ever launched. Double-check the blog for all locations around Canada, and it should have details on what is being offered at those other locations’ midnight launches as well.
