Nintendo Switch 2 Launches With High Demand Globally

Nintendo's Switch 2 launched globally on June 5, with massive crowds and long lines reported at retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and Target in the U.S. and internationally. Pre-orders sold out within hours in April, and some Walmart customers received surprise snacks with their orders. The Switch 2 offers a 7.9-inch LCD screen, enhanced Joy-Con controllers, interactive chat, and improved performance for both new and old Switch games. Launch bundles such as Mario Kart World were priced around $499, with the base console retailing for $449–$450. Nintendo expects to sell 15 million units by March 2026, and early reviews have praised the console's comfort, build quality, and backward compatibility. The release highlights Nintendo's strategy of refining its hybrid portable/desktop design rather than radically redesigning it.