Nintendo Life Staff Debate the Appeal of Series-Branded Consoles Ahead of Zelda Switch 2

Nintendo revealed its first special edition Switch 2 less than a year and a half after the console's launch, and it carries The Legend of Zelda branding to mark the series' 40th anniversary. The system features a Triforce design, patterned green and black Joy-Con controllers, and a gold dock.

The announcement prompted Nintendo Life's editorial team to examine a broader question: are series-branded consoles genuinely appealing, or are they purchases driven by fandom rather than practical value?

Jim Norman, Features Editor, pre-ordered the Zelda Switch 2 immediately. He acknowledges that Zelda holds particular appeal for him, though he recognizes the appeal may not apply universally to all franchises. "I would feel weird playing something like Resident Evil on a Splatoon-themed system, or playing Mario Odyssey on that forgotten Monster Hunter Rise Switch 1," he said. "It just feels a little wrong, no? Like playing a different game on a clearly-branded arcade cabinet." For Norman, the connection between the console's branding and the games played on it matters. He cited his attachment to his Poké Ball-themed New 2DS XL as another example of series branding that resonates with him.

Ollie Reynolds, Reviews Editor, takes a more measured approach. Having already owned a Switch 2, the prospect of spending another £400+ for an identical console with different aesthetics lacks appeal. Reynolds noted feeling momentary temptation when Nintendo showcased the Zelda variant, but decided against the purchase. However, he holds different views on consoles themed around other consoles rather than game series. Reynolds owns an SNES-themed New 3DS XL and previously owned an NES-themed GBA SP. He also purchased a PS Portal when Sony announced 30th anniversary-themed PlayStation hardware, though he admits barely using it since.

Gavin Lane, Editor, describes himself as "a sucker for a colour variant" while owning six GameCubes. Like Norman, he expresses discomfort with mismatched pairings: playing Resident Evil on a Triforce-themed system or Wind Waker on a Resident Evil GameCube strikes him as inappropriate. Console-to-console themed hardware presents a different case entirely. Lane also owns an SNES-themed New 3DS XL and purchased it despite not being a major SNES enthusiast, attracted primarily by the colored face buttons. He explicitly rejects series-branded consoles but shows enthusiasm for series-branded controllers, noting plans to purchase a Switch 2 Zelda Pro Controller. "Playing Requiem with a Zelda pad is absolutely acceptable," he stated. "Admirable, even."

Mai Ladyman, Video Producer, has never owned a special edition console but expresses longtime desire for one. Financial constraints have typically redirected her spending toward special edition games or pre-order bonuses instead. She personally loves series-branded consoles and cited multiple examples she has considered purchasing: various Animal Crossing and Zelda handhelds, Pokémon N64s, and PS4 variants including the Final Fantasy XV Luna edition. For Ladyman, series-branded hardware offers appeal as a tangible expression of favorite franchises.

The original Nintendo Switch received 16 special edition models during its lifecycle, each bundled with a tie-in game. The Zelda Switch 2 variant continues this tradition, suggesting similar releases may follow as the console's lifespan progresses. The staff debate highlights recurring tensions in the collector's market: the balance between genuine attachment to specific franchises and the practical considerations of owning duplicate hardware.