2011 was the last time we had a big console release from The Legend of Zelda series with Skyward Sword, so fans have been anxiously awaiting the launch of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Originally just set to come to Wii U, the game was made a launch title for the Nintendo Switch, but it appears a few retailers are already sold out prior to release.
Pre-orders have become a major part of the gaming culture, originally serving as a way to guarantee yourself a copy on release day, but now more involving the exclusive content you get for pre-ordering it.
Rarely are the big mainstream games sold out on release day to where you feel the need to pre-order for the purposes of guaranteeing a copy, which is why it’s surprising to see The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild sold out at a few retailers already online.
As of the time of this writing, the physical copy of the Nintendo Switch version of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is currently sold out on both Amazon and GameStop’s website. You can purchase the digital version of both, or even the physical Wii U version, but the Switch physical copy is nowhere to be found.
What makes this a little stranger is that the game can be ordered right now from plenty of other retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart, so it’s not a widespread shortage. GameStop is definitely known for getting lesser stock on Nintendo games, but it is kind of surprising to see Amazon not have it up for pre-order still.
If you do want a physical copy on day one, I wouldn’t take my chances as most people buying the Nintendo Switch are likely also buying The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild as well. GameStop may also be taking in-store pre-orders for the game as well, but you will have to find that out for yourself.
While there is almost no way you’ll be able to get the incredibly rare Master Edition and Special Edition that are sold out everywhere, you’ll probably be able to find the regular version in stores on release date, or at worst you can always download it from the eShop without any worries.
