The Nintendo Switch 2 has finally arrived in stores as of Thursday, marking eight years since the original launch of Nintendo’s widely acclaimed video game console from Japan. Despite its substantial price of $450, enthusiasts globally, from Japan to the United States, queued outside retail locations to secure pre-orders or seize the opportunity to purchase the device. This release concludes months of eager anticipation, which included challenges with pre-orders and concerns that tariffs might postpone the Switch 2’s launch.
The Nintendo Switch’s distinctive feature of transitioning from a handheld device to a traditional console contributed significantly to its success upon its introduction in 2017. The Nintendo Switch Lite, a handheld-only variant released two years later, also gained popularity, particularly during the pandemic. It played a pivotal role in the success of top-selling Nintendo titles such as “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe,” and “Animal Crossing: New Horizons.”
The Nintendo Switch 2 introduces interactive chat and screenshare capabilities to enhance gamer connectivity. Additionally, it boasts a more vibrant display and a larger screen.
According to the company, Nintendo has sold a total of 152 million Switch units, just shy of its best-selling Nintendo DS console, which achieved 154 million sales. However, demand for the Switch has decreased as it enters its eighth year since launch. Nintendo is optimistic that the new console will revitalize its declining sales.
The standard Switch 2 is priced at $450, while a bundle that includes the new “Mario Kart World” is available for $500. It can be purchased both online and in physical stores at major retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Best Buy, as well as at specialty shops like GameStop, although it is anticipated that it will sell out quickly, leading to widespread shortages. The fluctuating tariffs imposed by President Trump, which affected imports from Japan, raised concerns that Nintendo might need to postpone the device’s release. Nevertheless, the launch occurs during a 90-day suspension of most tariffs. U.S. pre-orders for the Switch 2 experienced delays of several weeks as the company evaluated the potential effects of these tariffs.
Nintendo announced its expectation to sell 15 million Switch 2 consoles during the fiscal year ending in March 2026. The company is optimistic that this device will revitalize its declining sales. In May, Nintendo reported a 43% drop in profits for the fiscal year concluding in March, yet it assured stakeholders of a forthcoming recovery.