Talking Point: How Do You Feel About Series-Branded Consoles?

I like them with my favourites over time being the SNES themed 3DS, the NES styled GBA and the Animal Crossing Switch.

As much as I have liked the design of the various Zelda consoles over the years, Im not a huge fan in general of the colour gold. Shame.

Putting a wildcard out there, the Cyberpunk C64 Ultimate!

I do like them but my problem is that I always tend to be a day one adopter of most Nintendo (and PlayStation) consoles.

So by the time these special editions arrive I already own the product.

Unless my original breaks, it's pretty much pointless for me to buy another one

I already bought the console last year, so I won't be buying this one or future versions. However, I’d love to see covers or something to customize the dock.

I can’t justify buying a whole new console for it, but sometimes they are really nice. This Zelda one is so good, kinda sad I won’t get one

My very first console was the nsmb2 red 3ds xl. Can't say it was my favorite design, but it is very nostalgic to me. These days, I rock my NA SNES new 3ds xl and I ADORE it.

In the same way, I would probably get the Zelda variant if I didn't have a switch 2/ the hardware was improved but for $520 I'm plenty happy with my launch model

P.S. never owned one but the special edition switch lites were all beautiful. That palkia and dialga one almost had me open my wallet!

Im happy they exist, but they arent for me. I tend to be an early adopter, so unless my OG purchase becomes unrepairable or stolen, they arent in consideration.

I adopt consoles early so buying a second one just for the branding (especially with how costly they are nowadays) just feels like a waste of money to me.

I wish they'd have multiple versions at launch so families can get different ones. Or at the very least, customizable plates a la 3DS (in fact, can't the Joy-Con 2s do something like this with strips on the side?).

I have liked all of the Zelda ones so far, but this one, I just dont get.
It's too dark and boring, I do like that there is hidden pixel link, zelda and hearts in the back of the dock.
But I have day 1 S2 and all is fine with it so not point in "upgrading"

Trying to get the Zelda S2 for my son since I already have a launch model S2 and he doesn't have one yet. Hoping for a restock soon. I love the look of the console but I'll wait for an oled to upgrade.

The console itself stays in someplace visible (I have 3 docks, bedroom, home office and living room), so I prefer to keep it as low profile as possible. I prefer themed controllers and I was hoping for a Zelda themed, but I hated the 40th anniversary Zelda's controller

The thing is, I’ve bought most Nintendo systems at launch, so by the time the special editions hit I’m never in the market. I’ve made one exception and did buy a second system, for the Animal Crossing Switch. Just too pretty, and I don’t even play AC 😵‍💫

I like to have the choice to get them but if I already have the console I’m not gonna bother with getting a second. The only reason I’d ever be against them is because some series just never will get a special console. Maybe a controller, but not a whole console.

I'd really like to see a Metroid special edition of the Switch 2. A Metroid Ravenous Switch 2 would be so cool.

The only special edition console I have is the Animal Crossing New 2DS XL (back when they were cheap). I think it looks amazing and I still use it all the time. I won't be getting the Zelda Switch 2 as consoles are so expensive now, and spending hundreds of dollars on one that looks different isn't worth it for me.

I love the Zelda one and was very tempted but I was too slow to the pre-order and would rather wait to see if we get an oled switch anyway. I’d prefer improved hardware / battery to a branded machine.

Now if they make an oled Zelda edition call me!

I'd rather have an oled, with thinner bezels and a replaceable battery.

If there was a Fire Emblem or Kirby one I might care about them.

As all the others commented before. @JimNorman: I think the most obvious answer in your poll is missing: “I’d love to cause Zelda is my favorite Nintendo franchise but I already own a Switch 2 and I am too rational and smart with my money to buy another one”

Not for me at all but I’m glad they exist for those who like them. The only one I could think of which doesn't even exist is a gran turismo themed playstaion. It’s almost entirely the only game I play on their systems.

Man Nintendo really is the greediest company ever with these blatant cash grabs. Xbox, PlayStation and PC would never go this low.

When they have a unique design, I love them.

I just want Joy Cons that are fully coloured that can be bought separately, y'all

We can never buy something collector, they're out of stock in 10 minutes like we could be connected everytime. I could love it, but for that reason, I dislike.

I'm happy with my Wind Waker themed Wii U.

I could be tempted by a Zelda themed Switch 2 OLED, or any significant upgrade, but not the exact same console I already own.

I picked up the Hyrule Switch Lite, but that was only because of the black buttons and thumb sticks. Usually I find the branded consoles to be cheap and tacky looking, with the Zelda 40th anniversary Switch 2 console being one of them.

I'm not getting this one, it's just too expensive for me to shell out for a second one when I already have one.

That said I would absolutely dip for a Yoshi themed one. In fact I might get two, one to keep in mint condition in the box. Did that with the Yoshi 3DS as well. But the Switch 2 is just too expensive to justify that with so I would probably just get a single one.

I think beaultiful. But I dont pay more money for it.

I'd prefer not to have to buy a new console for a skin (something like the 3DS face plates would suffice,) but I'm all for special edition consoles.

That being said, I'm not getting this, despite Zelda being my favorite series. I am getting the pro controller, which I held out on, so I get to overpay for that luxury instead.

I'd love it, so cool!....If they had done it before I buy the console! 🤣

I have had some series-branded consoles and handhelds in the past, but only because I was a fan of the series and liked the design. It has to be both. One or the other and I'm not there for it.

If I were in the market for a Switch 2, I'd absolutely be looking into getting the Zelda 40th anniversary one, but I already have a Switch 2 so I can't justify spending the money, no matter how gorgeous the thing is.

@Member_the_game this

I'd never own one myself, but I did buy the Tears of the Kingdom Switch as a wedding present for some friends.

I'm not a massive fan, but mainly on the fact that I am a day one buyer that looks after them. Meaning I am never in the need of another console as I still have the standard model.
That's not to say I wasn't tempted by a few over the years, my particular favorites would be the Pokeball 2dsxl and the 30th anniv Luigi DS XL

The pricing currently is a bit crazy (no included game for $500+?), but I get it. Over the years, I have an assortment of game themed consoles (Gears of War, Halo, CoD, etc.) that my kids have absolutely loved! I enjoy the added sound effects and custom controllers.

I do miss these things releasing and being able to head to the store a few weeks later without having to worry about stock. As long as the scalping community (and limited releases) keep these items selling out within five minutes of availability, I thin kmy custom consoles days may be through.

Never had one. They normally come into the ether after I have got the console. Never had a reason to buy a console over again! This said, I did love the look of that Pikachu N64 one. 😁

They're really cool, but no colors or designs are worth getting ANOTHER Switch 2 when I already have one.

I usually buy a special edition and sell the original.

I got the Splatoon 3 themed OLED when the fan went on my original vanilla Switch and if God forbid something happens to my Switch 2, I’d certainly consider my options for a replacement . I’m a fan of there being themed consoles in general, whether it’s tied to a favorite franchise or just a unique color way, but I’m also not in the habit of buying a superfluous console just for display.

I'm fine with them, I just wish they'd launch with different themed consoles instead of punishing early adopters.

There needs to be another poll option to the question of buying the Zelda themed Switch 2: I would if I didn't already own a Switch 2.

Echoing another's comment, I usually already have the console when the special editions are announced; I don't double dip on consoles. I did get the Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate new 3DS because I liked the design, I wanted to try the franchise, and I didn't already have a 3DS.
https://www.google.com/search?q=new+nintendo+3ds+monster+hunter+4+ultimate&oq=new+nintendo+3ds+ult&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCAgBEAAYFhgeMgYIABBFGDkyCAgBEAAYFhgeMggIAhAAGBYYHjIICAMQABgWGB4yDQgEEAAYhgMYgAQYigUyBwgFEAAY7wUyBwgGEAAY7wUyBwgHEAAY7wUyCggIEAAYogQYiQUyBwgJEAAY7wXSAQkxNDQ3OWowajeoAhSwAgHxBaAzG0FvKJ-_8QWgMxtBbyifvw&client=tablet-android-incar&sourceid=chrome-mobile&source=chrome.ob&ie=UTF-8#sv=CAMScRoyKhBlLUQwUDA3S2N1dE9icFpNMg5EMFAwN0tjdXRPYnBaTToOVlI4WGh3TzFVaXdTQU0gBCoxChtfV24teWFvSGJHSmlhcHRRUF9aejB1UUlfNTUSEGUtRDBQMDdLY3V0T2JwWk0YADABSgQIARACGAcg4Z2mrAlKCBACGAEgAigB

I like them, and have brought branded consoles before. My most recent one was the Zelda Switch Lite, which I think looks beautiful. That said, I wasn't tempted by any of the other Switch variants; I am not sure, but none of the designs appealed to me. Another factor is the price; it is hard to justify spending the money.

For context, I have 5 3DS' of various models; my original Aqua Blue 3DS, the A Link Between Worlds 3DS XL, the Majora's Mask New 3DS XL, the SNES New 3DS XL and the Animal Crossing New 3DS XL. For any one of them (except the original, and Animal Crossing), I did not spend more than £180 and with the Animal Crossing one, I got that for £120(ish, may be a tiny bit less), which was cheap as Nintendo Store were trying to get rid of the last of their stock, but even with the others, it felt they were cheap enough that I could get them without too much struggle. With the 3DS XL and Majora's Mask New 3DS XL, it helped in their cases that they were both new models and coincidentally Zelda themed with accompanying games (which is also worth pointing since a lot of these consoles don't seem to come with the game). There were also loads of 3DS designs which I would love to have owned if I had the money, such as the Smash Bros 3DS XL, the Fire Emblem Fates 3DS XL, the Metroid New 3DS XL; they were so many strong designs.

But yeah, paying sub £200 is more palatable than paying £300 plus for them.

sad reality is that many will never get to own a switch 2 and a good number of the Zelda Switch 2's will never be powered on.

At least the first colored Joy Cons of Switch 2.
I voted colored Joy Cons than Black / Grey colored Joy Cons.

If it coincides with me wanting an upgrade, then yeah. I moved up from the standard 3DS to the Pikachu XL, and then from that to the Majora's Mask new XL.

As someone that almost never plays Switch in handheld mode though, I could never be tempted by the Mario, Pokémon, or Zelda OLEDs. It will almost certainly be the same for the Switch 2, as well.

£429.99 RRP. Sell my old Switch 2 for ~£300. Get a brand new model for ~£130? Doesn't seem ridiculous. It is also very pretty, but I'm not 100% yet.

I love these sorts of consoles. My first system, besides the Genesis, was the special edition Game Boy Color Pokemon version. The Yellow and blue one. I've never bought one, but I've been greatly tempted. There was a gold Ni no Kuni PS3, and of course, the Animal Crossing New Horizons Switch. I love them! Maybe they'll be better now that I won't be able to opt in on a console on day one anymore...

I like them, but I rarely go for them. I am more inclined to buy if it's a colour palate I like more than specifically it representing my favourite series.

I have the Halo Reach Xbox 360 Slim. It has this gunmetal silver finish, with the right amount of branding. It also makes iconic Halo sounds when you boot it up or load a disk. You know when MC's shield starts to recharge? That... booooooooooooaaam sound. It does that. It works for me.

I don't have any Nintendo, game brand specific, consoles. I only have the N64 funtastic colour edition. I did however pre-order the Zelda 40th anniversary edition console. I really enjoy the joycon colours and Zelda branding. My only nitpick is that I think the dock is too aggressively Zelda. I like the triforce but it could be much smaller smaller, but overall I love the attention to detail on these systems. Especially the 8-bit Link, Zelda, and Heart Containers on the back. Those smaller, more nuanced nods I appreciate more than a giant golden triforce.

One of my favourites is actually the PS5 limited edition that looks like the original PS1. I don't play or have any modern Playstations, except PS1 and PS2, but that one is really interesting!

I usually buy Nintendo consoles day one and I don't want to deal with the trouble of getting the branded ones, selling the old one, transfer data and yadda yadda.
I made an exception with the Switch Lite when I got a Pokémon branded one for my kid, and unless Nintendo reveals an hypothetical Switch 2 Lite, or a new model with a much better screen (or my current one just breaks down), I think I'll stick with OG Switch 2.

Loads of people said it, but my vote would have been for "I would have got the special edition if I didn't already have a Switch 2"

Maybe i would like one with all series (although that would basically be a smash one i guess)... I do love my luigi 3DS XL.. it really feels like a personal friend.. maybe it is something i have more with handhelds sinds you bring it with you...'

A 'normal one' should at least sort of fit in the living room... that famous pickachu N64 always seems to be more like the one they would have in a hospital or something to safely game with 'my first nintendo' etc...

I may be in the minority here, but I think the Zelda Switch 2 is gaudy. I don't like the design, I really don't like the colors, and it just looks bad. I'll stick with my non-descript Switch 2.

I wish they'd have a couple available at launch, because realistically, I have no reason to buy a new console by the time these come out. The closest I came to this was buying a DSi after buying an original DS, but that was a pretty significant upgrade so really not the same.

I think they are a scalpers dream.

I would get a Switch 2 oled in Zelda theme.

If it’s Mahreo. I gotta get it

They all have the same issue. They don't come out at launch and I don't want two of the same console. Ergo, I'm never going to own a special edition console

I don’t buy them solely because it feels wrong to me to play, say, a Mario game on a Zelda branded console. So I always go standard.

I would rather have them selling the themed Docks and controllers seperatly. Being a early adaptor basically mean you won't be able to get something themed without buying a new console you don't need.

@Gavintendo That reasoning made me chuckle. You'll have to go for the special coloured versions instead.

Not a fan. Give me the plain Jane anyday

@dew12333 Okay, thanks for letting me know.

Branded slop for consumers. I've never bought one and in the past if I wanted something customised I would do it myself, either putting stickers on it or painting.

I've only bought custom GBs and GBAs, due to my chiptune days. But that's gone now.

I think they look cool, particularly the Zelda consoles and controllers over the years, but unless I have a need for another one of the object I don't need to buy a different color/pattern on the same thing I already have. A second controller makes more sense than a second console, and that's the thing you're more likely to be looking closely at. You know, Nintendo Power used to give us rad stickers to zazz up our fresh NES controllers, now they want you to buy a whole new device.

@1UP-HUSKY makes a lot more sense but they want a lot more cents

Personally, I would never buy the same console twice unless it’s broken. But if I’m in the position of being a late adopter I would definately go for one of those. I was a late adopter for the WiiU and got the special Wind Waker edition. If I buy a Switch 2 at some point then I would get this Zelda version too I think because I gotta admit it looks pretty damn nice.

I hate this stuff, personally. I like to be in on the ground floor for new Nintendo consoles. These are for late-adopters. I wish they would give us more options from the getgo, but I understand why they might not. I'm definitely not buying a whole new console just for this, and I'm also not going to sell mine for like, a third of what I paid for it. That's never made sense to me. And as much as I love Zelda (the franchise), I think I prefer to have non-denominational consoles. Perhaps it would be a logistics nightmare, but I've always wondered why we can't custom-order our consoles with whichever color we choose (from a few options, fine). I loved my cobalt blue GBA SP. I would love S2 in the same shade. Alas.

If there were a choice of colors, I'd probably have a Switch 2 already. I'm waiting for that or a new Animal Crossing theme.

I don't begrudge people buying them but I think they look a little tacky and would prefer cleaner colour palettes.

They're novel and look cool but I'd never get one. Prefer my electronics/consoles to be understated

I picked up a 3DS when they just so happened to release the Mario & Luigi themed 3DS XL, so that's what I picked. Why not? It was the same price and it looked cool, and I happened to be in the market. I also happened to to be in the market for the Switch Pro Controller when they released the Smash themed one, so I have that too. So I will typically buy a special themed system or controller if they're not more expensive and if I'm already planning on purchasing something. I won't shell out extra cash for a special edition and won't buy a special edition system/controller if I already own one or I'm not already planning on purchasing one. I'm definitely not buying one if scalpers have already got their greedy little paws on them and jacked the price up.

I don't own a Switch 2 yet. I know the Zelda pre orders are already gone, but if by total luck I stumble upon one at Target, I would consider purchasing it even at $20 extra cost. It's an amazing looking system.

I like them, but I couldn't care less for the branding aspect. When I want to buy a console/controller and there are special editions available, I pick the prettiest one, whether I like the series or not. Not going out of my way to get a new prettier one when I already have the standard version though.

I much prefer a more timeless look for my consoles.

I favor the purple Gamecube, the white Wii, the black WiiU, and the red/blue switch 1. Those, imo, are the definitive versions people will be referencing for years to come.

I like my portable consoles to be in different colours, not just plain black. I would maybe purchase an actually Splatoon themed Switch 2, but only if the theming is elsewhere than just the inside of the joycons...

I really like them and I hope they continue into the future.

What I don't like though is the constant fighting and stress caused trying to get one against the scalper scum. Something that's produced for the fans is ruined by them; console, controller, amiibo etc - it just ruins the whole experience of it. I hate them with a passion.

They’re a nice option if you’re in the market for a new console. Can’t see why you’d get one if you already own the console though. Personally, I prefer clean and sleek any day!

Should just make a skin, and let us decide our customizations.

Here is an answer tha is not part of the poll: I will not buy a franchise branded console if I already own the console. I may buy accessories because at the end, that is mostly what the console is as the console itself may not be branded.

Personally I would maybe buy one when the Nintendo Switch 2 PRO/OLED its already out.

The best for me would be if Nintendo and other Publishers started officially to sell Skins for our Favourite Games.

I’ve got the Zelda NS2 and controller preordered, but if Nintendo were to announce a Metroid NS2 and/or controller tomorrow, you’d better believe I’d be getting that too.

Just imagining a Dread/Ravenous powersuit themed or even a Viola powersuit themed pro controller gives me chills just wishing for it to happen.

I don't think I've ever bought a console to get a special edition, waited for a special edition, or replaced a broken console, sure but not rebuying something I have that works for a purely cosmetic change.

That being said I am a sucker for a special edition/custom console that looks like an in universe item. I'd buy a Xbox Ally that looked like a mutant pip-boy in a instant.

I already have a switch 2, but the day they announce the Splatoon 4 Switch 2, I'll put the money down asap. I have the Splatoon 2 Switch, and Splatoon 3 Switch OLED, so I need a 4! I hope this will be the first one where the joycons are colored!

Where's the option to vote "I don't have a problem with them existing, and might buy one if I didn't already have the console"?

I've actually never been in a position where I could buy a themed console (I never buy duplicate consoles). Might change that for Switch 2 since I'm still waiting to buy but I doubt I'll beat the scalpers to get that Zelda edition. Maybe I'll nab a Kirby console for the 35th anniversary...

I think they are cool, but I got a day 1 Switch2 why would I need another one. I'm not a collector, so if they had one at the same price and I didnt own one already I may be swayed.

One of the videos YouTube has been pushing me is that someone recently ported Doom to the Casio Loopy.
You never heard of the Casio Loopy? It was a Japanese console from 1995 and notable for being probably the only game console mankind will ever make with a sticker printer as onboard hardware.

If I already have the basic model, I'm absolutely not double dipping just for a fancy design.
If I DON'T have the console yet and there are already branded models available, then it depends on the design itself and the value proposition. I did appreciate the Zelda Wii U I got with the symbols on the game pad, but not as much as Wind Waker HD being included.
Anyway, it would have been nice to own this Switch 2 model, but it was much better to get one as early as I did.

I didn’t vote because I didn’t like the answers. In short, I’m not against branded consoles and accessories, but I’m not going to pay double for something I already have and don’t need a second of.

As beautiful as this Special Edition is, I simply can’t justify, as a person who already owns a Switch 2, buying a brand new $500 console simply because it looks different.

That being said, if I hadn’t bought a Switch 2 yet and I was finally making the leap to play OoT, then I would totally buy the Special Edition!

Well, I am supposedly getting a 40th Anniversary Zelda Switch 2. But crucially, I don't already own a Switch 2.

If it makes sense. As in, if I don’t already own the console but was going to buy one soon. It worked out for me with the Spider-Man PS4 Pro, the Spider-Man PS5, and the Halo Series X.

But I’m such a big Nintendo fan that I usually just have the base consoles that launched day 1. The only exception was the Animal Crossing Switch 1 that I upgraded to. But it still costed me a decent bit to upgrade and I don’t plan to do that again.

I’ll be riding my regular Switch 2 til it breaks lol