Nintendo Switch 2 sparks global hype with late-night queues at launch

The highly anticipated launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025, has sparked a wave of excitement around the world , with thousands of fans lining up since the early hours of the morning in cities like Tokyo, New York, San Antonio, and Madrid to be the first to purchase Nintendo's new hybrid console. In the Spanish capital, numerous stores were filled with long lines of eager shoppers, reflecting the high demand that has sold out advance reservations.

The Switch 2, the successor to the successful console launched in 2017, features significant improvements such as a larger, more vibrant screen , updated Joy-Con controllers with magnetic attachment, and new features like GameChat and GameShare to improve connectivity between users. It also maintains backward compatibility with most of the original Switch games, allowing players to continue enjoying their favorite titles.

The console has gone on sale with an official price of 399 euros in Europe, positioning itself slightly above the launch price of its predecessor.

The console's global launch was accompanied by the release of "Mario Kart World," the latest installment in Nintendo's popular arcade racing series, which has been one of the main draws for buyers. Despite its $79.99 price tag, higher than previous installments, the game has generated great excitement among fans.

Nintendo has projected sales of 15 million units of the Switch 2 by the end of its fiscal year in March 2026, though some analysts suggest sales could reach 20 million , driven by strong demand at launch . However, the company has warned of potential supply constraints due to high demand and apologized for difficulties with pre-orders.