Nintendo has officially launched the Nintendo Switch 2, its highly anticipated next-generation gaming console. The Switch 2 was released globally at midnight on June 5, 2025, with fans lining up at retailers and online stores to secure a unit. The excitement surrounding the launch has led to shortages, with many experts predicting that supply will not meet the enormous demand in the coming weeks.
The Nintendo Switch 2 follows the original Switch, which debuted in 2017 and became a massive success thanks to popular games like “The Legend of Zelda” and “Animal Crossing: New Horizons.” The new console builds on this legacy, offering several improvements and new features.
The Switch 2 has a larger 7.9-inch LCD screen that displays in full HD at 1080p, a higher refresh rate and a stronger processor developed in partnership with NVIDIA. The device also boasts 256 GB of internal storage, a significant upgrade from its predecessor.
Nintendo has priced the Switch 2 at $449.99, while a bundle with “Mario Kart World” costs $499.99. The launch price is higher than the original Switch, which started at $299 in 2017. There was some controversy over the price, especially after Nintendo delayed pre-orders in the U.S. to assess the impact of new tariffs announced in April 2025. Despite these challenges, pre-orders sold out quickly after opening on April 24, 2025.
The Switch 2 launches with major titles like “Mario Kart World” and Donkey Kong Bananza,” both of which are expected to attract new and returning players. The console is also backwards compatible, allowing users to play both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games, although some older titles may have limited support.
Retailers such as Best Buy, GameStop and Walmart held midnight launch events, but inventory was limited. Many stores are expected to sell out quickly, and Nintendo has acknowledged the risk of global shortages due to high demand.
President Shuntaro Furukawa stated that Nintendo plans to increase production capacity and prioritise sales promotions to meet their sales target of 15 million Switch 2 consoles for the current fiscal year.
The Switch 2 is seen as a crucial test for Nintendo’s supply chain and market strategy, especially after the disruptions caused by tariffs and high demand. Analysts believe that the broader base of existing Switch users will drive strong early adoption of the new console.
Although the Nintendo Switch 2 has arrived with significant upgrades, a higher price and overwhelming demand. Nintendo faces the challenge of keeping up with eager fans worldwide as the next chapter in its gaming legacy begins.