Switch 2 finally lands: ‘Shocked' fans score coveted console as Nintendo braces for record sales despite high price tag
Featuring a bigger screen and more processing power, the device is an upgrade to the Switch, which became a global phenomenon with hit games such as 'Animal Crossing'.
The original Switch has sold 152 million units since its 2017 release, making it the third best-selling console ever.
At a Tokyo electronics store on Thursday morning, Nintendo fans — including 24-year-old Lei Wang, a recent graduate from China — queued to collect their devices.
He had been 'shocked' to win a pre-order lottery, as none of his friends had been selected.
'It's basically just me who got picked... so I don't really want to say anything' to them, he laughed.
Shinichi Sekiguchi, 31, said he was so excited he forgot to bring his phone, while 33-year-old Kuro said she had taken a day off work to play with her new device.
'The improved graphics and the ability to play with a larger group — I think that's a big deal,' she said.
Serkan Toto from Tokyo consultancy Kantan Games said he 'would not be surprised to see Switch 2 breaking sales records in the next weeks and months'.
In Japan, Nintendo's online store had 2.2 million pre-order applications for the Switch 2 — an 'insane number the industry has never seen before', Toto told AFP.
Boxes containing Nintendo Switch 2 consoles are stacked up at an electronics retailer in Tokyo on June 5, 2025. — AFP pic
Worth the price?
The Switch 2 has eight times the memory of the first Switch, and its controllers, which attach with magnets, can also be used like a desktop computer mouse.
New functions allowing users to chat as they play online and temporarily share games with friends could also be a big draw for young audiences used to watching game streamers.
Nintendo has its work cut out to match the overall success of the original, however.
Challenges include uncertainty over US trade tariffs and whether it can convince enough people to pay the high price for its new device.
The Switch 2 costs $449.99 in the United States, more than the original's launch price of $299.99. Both are hybrid consoles which can connect to a TV or be played on the go.
New Switch 2 games such as 'Donkey Kong Bananza' and 'Mario Kart World' — which allow players to go exploring off-grid — are also more expensive than existing titles.
'After playing it, I think it's worth the price,' 24-year-old aspiring filmmaker Steven Paterno told AFP at a Nintendo launch event in New York City.
'I loved the original Switch, but I had to admit the Switch 2 really tops it.'
A customers purchases Nintendo Switch 2 at an electronics retailer in Tokyo on June 5, 2025. — AFP pic
Cancelled pre-orders
Retailers in the United States, Europe and other major markets are gearing up for a rush of excited fans, with some stores opening at midnight to welcome them.
'I'm very excited to pick it up at midnight,' 22-year-old graduate Angel Caceres said at the New York launch event.
'I'm going to be very tired after that.'
Supply pressures have forced some retailers to cancel orders, with Britain's Game saying it is 'working hard to reinstate as many affected pre-orders as possible'.
Nintendo forecasts it will ship 15 million Switch 2 consoles in the current financial year, roughly equal to the original console in the same period after its release.
The Switch 2 'is priced relatively high' compared to its predecessor, the company's president Shuntaro Furukawa said at a financial results briefing in May.
So it 'will not be easy' to keep initial momentum going, he warned.
While Nintendo is diversifying into theme parks and hit movies, around 90 percent of its revenue still comes from the Switch business, analysts say. — AFP
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
33 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Anwar: Madani govt pledges full support for farmers, breeders and fishermen, the backbone of Malaysia's food security
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 — The Madani Government continues to prioritise the welfare of farmers, breeders and fishermen, with a focus on supporting, guiding and empowering them, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said the group was the backbone of the nation's food security and played a crucial role in ensuring the people's survival and the nation's food sovereignty. 'I emphasised the need for strong synergy between the Federal Government, state governments and relevant agencies in strategically focusing on the development of the modern agricultural sector and the blue economy for the people's wellbeing and environmental sustainability,' he said in a Facebook post today. Anwar also said the National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen Day 2025 (HPPNK 2025) held a special place in his heart, having once helmed the Agriculture Ministry portfolio over four decades ago. 'That experience shaped a deep understanding of the hardship and resilience of farmers, breeders and fishermen who serve as the backbone of national food security,' he said. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said under the 13th Malaysia Plan, the government would continue efforts to boost the productivity and competitiveness of the agrofood sector to drive rural development, generate national wealth and secure the future of the next generation. 'The Madani Government is committed to ensuring that every agricultural policy, programme and aid initiative is implemented comprehensively and effectively, supporting farmers, breeders and fishermen not only as economic contributors but as the backbone of the nation's strength over the past five decades,' he said. — Bernama
Malay Mail
4 hours ago
- Malay Mail
GOT7's Jackson Wang to return to Malaysia on October 25 for Magic Man 2 World Tour
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 — Singer Jackson Wang will return to Malaysia later this year as part of his upcoming Magic Man 2 World Tour 2025-2026. Concert organiser iMe Malaysia announced on Facebook that the Hong Kong-born singer will perform in Kuala Lumpur on October 25, a Saturday. The post teased fans with the message: 'Guess who's back!? YOUR MAGIC MAN Jackson Wang IS BACK'. iMe Malaysia also urged fans to 'stay tuned to iMe MY for future updates!' The 31-year-old rapper, singer and songwriter made his debut in 2014 and rose to fame as a member of the K-pop boy group GOT7 under JYP Entertainment before establishing a successful solo career. He last performed in Malaysia in 2022 as part of his Magic Man tour.
Malay Mail
4 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Trump pressures, Delhi holds firm, but state oil refiners quietly pull back after Russian discount dips
Indian officials deny policy change on Russian oil imports Foreign ministry emphasises independent energy decisions Trump has threatened tariffs on Russian oil buyers Russia remains India's top oil supplier NEW DELHI, Aug 3 — India will keep purchasing oil from Russia despite US President Donald Trump's threats of penalties, two Indian government sources told Reuters on Saturday, not wishing to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter. On top of a new 25 per cent tariff on India's exports to the US, Trump indicated in a Truth Social post last month that India would face additional penalties for purchases of Russian arms and oil. On Friday, Trump told reporters he had heard that India would no longer be buying oil from Russia. But the sources said there would be no immediate changes. 'These are long-term oil contracts,' one of the sources said. 'It is not so simple to just stop buying overnight.' Justifying India's oil purchases from Russia, a second source said India's imports of Russian grades had helped avoid a global surge in oil prices, which have remained subdued despite Western curbs on the Russian oil sector. Unlike Iranian and Venezuelan oil, Russian crude is not subject to direct sanctions, and India is buying it below the current price cap fixed by the European Union, the source said. The New York Times also quoted two unnamed senior Indian officials on Saturday as saying there had been no change in Indian government policy. Indian government authorities did not respond to Reuters' request for official comment on its oil purchasing intentions. However, during a regular press briefing on Friday, foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has a 'steady and time-tested partnership' with Russia. 'On our energy sourcing requirements ... we look at what is there available in the markets, what is there on offer, and also what is the prevailing global situation or circumstances,' he said. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment. India's top supplier Trump, who has made ending Russia's war in Ukraine a priority of his administration since returning to office this year, has expressed growing impatience with Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent weeks. He has threatened 100 per cent tariffs on US imports from countries that buy Russian oil unless Moscow reaches a major peace deal with Ukraine. Russia is the leading supplier to India, the world's third-largest oil importer and consumer, accounting for about 35 per cent of its overall supplies. India imported about 1.75 million barrels per day of Russian oil from January to June this year, up 1 per cent from a year ago, according to data provided to Reuters by sources. But while the Indian government may not be deterred by Trump's threats, sources told Reuters this week that Indian state refiners stopped buying Russian oil after July discounts narrowed to their lowest since 2022 – when sanctions were first imposed on Moscow – due to lower Russian exports and steady demand. Indian Oil Corp, Hindustan Petroleum Corp , Bharat Petroleum Corp and Mangalore Refinery Petrochemical Ltd have not sought Russian crude in the past week or so, four sources told Reuters. Nayara Energy – a refinery majority-owned by Russian entities, including oil major Rosneft, and major buyer of Russian oil – was recently sanctioned by the EU. Nayara's chief executive resigned following the sanctions, and three vessels laden with oil products from Nayara Energy have yet to discharge their cargoes, hindered by the new EU sanctions, Reuters reported last week. — Reuters
