As anticipation for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time grows, so do the rumors and speculation on exactly when it will be hitting stores. Usenet in particular has seen a few posts proclaiming "IT'S OUT!" Of course, none of the posts mention specific locations or stores that have received and are selling the game.

　　We have received word from Nintendo that Zelda could begin arriving in stores as early as tomorrow. The game doesn't officially go on sale until Nov. 23 (the originally anticipated ship date) or the 24th (the expected in-store date).

　　A few other details you might be interested in knowing: Nintendo confirmed with us today that gold copies will be distinguishable via a special box (although what will be on the box is not known). Additionally, stores that did not have presell campaigns will not be receiving gold cartridges. Nintendo's manufacturing is done in Japan, and it is currently cranking out as many copies of Zelda as possible before the end of the year - current estimates are 2.5 million copies in six weeks. Nintendo understands that there may be problems finding copies of the game, but the company is working as hard as possible to make sure people go home happy.

　　GameSpot News called retail locations to find out if they had received copies of Zelda yet (in fact, multiple locations of different retailers, in different areas of the country). They had not, and each told us not until the 23rd or later - in one case, we were told the 25th. In another, we were told they had it only to learn that they were talking about the Super Nintendo version of Zelda.

　　A quick call to Nintendo's Consumer Service line told us that while they'd heard some stores might be selling it early (and that some stores doing presells are done taking preorders for the first shipments), they couldn't tell us locations or store names. They confirmed that the official on-sale date is Monday, Nov. 23.

　　Your best bet? Phone first and make sure you specify the Nintendo 64 Zelda (and ask price if you can - the Super NES and GB versions are less than $40, whereas Zelda 64 is not). If you haven't preordered yet, the best idea is to do so at a major retailer (Toys "R" Us, Electronics Boutique, Babbage's). If you have not preordered yet, your chances of getting a gold cartridge are... very, very low. Good luck!