Customers gathered at the South Philadelphia Best Buy for a midnight launch of the new Ocarina of Time, hoping to be among the first in the city to get a copy.
Hours in Line for a Childhood Favorite
According to 6abc Philadelphia, some shoppers began waiting at 5 p.m. Wednesday for the store’s midnight opening. By then, they had waited about seven hours for the release.
The game remakes the original 1998 Nintendo 64 title, IGN reported. The new Switch 2 version brings the classic adventure back to a new generation of hardware.
Costumes, Collectibles and a Community Moment
Some of the Best Buy employees dressed up in costume for the occasion, per the same account, adding to the festive atmosphere outside the store. Best Buy also had a limited number of Legend of Zelda 40th anniversary Switch 2 systems and Switch 2 Pro controllers available, the station reported, giving die-hard collectors extra incentive to brave the wait alongside those simply after the game itself.
6abc reported that Nathan Todd, who waited in Brewerytown, described Ocarina of Time as one of the franchise’s most well-loved games and called it one of the biggest midnight releases in a while. Another fan in line, Mouhamad Kobessi, told the station he had played the game since he was a little kid.
Best Buy’s Midnight Opening Plan
Best Buy said nearly all of its U.S. stores would open at midnight ET on Nov. 5 for the launch. The South Philadelphia store opened at midnight, according to 6abc Philadelphia.
Best Buy’s announcement documented the opening schedule, but did not specify the South Philadelphia store’s inventory. The 6abc report said the location had a limited number of the anniversary systems and Pro Controllers available.
What the Original Game Introduced
Nintendo says the original Nintendo 64 version brought 3D visuals to the Zelda series and introduced a new combat system, alongside its story. IGN identifies the remake as based on the 1998 original.
Best Buy wasn't the only retailer managing high demand for the launch. Per Mashable, Target planned two separate drops, with an in-store release on November 5 followed by an online restock the next day, a staggered approach aimed at spreading out the crush of eager buyers.
As of Thursday morning, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time was officially in stores, giving South Philadelphia's overnight line-waiters exactly what they came for after their long wait.
