Micromania has canceled its planned midnight launch events for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time across all its locations in France. The decision comes shortly before the highly anticipated remake arrives exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2, leaving fans with a different way to claim one of the retailer's special preorder bonuses.

The upcoming remake revisits the beloved 1998 Nintendo 64 adventure, bringing a classic chapter of the Zelda franchise to a new generation of players. The return of Ocarina of Time has generated considerable excitement among longtime fans, with physical collectibles and special-edition merchandise adding to the anticipation.

Midnight launches have become less common as digital game releases have grown in popularity. However, special in-store events remain an opportunity for fans to celebrate major releases together, making Micromania's cancellation a notable change to the game's launch plans.

French retailer Micromania announced the cancellation through social media but did not provide a specific reason for the decision. The move may be connected to recent protests in France, although the retailer has not confirmed this explanation.

The cancellation also affects plans for an exclusive collectible inspired by the original European Nintendo 64 game box. Rather than distributing the item during midnight launch events, Micromania will offer it through a random drawing for customers who preorder the remake.

A total of 5,000 collectible boxes will be available through the giveaway. Customers who have already placed a preorder, whether online or in a physical store, will automatically be included in the drawing. Premium customers will receive double the chance of winning.

Although the in-store celebrations have been canceled, the collectible giveaway will continue, giving fans another opportunity to secure a piece of Zelda history.

The cancellation appears limited to Micromania's plans in France, meaning it does not necessarily affect launch events elsewhere. Nintendo's own stores in the United States are still planning midnight releases, while participating Best Buy locations are also expected to offer the game at launch.

Interest in the remake appears strong ahead of release. Preorders have reportedly exceeded expectations, while related merchandise, including a special-edition Switch 2 console and Pro Controller, has repeatedly sold out.

The game's commercial performance remains to be seen, but the enthusiasm surrounding its return highlights the lasting appeal of one of Nintendo's most recognizable franchises.

The Ocarina of Time remake could also encourage players who still own the original Nintendo Switch to upgrade to the newer console. The Switch 2 launched in 2025 and has attracted considerable interest, but some players have yet to make the transition.

Those who purchase the system for the Zelda remake will also have several upcoming exclusives to look forward to in 2027. Announced titles include Pokémon Winds and Waves, Metroid Ravenous, Xenoblade Genesis, and Kirby and the World Beyond.

While Micromania's midnight celebrations will no longer take place, the remake's release remains an important moment for Zelda fans. Between the return of a classic adventure, exclusive collectibles, and upcoming Nintendo releases, Switch 2 players have plenty to anticipate.