Nintendo fans around the world eagerly awaited the launch of the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. The new gaming device, which boasts more power and improved graphics, is expected to be in short supply due to the overwhelming demand from gamers globally.
In Tokyo’s Ikebukuro shopping district, lucky winners of a sales lottery by electronics retailer Bic Camera lined up early in the morning to get their hands on the new Switch 2. The excitement was palpable as customers like Yumi Ohi, a 30-year-old delivery contractor, expressed their emotions, with some even traveling from neighboring prefectures to secure their devices.
Since its initial launch in 2017, Nintendo has sold a staggering 152 million Switch home-portable devices, cementing its position as a gaming juggernaut. With popular titles like “The Legend of Zelda” series and the pandemic hit game “Animal Crossing: New Horizons,” the Switch has captured the hearts of gamers worldwide.
The Switch 2, while similar to its predecessor in many ways, offers a larger screen, improved graphics, and debuts with exciting titles like “Mario Kart World.” Analysts like Piers Harding-Rolls from Ampere Analysis predict a strong adoption rate for the new device, given the large existing audience of Switch users.
Nintendo, having learned from past supply chain challenges, is better prepared this time to meet the high demand for the Switch 2. The company aims to sell 15 million units of the new device in the current financial year, along with 4.5 million units of the original Switch.
Despite the $499.99 price tag, customers are eager to get their hands on the new console. Pre-orders at retailers like Target sold out within hours, and Nintendo received 2.2 million applications for its sales lottery in Japan. Investors are optimistic about the success of the Switch 2, with Nintendo’s shares trading near highs and gaining almost 30% this year.
While concerns remain about sustaining momentum after the initial launch, analysts like Harding-Rolls predict strong sales for the Switch 2 in the long run. With titles like “Mario Kart World” and upcoming releases like “Elden Ring,” the Switch 2 is poised to attract both hardcore gamers and casual users alike.
Overall, the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 signals a new era in gaming, with high expectations for its success in the coming years. As fans eagerly await their turn to experience the new device, Nintendo continues to innovate and captivate audiences with its innovative gaming experiences.
