The store opened its doors at midnight globally as Nintendo fans scrambled to use the highly anticipated Switch 2, the gaming giant’s first direct console sequel.
The launch brought an eager queue from Tokyo to Toronto, which British tech retailer Currys called it “the largest game booking ever” after selling 30,000 units before launch.
Despite its big fanfare, the launch is not without ic. Retailer Games canceled many reservations, and earlier this year, Nintendo temporarily suspended orders on tariffs. Even so, as the crowds gathered, the global buzz has not been simplified to dismantle the successor of the original switch, one of the best-selling consoles of all time, with more than 150 million sold since 2017.
Currys attributed to a huge demand for “incredibly exciting” around consoles and flagship champion Mario Kart World, the game became the title of launch. However, the game’s £74.99 price has caught the attention (£15 more than most Nintendo champions) raises questions about affordability.
“It’s a big deal for us,” said Tushar Sandarka, president of the Mario Kart Society at the University of York. “Even if it’s more expensive than I hope it will serve me over the next 7 or 8 years.” Others don’t believe it. Students Mae and Lottie told the BBC that they would stick to the original switch due to the fees. “It’s clumsy,” May said. “I’m not paying a day’s salary on the game.”
For Nintendo, Switch 2 represents a change in strategy. Unlike previous consoles, it has the same name as its predecessor, thus enhancing clear messages to existing fans. “This is Nintendo’s first direct sequel release,” said Sam Loveridge, brand director of GamesRadar+. “It’s a clear claim. Consumers know exactly what they’re getting.”
Hybrid consoles (which can be played on TV, both with a larger, brighter screen, improved storage space and enhanced power. Early hands-on testers pointed out clever innovations, such as using controllers, such as computer mouse, and new ways to play PC-style games, such as Civilization VII.
But there are few major first-party champions on Launch Day, except for Mario Karting and a small technical champion called “Welcome Journey.” Metroid Prime 4, Donkey Kong: Bananza and Super Mario Party Jamboree TV and others are still under development. Nintendo instead focuses on launching upgraded Breathing and Kingdom Tears, enhancing the capabilities of the showcase Switch 2.
Third-party developers are stepping in to fill initial gaps, such as Rune Factory: Guardian of Azuma, Cyberpunk 2077 and Bravely defaults. “This more powerful console makes Nintendo compete more directly with Sony and Microsoft,” said Katie Holt, senior analyst at Ampere Analysis.
Nintendo’s senior director Takuhiro Dohta acknowledged that developers will need time to fully explore the capabilities of the console. “As developers continue to understand the hardware, we can expect improvements not only in graphics but also in gameplay,” he said.
With the height of launch day excitement, early indicators indicate strong sales. However, whether the Switch 2 can match the lasting appeal of its predecessor may ultimately depend on broader software support and how much fans are willing to expand their budget.
