Evidence mounts for Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch hardware

Artwork for the collector’s edition of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has seemingly given credence that an OLED Nintendo Switch themed after the game is planned.

Images showing a supposed early unit of the console appeared online late last year, but as of writing, Nintendo has yet to announce it. 

However, Twitter account Nintendeal points out that the logos featured on the leaked console match that of the collector’s edition of the game, which was announced this week.

As this icon has seemingly yet to appear in any marketing material outside of the recent trailer, it does lend credence to the idea that the leaked console is legitimate. 

If real, the console appears to include two gold joy-cons, each featuring ornate patterns. These patterns are replicated on the white dock, which also features the Tri-Force in gold.

Much like the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet and Spaltoon 3 special edition Nintendo Switch OLED models, the package doesn’t appear to contain the game, suggesting it could release prior to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’s release on May 12.

Earlier this week, Nintendo released an extensive new gameplay trailer for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Switch)

The video debuted during a Nintendo Direct broadcast on Wednesday, followed by confirmation that the game will retail for $70, the first time Nintendo is charging more than $60 for a standard Switch game.

Nintendo’s description for the game reads: “In this sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you’ll decide your own path through the sprawling landscapes of Hyrule and the mysterious islands floating in the vast skies above.

“Can you harness the power of Link’s new abilities to fight back against the malevolent forces that threaten the kingdom?”