Nintendo Switch 2 launches at midnight as fans queue worldwide

Stores opened their doors at midnight across the globe as Nintendo fans scrambled to get their hands on the highly anticipated Switch 2, the gaming giant’s first direct console sequel.

The launch saw eager queues from Tokyo to Toronto, with UK tech retailer Currys calling it their “biggest gaming pre-order ever” after selling 30,000 units ahead of release.

Despite the fanfare, the rollout wasn’t without hiccups. Retailer Game cancelled a number of pre-orders, and earlier this year, Nintendo temporarily paused US orders over tariff concerns. Even so, the global buzz remained undimmed as crowds gathered to unbox the successor to the original Switch—one of the best-selling consoles of all time, with more than 150 million units sold since 2017.

Currys attributed the huge demand to “incredible excitement” surrounding both the console and its flagship title, Mario Kart World, which headlines the launch. Yet the £74.99 price tag for the game has raised eyebrows—around £15 more than most Nintendo titles—prompting questions about affordability.

“It’s a big deal for us,” said Tushar Sandarka, president of the University of York’s Mario Kart society. “Even if it’s more expensive than I’d hoped, it’s going to serve me well for the next 7 or 8 years.” Others were less convinced. Students Mae and Lottie told the BBC they’d stick with the original Switch due to the cost. “It’s quite spenny,” Mae said, while Lottie added, “I’m not spending a day’s pay on a game.”

For Nintendo, the Switch 2 signals a shift in strategy. Unlike previous consoles, it carries the same name as its predecessor, reinforcing a clear message to existing fans. “This is the first time Nintendo has launched a straight sequel,” said Sam Loveridge, brand director at GamesRadar+. “It’s a clear proposition. Consumers know exactly what they’re getting.”

The hybrid console—playable both handheld and on a TV—features a larger, brighter screen, improved storage, and enhanced power. Early hands-on testers noted clever innovations such as using the controller like a computer mouse, offering new ways to play PC-style games like Civilization VII.

However, beyond Mario Kart World and a small tech-demo title called Welcome Tour, few major first-party titles are available on launch day. The likes of Metroid Prime 4, Donkey Kong: Bananza, and Super Mario Party Jamboree TV are still in development. Nintendo has instead focused on launching upgraded editions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, enhanced to showcase the Switch 2’s capabilities.

Third-party developers are stepping in to fill the initial void, with titles such as Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, Cyberpunk 2077, and Bravely Default available from day one. “This more powerful console brings Nintendo into more direct competition 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 console’s capabilities. “As developers continue to understand the hardware, we can expect improvements not only in graphics but in gameplay too,” he said.

With launch-day excitement running high, early indicators suggest strong sales. But whether the Switch 2 can match the enduring appeal of its predecessor may ultimately hinge on broader software support—and how far fans are willing to stretch their budgets.