Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake Pre-Orders Are Under a Strict Nintendo Shipping Ban, No Go Until Nov 4th. Here's why that means anything pre-ordered for the Switch 2 title could see physical copies show up days after the official Nov 5th release. Nintendo has effectively forced a strict shipping ban on pre-orders of the Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, requiring all packages to sit in retailers until November 4th.
Nintendo forces retailers to hold pre-orders until November 4 to prevent leaks, risking late deliveries
That's hitting pre-orders for the Switch 2 title hard. Many people will see their physical copy come days after the official Nov 5th release date. People who anticipated immediate shipping upon launch will have to wait for updates on tracking and see their shipments arrive much later than expected.
Major retailers like Amazon and Video Games Plus are all affected by the shipping ban, being required to follow Nintendo's orders to prevent the early release. Per a customer reply from Video Games Plus, they have no say and can't ship the game before that Wednesday. It ensures the physical release stays unopened and unreleased until its official release date window.
The strict shipping ban comes after physical copies leaked on October 31st, a full four days ahead of its scheduled release date. Nintendo is clearly moving to lock down the integrity of the Nov 5th release and prevent anyone from getting early access. All pre-orders must stay in retailers' warehouses until Nintendo lifts the ban. It doesn't matter when you pre-ordered it.
We've been watching the high interest for the Switch 2 title. Previously we saw pre-orders higher than many other major titles on Amazon. This shipping ban after pre-orders shows the clash between immediate satisfaction for people vs Nintendo's very strict no leak approach. Those who pre-ordered should be sure to keep an eye on status updates, as when you'll likely see the delivery date change to reflect the Nov 5th release instead of when you pre-ordered it for.
Source: NotebookCheck
This is exactly why I stopped pre-ordering physical games. The delay is inevitable once leaks happen.
Does anyone know if digital copies will be available at midnight on release day or will Nintendo block those too?
Digital is usually fine. The ban is only for physical logistics to stop box leaks. You will get the code on time.
The leak was four days early. Nintendo had no choice but to lock down the supply chain completely. It protects the IP.
Will the tracking numbers update immediately on November fourth or will we just see a generic delivery window?
iirc amazon usually sends a notification when the shipping date changes so check your email before the box moves 🤔
Retailers have zero leverage here. If they ship early Nintendo pulls the entire catalog supply. The risk is not worth it for a single unit.