Honestly, if you thought the struggle to find a launch-day console was the hard part, you aren't ready for what Nintendo is doing right now. We’ve officially hit 2026, and the honeymoon phase of the base model is basically over. Now, we’re entering the era of the Nintendo Switch 2 special editions, and it’s a total minefield for your wallet.
I've been tracking these hardware cycles for a long time. Usually, Nintendo waits a year or two before dropping the "pretty" versions of their consoles. But this time? They aren't playing around. With the 40th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda and the 30th anniversary of Pokémon both colliding this year, the FOMO is reaching terminal velocity.
What’s actually on the shelf (and what isn't)
Right now, if you walk into a Best Buy or check Amazon, the "Mario Kart World" launch bundle is mostly a ghost. That $500 bundle was the gold standard for the 2025 launch, but retailers are pivotting. Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa recently admitted that while global supply is stabilizing, Japan is still stuck in lottery-sale hell.
👉 See also: LEGO Games on PS Vita: Why They Were Actually Better Than People Remember
But forget the base model. Let's talk about the hardware that actually looks cool.
The Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition just hit the market on January 15, 2026. It’s not just a fancy skin. It actually launched alongside a massive free content update for the game, which has sent it right back to the top of the eShop charts. If you're a fan of the mint-and-teal aesthetic, this is the one people are currently scalping for double the retail price on eBay.
The 2026 Special Edition Roadmap
If you haven't bought a system yet, you might want to hold your breath for a few months. My gut—and some very loud whispers from the supply chain—says the middle of this year is going to be the "Great Wallet Emptying."
- The Zelda 40th Anniversary Console: Rumors are swirling about a gold-etched dock specifically for an Ocarina of Time remake. With Zelda turning 40, a special edition console is almost a mathematical certainty for September 2026.
- The Pokémon Gen 10 Variant: Pokémon Legends: Z-A is already moving units, but the real "Special Edition" heat is focused on the Gen 10 reveal. Expect custom Joy-Con 2s with that weird magnetic snap-on feature in colors we haven't seen yet.
- The "White" Base Model: Believe it or not, we’re still mostly looking at the standard dark grey. Leaks suggest a "Polar White" variant is dropping in mid-March 2026 to coincide with the Mario Galaxy movie.
Let’s talk about that price tag
There is a lot of noise about the price of Nintendo Switch 2 special editions going up. Currently, the base unit is $450. But here’s the kicker: RAM prices are exploding.
Because of the AI boom, the 12GB LPDDR5X modules inside your Switch 2 are getting way more expensive to make. Analysts like Hideki Yasuda have been warning that Nintendo’s margins are getting squeezed. While Furukawa says they have enough inventory to keep prices stable for now, don’t be surprised if the "Special Editions" later this year launch at $499 or even $525.
Basically, Nintendo might use these "Limited Editions" as a way to raise the price without actually calling it a price hike. You get a cool design and maybe a digital code for a game, and they get to cover the rising cost of those Nvidia Tegra T239 chips.
Why the Joy-Con 2 makes a difference
The special editions this time around are more than just a paint job on the back of the tablet. The new Joy-Con 2 controllers use magnetic connectors instead of the old rails. This means the "Special Edition" Joy-Cons can have different textures or even slightly different ergonomic shapes.
I've seen reports that the upcoming Metroid Prime 4: Beyond edition might feature Joy-Cons with a "weathered metal" finish. It’s a far cry from the flat plastic of the original Switch.
What most people get wrong about "Switch 2 Editions"
A lot of people think they need to wait for a "Pro" version. Look, the Switch 2 is already pushing 4K at 60fps when docked. It’s got 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage. We aren't getting a "Pro" in 2026.
What we are getting are "Switch 2 Editions" of older games. You’ll see titles like Splatoon Raiders or Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade getting physical releases that come in specialized boxes. Sometimes these bundles include the console, sometimes they're just "Collector's Editions" of the software. Don't confuse the two when you're pre-ordering.
Actionable Advice for 2026
- Stop waiting for a price drop. It isn't happening. Between the 41% surge in RAM costs and the fact that Nintendo is still struggling with stock in Japan, that $450 price point is the lowest it will ever be.
- Watch the March Nintendo Direct. This is where the Mario Galaxy movie tie-in hardware will likely be revealed. If you want a white console, that’s your window.
- Check your "Upgrade Packs." If you already own games like Animal Crossing or Tears of the Kingdom, don't buy the "Switch 2 Edition" of the game unless you really want the physical box art. Most of these have digital upgrade paths on the eShop that are way cheaper.
- Prioritize the Zelda Anniversary. If history repeats itself, the Zelda 40th anniversary hardware will hold its value better than any other special edition. If you're a collector, that’s the one to hunt.
The market is moving fast. We’re seeing more third-party support than ever—shoutout to Cyberpunk 2077 finally being portable without the Steam Deck bulk—and that means more "Special Edition" opportunities. Keep your eyes peeled and your notifications on.
Next Steps for Collectors
Start by auditing your current Nintendo account. Many of the "Special Edition" bonuses and early-access pre-orders are being tied to your Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) tenure. Make sure your regional settings are correct, as some of the coolest Nintendo Switch 2 special editions (like the rumored Mother 3 anniversary set) might remain Japan-exclusive for the first few months. Lock in your pre-order funds now, because once the Zelda 40th anniversary hype train leaves the station in September, these consoles will disappear in seconds.