Nintendo Switch 2: The Nintendo Switch 2 has finally hit store shelves across the United States, and fans are responding with the kind of fevered enthusiasm typically reserved for once-in-a-decade tech releases.
Following an extended wait and global pre-order delays linked to supply chain issues and trade restrictions, gamers lined up for days — in some cases, weeks — just to be among the first to grab Nintendo’s newest console.
The Switch 2, priced at $449, brings a slate of modern upgrades, including a larger, clearer screen, enhanced processing power, sleek redesigned controllers that double as computer mice, and long-awaited voice and video chat features.
The midnight launch in New York City captured the excitement of fans, including influencers like Jacey Adler, who praised the Switch 2’s social features: “The ability to talk and play with friends while gaming really changes the experience,” she said.
Another key attraction? Mario Kart World, a reimagined version of the classic franchise that blends open-world exploration with high-octane Grand Prix races. Even celebrities like Saturday Night Live’s Bowen Yang showed up to try it out, calling the experience “the perfect amuse bouche for what will surely be a thrilling time.”
Despite the initial success, not everyone is sold on the console’s new capabilities. Some attendees found the controller’s new mouse-like function overly sensitive, while others questioned whether the improvements justify the higher price — especially compared to the original Switch’s $299 launch tag.
“The diehard fans are buying it no matter what,” said Joost van Dreunen, a gaming industry analyst and NYU professor. “But for existing users, the incentive to upgrade isn’t yet compelling.”
Still, Nintendo has high hopes. The company aims to sell 15 million Switch 2 units by March 2026, though matching the original’s record-breaking 150 million sales may prove difficult.
The biggest challenge might not be demand — the console is already sold out in most locations — but convincing current Switch owners that the upgrade is essential. Nate Bihldorff, Nintendo of America’s senior VP of product development, emphasized that the Switch 2 was “built from the ground up” with “order-of-magnitude improvements” in power and memory, allowing for far more complex and visually stunning games.
For casual gamers or those nostalgic for retro titles, the Switch 2 still shines. Nintendo’s online service brings back classics from the NES, SNES, and Game Boy eras — lovingly emulated for a new generation. It remains a top pick for families, with intuitive parental controls and a wide catalog of kid-friendly titles. And yes, it even has Fortnite for the tweens.
With pre-orders gone and in-store units flying off the shelves, the Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to be the most sought-after gaming device of 2025. Whether you’re a longtime fan or someone considering a return to gaming, this might just be the console that brings you back into the fold — if you can get your hands on one.