Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Sparks Long Lines and Mixed Reactions

New York City, NY — The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 debuted worldwide on Thursday, drawing fans who lined up for days to buy the new console. The release came amid rising tensions in the video game industry due to a trade war.

Fans lined up outside Nintendo’s New York store, eager to be among the first to experience the latest features. Christopher Evangelista, who camped outside for two months, was thrilled to finally purchase the console. “The new design is amazing,” he said. “Playing with friends while chatting is such a cool aspect of the Switch 2!”

At the midnight launch event, influencer Bowen Yang seemed excited by the new capabilities. However, reactions varied. A video creator from Polygon noted challenges with the new controller features, particularly the sensitive mouse mode. “I struggled to control my spaceship and dodge obstacles,” she admitted.

Aside from the console, the event highlighted the release of Mario Kart World, a new game exclusive to the Switch 2, priced at $80. The title offers an expansive world for players to explore, along with traditional racing competitions. Yang remarked on his experience, saying, “Even with a racing defeat, it was a thrilling preview for what’s to come at home with friends.”

Despite the excitement, the Switch 2’s cost of $449 has raised eyebrows. This price point is significantly higher than the original Switch’s launch price of $299. “The initial sales will cater to diehard fans who are willing to pay the premium,” explained an NYU professor.

Nate Bihldorff, Nintendo’s senior vice president of product development, emphasized the improvements made. “The Switch 2 offers vastly more processing power and memory, enhancing gameplay and graphics significantly from the original.” Nevertheless, some gamers, including industry analyst van Dreunen, expressed their intent to wait before upgrading. “I’m a huge fan and I’m happy to wait a little bit,” he said.

Nintendo plans to sell 15 million Switch 2 consoles by March 2026, but will it match the original Switch’s record of 150 million sales? Only time will tell.