Nintendo fans were buzzing with excitement after the recent Nintendo Direct event, which showcased a slew of new game reveals, particularly for beloved franchises like Mario, Metroid, and of course, Zelda. Among the highlights was the announcement of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, a new top-down adventure that puts Zelda front and center, set to launch on September 26. This news was met with further excitement as Nintendo also unveiled a special-edition Hyrule Edition Switch Lite to coincide with the game’s release.
The Hyrule Edition Switch Lite boasts a striking gold design with black buttons and analog sticks that pays homage to the legendary realm of Hyrule. Emblazoned with the iconic Hylian Crest on the back and a subtle Triforce symbol below the right analog stick on the front, this limited-edition console is sure to catch the eye of Zelda fans and collectors alike.
Despite its exclusive design, the Hyrule Edition Switch Lite offers the same features as a standard Switch Lite model, including a 5.5-inch LCD touchscreen display, 32GB of storage, and a battery life of up to seven hours. While it may lack the capability to connect to a TV, it remains compatible with a wide range of games available for the Switch platform.
As an added incentive, the Hyrule Edition Switch Lite comes bundled with a 12-month individual Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, valued at $50. This membership grants access to a treasure trove of classic games from various consoles, including the Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, NES, SNES, and Game Boy libraries. Additionally, users can enjoy online multiplayer functionality and cloud save features through the service.
This is not the first time Nintendo has released a Zelda-themed Switch console. In 2023, fans were treated to a special edition Switch OLED console leading up to the launch of Tears of the Kingdom. Featuring gold Joy-Con controllers, a distinct gold-accented design on the back panel, and a white dock adorned with the Triforce symbol, this console embodied the essence of the Zelda franchise.
Interestingly, customers have the option of acquiring the Japanese version of the Zelda-themed Switch OLED console, which can be converted to English and plays all North American Switch titles due to the console’s region-free nature. Walmart offers the Japanese version at a discounted price of $294, a $66 markdown from its original $360 retail price. Alternatively, Amazon provides a refurbished North American version of the console in excellent condition for $319.
With the anticipation building for The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, eager fans are eagerly awaiting the start of preorders for both the game and the Hyrule Edition Switch Lite. While details on pricing and preorder availability are still forthcoming, enthusiasts are advised to act swiftly to secure their units before they sell out.
In the meantime, those looking to explore more Zelda adventures can take advantage of discounts currently offered on various Zelda titles for the Switch. Walmart, for instance, is offering a $20 discount on Link’s Awakening, and multiple other Zelda games are also available at reduced prices, providing ample opportunities for fans to delve into the fantastic world of Hyrule.
The unveiling of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and the Hyrule Edition Switch Lite has set the stage for an exciting new chapter in the Zelda series. With a rich history of captivating storytelling and engaging gameplay, the Zelda franchise continues to capture the hearts of players worldwide, and these latest offerings are sure to delight fans old and new alike.
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