Nintendo Sees Record Pre-Orders in Israel for Zelda Game Launch
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Nintendo is celebrating a record number of pre-orders in Israel for the launch of "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" on November 5th. Thousands are expected at a midnight launch event in Tel Aviv's Dizengoff Center. The remastered game, celebrating the series' 40th anniversary, features updated graphics and gameplay. Prices range from 275 to 319 shekels for the game, with a special console edition at 2,299 shekels.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Nintendo reports record pre-orders in Israel for "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" launch.
- Thousands of fans are expected at a midnight launch event at Dizengoff Center in Tel Aviv.
- The remastered game celebrates the 40th anniversary of the "The Legend of Zelda" series.
- The physical game costs 319 shekels, digital 275 shekels; a special console is 2,299 shekels.
- The event includes live music, gaming performances, and opportunities to win prizes.
- A "Zelda" movie produced by Avi Arad is scheduled for release in April 2027.
Nintendo is experiencing a surge in pre-order sales in Israel for the upcoming release of "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" for the Nintendo Switch 2 console. The game, a remastered version of a highly influential 1998 title, is set to launch on Thursday, November 5th. Nintendo Israel anticipates approximately 1,500 fans will attend a midnight launch event at Dizengoff Center in Tel Aviv.
Despite the availability of digital game purchases, thousands of Israelis are expected to participate in the launch festivities. For many, this event represents a nostalgic return to a beloved childhood game, an opportunity to connect with fellow fans, and a continuation of the midnight launch tradition. The celebration also marks the 40th anniversary of "The Legend of Zelda" series, which debuted in 1986 and has become a flagship franchise for Nintendo alongside Mario and Donkey Kong.
The original "Ocarina of Time" is considered a landmark in gaming for its transition to 3D, innovative combat system, and rich puzzle-filled world, holding a near-perfect score of 99 on Metacritic. The new version features enhanced graphics, voice acting, expanded dialogues, and orchestral music, with updated controls and gameplay mechanics designed for modern standards. Innovations include playing melodies via the console's microphone and improved movement and combat systems.
The physical edition of the game will retail for 319 shekels, while the digital version costs 275 shekels. A special 40th-anniversary edition Nintendo Switch 2 console is available for 2,299 shekels. The game's enduring appeal is attributed to its intergenerational connection, allowing parents who grew up with the series to share it with their children.
The launch event at Dizengoff Center includes opportunities to play series games, participate in augmented reality puzzles, and meet Zelda characters. Prizes, including game copies and a special edition console, will be awarded. The main event begins Wednesday evening with the store queue opening at 6 PM, followed by a live gaming performance by singer Ella Lee Lahav at 8 PM, a band performing Zelda melodies at 10 PM, and the store opening for purchases at midnight.
This strong Israeli interest mirrors the brand's global success. The 2023 game "Tears of the Kingdom" sold over ten million copies in its first three days, and a Zelda film produced by Avi Arad is slated for release in April 2027. Nintendo aims to prove that Zelda's classic adventure still resonates with players, even in an era of advanced gaming.