Nintendo Switch 2: New Pricing & Zelda OoT Remake Rumor

Nintendo Switch 2: What's Happening Now and What You Need to Know Before You Buy

The Nintendo Switch 2 is dominating gaming headlines this week — and not just because of its impressive hardware. Two major stories are reshaping how buyers should think about the console right now: Nintendo is officially changing its pricing model to make physical game copies more expensive than digital, and a reliable insider has leaked that a Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake is heading to the platform as a massive holiday 2026 release. If you've been on the fence about pulling the trigger on a Switch 2, here's everything you need to know.

Why Nintendo Switch 2 Is Trending Right Now

On March 25, 2026, Nintendo dropped a bombshell: starting in May 2026, physical Switch 2-exclusive first-party games will carry a higher MSRP than their digital counterparts. The first game under this new model is Yoshi and the Mysterious Book (Nintendo Switch 2), launching May 21 at $60 digital and $70 physical — a $10 gap that signals a significant shift in Nintendo's retail strategy.

Nintendo framed the change carefully in a clarifying statement on March 26, positioning it as "lowering" the digital price rather than raising the physical price. Whether you buy that framing or not, the practical takeaway is clear: going digital on Switch 2 will save you money going forward. That's a real consideration when deciding how to build your game library.

Then on March 27, gaming outlet Polygon reported that reliable leaker Nate the Hate revealed a Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake is in development for Switch 2, targeted as a major holiday 2026 release. The timing is significant — it would land near the Zelda series' 40th anniversary. Nintendo previously remade Ocarina of Time for the 3DS in 2011 and brought Link's Awakening to Switch in 2019, so a new high-fidelity remake of arguably the greatest game ever made would be a system-selling moment. The same leaker noted there's no new 3D Mario game until next year, making the Zelda remake even more critical to Nintendo's 2026 lineup.

Read Ars Technica's full breakdown of the pricing change and Polygon's analysis of the Ocarina of Time remake rumor for the full picture.

Quick Picks: Best Nintendo Switch 2 Buys Right Now

• Best Overall: Nintendo Switch 2 — The console itself remains the obvious buy. Versatile, powerful, and now home to an increasingly compelling exclusive lineup.
• Best Upcoming Game (Pre-Order Now): Yoshi and the Mysterious Book (Nintendo Switch 2) — If you prefer physical copies, grab it before May 21 to understand the new pricing model firsthand. Go digital to save $10.
• Best Accessory Bundle: Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case — Protect your investment, especially if you plan to game on the go.

The Nintendo Switch 2: What You're Actually Buying

Nintendo Switch 2 Console

The Switch 2 is Nintendo's follow-up to one of the best-selling consoles of all time, delivering a significant hardware upgrade while keeping the hybrid home/portable concept intact. It features a larger, higher-resolution display, improved Joy-Con controllers with a new magnetic attachment system and a dedicated "C Button" for Nintendo's GameChat feature, and substantially more processing power than its predecessor.

Key specs at a glance:

• Upgraded custom NVIDIA processor with DLSS upscaling support
• Larger 7.9-inch LCD screen (up from 6.2 inches on original Switch)
• Magnetic Joy-Con attachment (no more rail sliding)
• Backward compatible with most Nintendo Switch game cards
• New GameChat voice/video communication feature
• USB-C charging, upgraded dock for 4K TV output

Why buy it now: The library is maturing, the first-party lineup for 2026 looks exceptional (especially if the Ocarina of Time remake lands in Q4), and the new pricing model actually incentivizes smarter purchasing habits for digital buyers.

What to Look For When Buying Nintendo Switch 2 Games

Digital vs. Physical: The New Reality

This is now the most important decision Switch 2 owners face. Starting May 2026, buying physical Switch 2-exclusive first-party titles means paying a $10 premium. Nintendo has been charging $70 or $80 for new Switch 2 games without a publicly explained tier system — and the new digital discount widens the gap further.

Choose digital if: You want the best price, you don't trade games, and you're comfortable with a digital library tied to your Nintendo account.

Choose physical if: You value collector's editions, want to lend games to friends, or prefer owning a tangible product and don't mind the premium. For games like a potential Ocarina of Time remake, a collector's physical edition could be worth every cent.

Nintendo's framing of this as "lowering digital prices" rather than raising physical prices is technically defensible — but the practical impact on your wallet is the same. Budget accordingly.

First-Party vs. Third-Party Pricing

The new physical premium applies specifically to Switch 2-exclusive first-party games. Third-party titles and games that also run on the original Switch aren't necessarily subject to the same pricing structure. Always check whether a game is a Switch 2 exclusive before assuming the $10 gap applies.

Accessories Worth Buying

A few accessories significantly improve the Switch 2 experience:

• Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case — Essential for portability. The new magnetic Joy-Cons are more secure but protection still matters.
• Nintendo Switch 2 Screen Protector — The larger screen is gorgeous but scratches easily in handheld mode.
• Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Card — If you're going digital-heavy (which the new pricing model encourages), extra storage is non-negotiable.
• Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller — For extended home play sessions, the Pro Controller is dramatically more comfortable than Joy-Cons.

Looking Ahead: The Games That Make Switch 2 Worth It

The rumored Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake — if confirmed — would be among the most anticipated game releases in years. The original 1998 Nintendo 64 game is widely considered one of the greatest of all time, and a ground-up remake built for Switch 2 hardware near the Zelda series' 40th anniversary would be a landmark moment. Nintendo's 2019 remake of Link's Awakening showed the company can modernize classic Zelda titles beautifully; applying that treatment to Ocarina of Time at Switch 2's full capability is a genuinely exciting prospect.

With no new 3D Mario confirmed until 2027, the Zelda remake would carry Nintendo's holiday 2026 lineup as the flagship title. That makes it a potential system-seller in the same tier as Breath of the Wild was for the original Switch. Polygon notes the remake will be a significant creative challenge — but the upside for fans is enormous.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Nintendo Switch 2 cost?

The Nintendo Switch 2 launched at $449.99 USD. Bundles with games are available at various price points. Check Amazon for current deals and bundle availability.

Will all Switch 2 games cost more in physical form?

Only Switch 2-exclusive first-party titles are confirmed to carry the higher physical price starting May 2026. The first example is Yoshi and the Mysterious Book (Nintendo Switch 2) at $70 physical vs. $60 digital. Third-party and cross-gen games may not follow the same model, but the trend could widen over time.

Is the Nintendo Switch 2 backward compatible?

Yes — the Switch 2 plays most original Nintendo Switch game cards and digital titles. Some older games may not be compatible or may require updates. Nintendo 64, SNES, and other legacy titles available through Nintendo Switch Online also carry over.

Should I wait for the Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake before buying?

If you're primarily a Zelda fan and budget is a concern, waiting until holiday 2026 for a potential bundle makes sense. However, the Switch 2 already has a strong library, and buying now means you're ready to play day one when the remake launches — assuming the leak is accurate. There are no confirmed deals tied to that release yet. Nintendo's production cuts in 2026 also suggest inventory could tighten, so waiting too long carries its own risk.

Our Recommendation

For most people, the Nintendo Switch 2 is a clear buy — and the new pricing model actually makes it a slightly better value proposition for digital-first players. Commit to going digital on first-party Switch 2 exclusives, pick up a high-capacity Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Card to handle your growing library, and keep an eye on holiday 2026 for what could be a generation-defining Zelda release. If Ocarina of Time gets an official announcement, expect bundles to sell out fast — so securing the console now is the smart move.