Stores opened their doors at midnight across the globe as Nintendo fans scrambled to get their hands on the highly anticipated Switch 2, the gaming giant’s first direct console sequel.
The launch saw eager queues from Tokyo to Toronto, with UK tech retailer Currys calling it their “biggest gaming pre-order ever” after selling 30,000 units ahead of release.
Despite the fanfare, the rollout wasn’t without hiccups. Retailer Game cancelled a number of pre-orders, and earlier this year, Nintendo temporarily paused US orders over tariff concerns. Even so, the global buzz remained undimmed as crowds gathered to unbox the successor to the original Switch—one of the best-selling consoles of all time, with more than 150 million units sold since 2017.
Currys attributed the huge demand to “incredible excitement” surrounding both the console and its flagship title, Mario Kart World, which headlines the launch. Yet the £74.99 price tag for the game has raised eyebrows—around £15 more than most Nintendo titles—prompting questions about affordability.
“It’s a big deal for us,” said Tushar Sandarka, president of the University of York’s Mario Kart society. “Even if it’s more expensive than I’d hoped, it’s going to serve me well for the next 7 or 8 years.” Others were less convinced. Students Mae and Lottie told the BBC they’d stick with the original Switch due to the cost. “It’s quite spenny,” Mae said, while Lottie added, “I’m not spending a day’s pay on a game.”
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