September 16, 2026

The Zelda 40th Anniversary Nintendo Direct (Podcast Episode 48)

Reading Time: 13 minutes

Nintendo Direct-ly into my wallet!

Alright here we go! It’s that time of year where Nintendo with zero consent reaches into my pants, yanks out my wallet, and just takes whatever they want. Seriously, it’s as if they need me to fully fund everything. And boy, they struck with the swiftness too! They saw GTA6 on the calendar and Sony digging themselves into an early grave, dropped in, and were like…

I went over a lot in this show and I want to give it a proper blog post so I hope you’re ready! 

First and foremost, the most important thing that you’ll probably never see covered anywhere else is the the internal struggle no one ever admits to:

OH-carina          vs.          AH-carina

Yes, I’m aware, I may be dumb here, but when you’re recording your second podcast at 1am, the lines between common sense and outlandish shower thoughts tends to get a little blurry. 

Ocarina of the Best of Times

Carrying on, The reveal of Ocarina of Time was expected. That was not a surprise at all. But what WAS a surprise was how absolutely gorgeous it was. Yeah, Link took some getting used to, ngl. It took me a good few minutes to stop staring. But my eyes adjusted! And I’m glad they did because it let me enjoy the gameplay video much more. I was there with my jaw on the floor most of the time. I swear, every little thing that they showed was just another reason why this is the greatest thing ever. C’mon, a JUMP BUTTON?! Can you believe that?? And you don’t have to roll to go faster anymore?! Game of the Year, already. Don’t even bother with GTA6!

Ok, seriously though, Ocarina of Time is so near and dear to my heart. Sure, it’s not my favorite favorite Zelda game. My top 3, if you must know, aaaaaaare…. You know what, that’s another blog post. Yeah, I have other favorites for other reasons, but that does not mean Ocarina is not special to me. I have so many core memories that are tied to that game, and so many instances where I can recall specific parts while exploring the world. This came out at a time when the world was full of magic and wonder. And as a kid growing up back then, games held that magic real tight. They weren’t just escapes to runaway to. They were immersive. And I know what you’re thinking, gaming is immersive now, but no, back then they GOT you. You might as well have been Neo strapped to a chair with a hair curler in the back of your head. 

Back then, gaming was just getting on its feet. It was learning to walk. Stumbling around, and trying to find its balance. Where most games were falling over on their asses, crying for their mommies, and throwing their bottles across the room even though they were starving, Ocarina of Time was different. It was the kid that stood up with no second thought, and just bolted across the room, headed straight for the front door to go explore the world. I know what you’re thinking, “oh yeah, so smart, didn’t even have a jump button!” To which I say, “no, it didn’t need one.” 

We’re spoiled these days. That’s without a doubt. But the special thing about Ocarina of Time is not that it’s a classic that defined genres and set precedence. It’s that it’s coming back at a time when it’s needed again.

Just like the Hero of Time, it’s reaching forward to today, and coming to save the gaming world from darkness. From the incompetent hands of XBOX, or the over reaching grasp of PlayStation. Nintendo is not without its faults, that’s for damn sure. But Ocarina of Time is such a core game, that have it recreated like this, so modernized and crisp, it might as well be a brand new game. And for many, it will be. Not everyone is in the same boat as us 1900’s pathfinders. This will all be new to them and that’s amazing. 

Ok, moving on, as there is other stuff to talk about. 

The Soundtrack of the Heart

The opening for the Direct ties in with everything I just said. The connection to the franchise from such an early age, really cements it in my memories. I grew up with this world. With the heroes and villains. With the music. And the orchestra playing, building up the music as it went through the montage of memories spanning all of the game games in the past 40 years. Yeah, it hit me like a bag of rupees. 

Which leads me to this!

When Skyward Sword released way back in 2011, packed in limited cases was a CD featuring The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Symphony Orchestra. Now, I know, “what’s a CD?!?” Hush child. 

I loved this CD and I still have it! Would totally take a picture of it since I know exactly where it is. It’s just underneath a bunch of other stuff in a box. But the music lives on my phone. And this one song that I talked about, that I linked to, and that’s just below, sits on the top of my Video Game Music Playlist. 

Around the 3:30 mark is when my favorite part begins. You can hear it slow down, as if all the other instruments are making way for the solo violin to come through and tell a sad story through its sound. And then it picks back up again and continues through in the heroic way Zelda music always finishes. 

I’m stoked they are touring again, maybe they’ll come near me and I can drag someone to go with. I mean, if they’re ok with watching a grown man cry over some strings. 

Shut up and Take my Money

Below there will be affiliate links to products, that if you were to click on them, I would get the tiniest of kickbacks.
So if you’d like to help me potentially buy one of my kids a candy bar, I am thankful for it.

All of this is one neat package tied up with a bow for us lovers of The Legend of Zelda. And what do we make packages for? To sell of course! Nintendo knows exactly what they’re doing and we just eat it all up. Like the actual game of Ocarina of Time, with a special gold foil cover art that is limited to the first shipment or so. So of course, better get it pre-ordered! 

I would have LOVED a gold cartridge. That would’ve been it. You think the internet exploded with everything already? PFFT. If it was a gold cart it would’v been pandemonium! It’s what they did for the original release, they should’ve done it, but it’s all good. I guess.

If you’d like to pre-order the game, you can do so on Amazon right here. Or from other places too like Best Buy, Target, Walmart, or the Nintendo Store.

At the time of this writing, Amazon and Walmart both have the game listed for $59.99, when it is $69.99 everywhere else. AND, if you use code SAVE3X at Walmart, you’ll get another $10 off on top of that, making this brand new day one game out the door be $49.99. They’re practically giving it away! 

On top of that, we’re also getting a snazzy new The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 Pro Controller which don’t look half bad! 

Yeah, it’s full good. And spoiler, out of everything, this is what has eluded me. I really just wanted the controller, but if I can I would totally grab the one with the stand. Unfortunately, the stand comes with the controller for $10 more, but it’s only available at the Nintendo Store. Physical locations or online. I’m ok without the stand but if I get that shot you know I’m going to take it. 

The Switch 2 Pro Controller is my second favorite controller. First favorite is the Steam Controller, in case you’re wondering. But I love the feel of the Pro Controller. And I don’t know the magic they used to have the joysticks made of butter but it is an amazing feeling. Yeah, I can’t wait for this to drop.

If you’re looking to pre-order the controller, Amazon has not listed it yet, but you can find it at various other retailers, like Best Buy, Target, Walmart, or the Nintendo Store. 

Now. The meat & potatoes of the dinner…

The Limited Edition Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 console

Yeah, right?! I gasped too. Well, more of a little girl’s squee than a manly man’s inhale, but sometimes you just can’t control yourself. 

It is downright sexy, if you ask me. I think it beats the Tears of the Kingdom Switch OLED, but that’s just me. The dock for that was amazing, but the joy cons always left something to be desired. Here’s a picture for reference. 

I pre-ordered this new hotness. Let me just say, that while it sounds great on paper.. “I pre-ordered this.” Let me just be clear that I actually have absolutely ZERO business pre-ordering this. I feel like I could be ok doing so. My shop has been more success than not. But I’m not exactly swimming in it over here. And there’s plenty of other stuff that I could use the money towards. But holy deku nuts, it’s so good looking. 

I think my favorite part is the tone. The woodsy feeling to it. How it almost looks like it came straight from Kokiri Forest. If that’s what they were going for then they freaking nailed it! 

Ok, I can’t. Yes, I can. I will. I won’t. GHAAHFHAOHJODNF FINE. Ok we’re gonna do this. I have my pre-order and I’m keeping it, dangit! I’ll figure it out but it’s going to happen. Decision made. Next subject!

If you can’t control yourself despite all your better judgement and/or spouse telling you you should, then you can pre-order it right here. You know. When or if it ever comes back in stock (I’m sure it will). You can also find it at Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and the Nintendo Store. 

OK! I think I covered everything? Some other stuff announced that I’m not really that crazy excited about. Two different Ocarinas that you can use to actually play with your actual hands and mouth. The Electric one is on Nintendo Store and costs $49.99. And when you play, it registers in the game. Freaking cool! Fun for kids. But having an Ocarina here in the house, I know how cramped my hands get when I try to play it so, eh, I’m ok. They’re awesome though.

And of course, amiibo! These two look super nice. And I have the entire collection of Zelda amiibo here so I obviously will have to get these and that robot dude from Tears of the Kingdom that just came out. But these don’t release until 2027! And I’m willing to wait it out for a good sale. I didn’t grab the champions until they were $5 each at Best Buy. And now it sucks because if stores are willing to let them go for that much then yeah, I’m fine waiting it out. Now, if they say hey, this is limited and you’ll never see it again, then I’ll have to fight scalpers for them like it’s 2015. But I think I’m ok. 

And then some LEGO set but no one has that amount of expendable money so whatever.

A Terrible Fate Looms…

One last thing about Zelda before I move on though… If we’re all on the same page here, we know how beloved Ocarina of Time was. We know that when it released it was special. But… We also know that on the other side of that sandwich, is the jelly to Ocarina’s peanut butter. The game that came out a short 2 years later, that shared the same exact engine, graphical style, and all. Yes, you know of which I speak. Ocarina of Time is amazing and cannot wait to play it. Cannot wait to get lost in it. Buuuuut….

WHEN ARE WE GETTING MAJORA’S MASK, NINTENDO?!

Yeah, you’re not getting away this easy. It’s practically made already. I’m no game developer but I say it should take about the same time of two years to turn this sucker around and let us get lost in Termina. What say you?! Do you not like money?!

cbr.com has an article from July that basically confirms it?? Gotta love when voice actors get too excited and list stuff early. 

Majora’s Mask is the step-child of the Zelda franchise, and it’s actually…. *looks around suspiciously and nervously* it’s actually higher on my list than Ocarina is… Yeah, don’t @ me because I don’t care to hear why you’re wrong. 

The Rest of the Other Direct

On the podcast I also covered my thoughts on the other Direct that happened the following day. I was generally happy with whatever was announced. I mean, I wouldn’t be in my Switch 2 Era for JUST Zelda. Don’t get me wrong, I totally could be. But no, there are other games! 

Metroid Ravenous looks ridiculous! I’m a huge, fair weather fan of Metroid. I don’t go ape like I do for Zelda, and I almost never beat any of the games. But man, do I appreciate the heck out of them. I love to give them a shot and enjoy them when I do. Why I never finish them? Who knows! But that’s where I’m at. I already told myself Metroid Dread is next up to play after Luigi’s Mansion and I’m super stoked to do it. 

But here is what I pre-ordered. I figured with the ridiculous price of amiibo out there now, plus the steelbook and the game being on the cartridge, this was a no brainer. I’m excited to check it out and then stop playing it in 2 weeks because something is wrong with me. It retails for $119. vs. the $69.99 of the regular edition.

If you’re looking to pre-order it, you can find it here on Amazon. The Special Edition is also at Best Buy, and the Nintendo Store when they come back in stock. 

Another game I’m excited to see come to the Switch 2 is Stellar Blade Complete Edition. 

Now, I know what you’re thinking. And yes. But. Also, no. I’m not buying it because of that. I’m buying it because in my heart of hearts, I’m a lover of hack n’ slash games. Especially ones stylized like this. I loved Bayonetta 1 and 2 (have yet to play 3), so that is icing on the cake for me. My roots go all the way back to the original Devil May Cry. When I saw a friend of mine who just got his PS2 put in Devil May Cry and play through the first level, I knew I was missing out. I was all about Nintendo back then and DMC ripped me out of my comfort zone so fast. I skipped the entirety of the PS1 because who needs to deal with CD’s and pointy… uh… blocky characters, when I had Mario and Zelda? But nope, Devil May Cry made me help my father at his job for weeks so I can save up and buy my own PS2. SO YEAH! Stellar Blade is not just TNA for me.

I pre-ordered the limited edition of this too. It was only $10 more and I have a really good feeling this is going to be hard to get when it drops. So I’m looking forward to picking this one up too. On… *checks date*…. THE SAME DAY AS OCARINA OF TIME, C’MON!

If you want to pre-order the steelbook edition, you might get lucky with it coming back in stock at Best Buy. There’s also the regular edition available for $10 less at $59.99. 

Alright that’s that. Long post, but I’m happy with this flow I got going on. I was half-assing these blog posts for the podcast episodes for a while. But I figured let me take the time to really jump in and give it 100%. Make a symbiotic relationship between the blog and the podcast. I’m not on social media so this blog is it! This is where my thoughts can be coming out in great detail.

So I’m sorry, but also, you’re welcome!

So tell me in the comments below what did you think about the Directs! Whatever you want to chat about, let’s chat about. 

Adios until next time!

Links & Info Discussed

General Information

Where to Find Me & What I’m Up To

Contact The Talking Place

If you’d like to contact the show, say hi, all that jazz, you can do so below! 

Author:
Filed Under: Gaming, Talking Place Episodes, The Man, The Talking Place
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Cool People Leave Comments... just sayin'