Nintendo Switch 2 Launch: High Demand and Hefty Price Tag

The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 launched globally on June 5th, generating significant excitement among gamers. In Japan, securing a console involved winning a pre-order lottery, highlighting the high demand. One Japanese customer, Koji Takahashi, expressed relief at his success, stating, "I am very sorry for those who weren't successful in the lottery. But I also had a tough time getting this far, so I hope they forgive me!" The US launch saw similar enthusiasm, despite the console's US$449.99 price tag—a 50% increase from the original Switch. Nicole Peters, a US Nintendo fan, commented, "At US$500 with the game, and then there's the accessories... I'm looking at close to US$1,000. Yeah, it's a little steep. But it's worth it; it's Nintendo!" The Switch 2's higher price didn't deter many, suggesting strong brand loyalty and anticipation for its enhanced features.