Stores across the globe flung open their doors at midnight as Nintendo enthusiasts eagerly sought the much-anticipated Switch 2, marking the company’s first direct console sequel. This launch witnessed avid queues from Tokyo to Toronto, with UK tech retailer Currys dubbing it their “biggest gaming pre-order ever” after selling 30,000 units prior to release.
Notwithstanding the enthusiasm, the launch wasn’t devoid of setbacks. Retailer Game announced cancellations of several pre-orders, and earlier in the year, Nintendo temporarily halted US orders due to tariff issues. Yet, the global excitement remained undiminished, as eager buyers assembled to welcome the successor of the original Switch—one of the top-selling consoles with over 150 million units bought since 2017.
Currys attributed the overwhelming demand to “incredible excitement” surrounding both the console and its flagship game, Mario Kart World, leading the launch. However, the £74.99 price for the game, about £15 higher than typical Nintendo titles, sparked discussion over affordability.
“It’s a big deal for us,” commented Tushar Sandarka, president of the University of York’s Mario Kart society. “Even if it’s pricier than anticipated, it will be beneficial for the next 7 or 8 years.” Meanwhile, students Mae and Lottie [told the BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckgxwe774zwo) they preferred the original Switch due to cost worries. “It’s quite spenny,” remarked Mae, with Lottie adding, “I’m not spending a day’s pay on a game.”
For [Nintendo](https://bmmagazine.co.uk/newswire/nintendo-shares-50-since-pokemon-go-release/), the Switch 2 signifies a strategic pivot, as it carries the same name as its predecessor, delivering a message geared toward current fans. “This is the first time Nintendo has launched a straight sequel,” observed Sam Loveridge, brand director at GamesRadar+. “It’s a clear proposition. Consumers know exactly what they’re getting.”
The hybrid console, functional both handheld and on a TV, boasts a larger, brighter screen, improved storage, and enhanced power. Initial testers have praised its innovations, like using the controller akin to a computer mouse, enabling new playstyles in PC-like games such as Civilization VII.
However, beyond Mario Kart World and a minor tech-demo title called Welcome Tour, few significant first-party titles are available initially. Games such as Metroid Prime 4, Donkey Kong: Bananza, and Super Mario Party Jamboree TV remain in development. Instead, Nintendo prioritised launching upgraded versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, refined to showcase the Switch 2’s enhancements.
Third-party developers aim to bridge this initial gap, with titles like Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, Cyberpunk 2077, and Bravely Default available from the outset. “This more powerful console places Nintendo in more direct competition with Sony and Microsoft,” commented Katie Holt, senior analyst at Ampere Analysis.
Nintendo’s senior director Takuhiro Dohta acknowledged that developers will need time to fully harness the console’s potential. “As developers continue to understand the hardware, we can expect improvements not only in graphics but in gameplay too,” he stated.
With the day-one excitement visible, early signs indicate robust sales. Whether the Switch 2 can attain the enduring allure of its predecessor may ultimately hinge on wider software support—and the extent to which fans are willing to stretch their budgets.
Read more:
[Nintendo Switch 2 launches at midnight as fans queue worldwide](https://bmmagazine.co.uk/news/nintendo-switch-2-launches-at-midnight-as-fans-queue-worldwide/)
