NEW YORK — Nintendo’s eagerly awaited Switch 2 has finally arrived in stores, marking eight years since the original release of the company’s widely praised gaming console. The new device, though priced at a substantial $450, entices fans across the globe, from Japan to the United States, who are eagerly queuing outside stores to claim their pre-ordered units or get ahold of those available for purchase. Its launch concludes months of anticipation marred by pre-order challenges and worries over potential delays due to tariffs.
The initial Nintendo Switch found success with its innovative dual-format functionality, allowing users to switch between handheld and traditional console modes. Released in 2017, it quickly gained popularity, followed by the Nintendo Switch Lite, a handheld-only iteration, which saw a surge during the pandemic. The Switch platform has boosted major Nintendo titles like “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe,” and “Animal Crossing: New Horizons.”
The Switch 2 introduces interactive chat and screenshare features to enhance game connectivity and offers a more vivid display alongside a larger screen. Since its launch, Nintendo has reported sales of 152 million Switch units, trailing slightly behind their top-selling Nintendo DS with 154 million units sold. Nevertheless, as demand wanes in the eighth year since the original release, Nintendo is hopeful that the new console will reinvigorate sales.
The standard model of Switch 2 retails at $450, while a bundle inclusive of the new “Mario Kart World” is priced at $500. Available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy, along with specialty gaming stores like GameStop, the console is anticipated to sell out swiftly, with shortages expected.
The launch was not without its setbacks. The uncertainty surrounding tariffs initiated by the Trump administration, which targeted goods from Japan, raised concerns about a potential delay. However, the Switch 2 was launched within a 90-day hiatus from most tariffs. During April, initial pre-orders were met with high demand, resulting in a tumultuous pre-order procedure as many faced delays and technical glitches. Frustrated shoppers shared their experiences on social media, displaying wait times, error notifications, and shopping carts that were suddenly emptied. Nintendo acknowledged the overwhelming demand and worked diligently to process orders, further encouraging purchases on June 5 without pre-orders.
Looking ahead, Nintendo aims to sell 15 million units of the Switch 2 by the fiscal year ending March 2026. The company anticipates that this latest addition will revitalize its struggling sales figures. In a May report, Nintendo revealed a 43% decrease in profit for the fiscal year up to March but assured shareholders of a future rebound.