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Nintendo has launched the Switch 2, and fans around the world are lining up to get their hands on it. The new console, which offers more power and a bigger screen, builds on the success of the original Switch that sold over 152 million units since 2017.
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In Tokyo, eager buyers waited outside electronics stores early Thursday. Lei Wang, a recent graduate from China, was among those lucky enough to win a pre-order lottery. He kept it quiet, joking that none of his friends had been picked.
Kuro, 33, took a day off work just to try out the new device. “Improved graphics and being able to play with more people — that matters,” she said. Others, like 31-year-old Shinichi Sekiguchi, showed up so excited they forgot their phones.
Industry analyst Serkan Toto from Kantan Games said the launch could break records. Nintendo’s Japan store saw 2.2 million pre-orders, a figure he called “insane.”
The Switch 2 retails for $449.99 in the US, compared to $299.99 for the original. It also introduces magnet-connected controllers, voice chat, and game sharing features. These upgrades are designed to appeal to younger users who watch or stream games online.
At a launch event in New York City, 24-year-old Steven Paterno said, “After playing it, I think it’s worth the price. The Switch 2 really tops the original.”
Retailers in the US, UK, and Europe opened early to meet demand. However, some customers saw pre-orders cancelled. British chain Game said it is trying to restore as many of those as possible.
Nintendo expects to ship 15 million units of the Switch 2 in its first year, roughly matching the original’s launch window. But the company has warned that the higher price may make it harder to maintain strong sales over time.
Despite expanding into theme parks and films, Nintendo still gets about 90% of its revenue from Switch-related products, according to analysts.