TOKYO – Throngs of gamers stood in long lines outside of stores hours before they opened Thursday from Tokyo to New York City in hopes of snaring a long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 video game console.
Enthusiasts have been clamoring for an upgrade to Nintendo’s eight-year-old predecessor for years. Nintendo, which is counting on the Switch 2 to boost sagging sales, has added new social features meant to lure players into online gaming.
The much-anticipated Switch 2, being released around the world Thursday, is an upgrade to its eight-year-old predecessor with new social features meant to draw players into online gaming. Nintendo is counting on the Switch 2 to boost sagging sales.
In the U.S., a chaotic pre-order process in April left some fans frustrated after the consoles quickly sold out. People lined up early Thursday at stores in hopes of buying one.
[Central Florida crowds line up for Nintendo Switch 2. Watch the video below.]
Hundreds of Nintendo enthusiasts gathered at retailers across Orlando for the midnight launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, with some fans waiting more than 12 hours to purchase the new gaming console.
David, who secured the first spot at Best Buy in Winter Garden, arrived at 11:30 a.m. the previous day to ensure his place in line. As night fell, the queue stretched around the building’s perimeter.
For many fans, the launch represented more than just acquiring new gaming hardware. “One of the fondest memories I have as a kid is getting the Nintendo Switch which had just come out 5 days prior,” said Lex, who whose father held their place in line “I feel like I just have to continue that by getting the Switch 2.”
The enthusiasm continued at Target at Millenia, where dedicated fans began lining up at 11 p.m. for the store’s 8 a.m. opening. Robert Jones, who spent the night on the sidewalk with other Nintendo fans, said, “We have not slept a single second. It’s been rough, but it’s worth it for the Switch 2!”
Target at Millenia enhanced the launch experience with interactive elements, including a themed photo opportunity and a store-wide scavenger hunt featuring Nintendo characters. The retailer also distributed complimentary Nintendo merchandise to waiting customers.
What began as individual quests for the latest Nintendo console evolved into a communal experience. Strangers formed bonds while waiting, sharing their enthusiasm for Nintendo’s gaming legacy and discussing their anticipation for the new system.
The launch event demonstrated the enduring appeal of Nintendo’s products and the passionate community that surrounds them. As dawn broke and stores opened their doors, customers departed with not only their new Switch 2 consoles but also the shared experience of being part of gaming history.
Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser told CBS Morning Plus today that the company is aware of the demand for its newest system and is working to get units into the hands of customers.
“We have a steady supply of manufacturing that will be coming in, and we believe we’ll be able to meet that demand all the way through the summer, through Father’s Day and then on into the holiday period also,” Bowser said.
The new console comes with a larger and higher resolution screen than its predecessor, with improved processing power, offering smoother and more vivid graphics. Central to its updated system is a new “C” button on its controller, which will launch a “GameChat” feature that requires a subscription to Nintendo’s Switch online service. It allows players to “communicate with friends and family while playing a game,” and lets them share their game screen with others. A built-in microphone will also allow chatting with other gamers.
Nintendo has said it expects to sell 15 million Switch 2 consoles for the fiscal year through March 2026.
The company also rolled out new Switch 2 editions for two of its popular “Legend of Zelda” games. A Pokemon title and a Kirby game are also coming, as well as offerings from outside video game publishers.
The Switch 2’s rollout arrives at an uncertain time for much of the gaming industry due to new tariffs implemented by U.S. President Donald Trump.
In the U.S., the Switch 2’s baseline launch price is $449.99 — significantly higher than the original Switch’s $299 price tag.
U.S. preorders for the Switch 2 were delayed for several weeks so the company could assess the potential impact of tariffs.