Preorders for the “Hyrule Edition” Nintendo Switch Lite have just kicked off, commemorating the upcoming launch of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. Best Buy is currently taking orders for the limited-edition console for $209.99 ahead of its September 26th release date.
Consumers will still have to purchase Echoes of Wisdom separately, but the special-edition console does come with a 12-month individual subscription to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
The Nintendo Switch Lite Hyrule Edition is similar to the standard model, only it comes with a swanky black and gold color scheme. It also packs the Hylian crest on the back and offers a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
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How Is Zelda-Themed ‘Hyrule Edition’ Different?
The console comes in a golden hue with black trim, an iconic combo perfectly showcasing Hylian royalty. The noble house’s signature crest graces the rear, and users will find a smaller Triforce symbol stamped on the front in the lower-right corner.
There isn’t much more setting it apart from any other Switch Lite, but considering Echoes of Wisdom is the first Zelda title to actually star Princess Zelda as the primary character, the occasion may move users to choose even if users already own Nintendo’s dedicated handheld.
Nintendo’s premium subscription tier, meanwhile, gives access to online play, cloud-based saves, and the ability to play older classics from the Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, NES, SNES, N64, and even the Sega Genesis eras. This includes heralded Zelda games, such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. It goes without saying that it’s a great way to revisit the game’s roots whenever they are feeling nostalgic.
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Microsoft Announces Digital Xbox Consoles And New Games
Microsoft kicked off its annual Xbox Games Showcase on June 9, launching a new all-digital version of its Xbox Series X and S consoles. This seems like an important decision in the company’s ambitions to modernize its gaming hardware and cater to a budding digital-first audience.
Apart from the ordinary Series X and S models, Microsoft showcased a special edition of the Series X with a hopping 2TB storage. The exhibition is crucial for Xbox and Microsoft, as the gaming industry is seeing a rough patch.
Several game publishers are witnessing lower revenues, layoffs, and studio closures. The release of disc-less variants of the Xbox Series X and S could boost its sales, establishing Xbox as a worthy opponent to Sony’s PS5. The updated hardware portfolio is part of the company’s overall plan to attract gamers in the face of adverse market conditions.