New Nintendo Hardware Design Surfaces Online Ahead Of Major Reveal

Although many will remember the year 2026 as the year we got Grand Theft Auto VI, it's also the 40th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda franchise. For a lot of fans, they're patiently waiting for the release of another game... The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of TIme remake and couldn't care less about Vice City. With the year drawing closer to a close, no doubt we'll see more about the remake soon, but some rumors have us thinking we're getting much more than just a remake. So much more!

Take it with a pinch of salt, but two Nintendo insiders are claiming to have knowledge of a new piece of hardware also releasing this year. Mike Odyssey and Necrolipe both claim that a secret Nintendo Switch 2 pro controller is being released in line with The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of TIme remake. A Zelda-themed controller with green tips and a golden tri-force emblem near the plus and minus buttons is allegedly being released alongside the game to maximize on nostalgic fans and their deep pockets.

Neither Nintendo insider has a great track record for accuracy, but the fact that, combined, they're both saying the same things adds a little more credence to the rumor. It makes sense that Nintendo would do something special for the 40th year anniversary. With The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake expected to be Nintendo's biggest selling title of the year, it also makes sense to release bundles that capitalize on the release.

A Zelda-themed pro controller is great, but many are expecting more. It's been close to 30 years since The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time first released and some fans are hoping for a Zelda-branded Nintendo Switch 2 bundle to launch with the game. After all, for oldies like me, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a console seller and a reason to pick up a Nintendo Switch 2 in the first place. A Zelda themed game and console bundle would be the icing on the cake and the perfect gift for any fan who hasn't yet picked up a Nintendo Switch 2.

Neither insider mentions a release date for the Zelda-inspired pro controller, but it makes sense that it would release this year to celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda franchise. In fact, it makes more sense to release it at the same time as the game to get maximum impact. Now if only we knew when The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of TIme Remake was launching... that'd be great! With a surprise Nintendo Direct and rumored pre-order date of August 4th, 2026, it's fairly certain we'll have more information soon.

Although the rumors aren't confirmed, getting a themed pro controller for one of Nintendo's biggest games of the year seems very likely. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake will not only be one of the biggest games of the year, it might actually become a big console seller too. Oldies who grew up in the N64 era of gaming, might jump back into gaming thanks to one of the greatest adventure games of all time getting a remake. Pro controller or not, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake is coming soon, and we couldn't be more excited.