Nintendo’s new console, the Nintendo Switch 2, has created quite a buzz. This excitement started with the publication of its first-look trailer in January. With a beautiful bigger touch display and hundreds of new features, you can say the hype surrounding the console is at an all time high. This huge increase in demand has created significant obstacles for new customers. Meanwhile in Japan, Nintendo announced that only a few thousand Japanese consumers will be able to preorder the console.
The preorder window just started today at midnight ET at nearly all major retailers. For many shoppers, it was a frustrating experience as sites went down and stock disappeared in seconds. A record 200,000 applications poured into the My Nintendo Store lottery sale. As Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa admitted, this craze was well beyond what they anticipated.
The Nintendo Switch 2 will release for real on June 5, 2025! This battle begins in the living room, with their starting pricing of $449.99 for a standalone console and $499.99 for a console plus game bundle. Even with the backlash, Nintendo was adamant that these prices would stick with what they originally announced on April 2.
Preorder Process and Challenges
As of May 8, Nintendo will begin sending invitation emails for preorders to “remaining eligible registrants on a first-come, first-served basis.” The company has released a public safety notice. In their statement, they mention that consumers preordering directly through the My Nintendo Store may face delays due to overwhelming demand.
Furukawa highlighted the scale of demand in Japan, revealing that “approximately 2.2 million people in Japan alone” expressed interest in the new console. He also stated, “This number far exceeds our expectations, and far exceeds the number of Nintendo Switch 2 consoles that can be delivered from the My Nintendo Store on June 5th.” Regardless, this statement encapsulates the bind that Nintendo has left itself in trying to satisfy consumer desire.
Given all these issues, customer complaints sounded a clarion call to protect their preorders in the calamity. A Walmart spokesperson remarked, “The excitement around this online preorder was incredible, and it sold out quickly due to high demand.”
New Features and Capabilities
The Nintendo Switch 2 has a huge list of exciting features to help it stand out from the competition. Its larger display presents a more immersive gaming experience, while new capabilities allow users to “play games and talk like everyone is in the same room, even if they are miles apart.” On top of that, players can use Discord voice chat while playing with a group of up to 12 people across different games and platforms.
Nintendo has upgraded its storage options. The Switch 2 only accepts microSD Express cards, which have a higher data reading speed compared to the older microSD format. This improvement is all about getting players into the action faster while making the game run better overall.
Additionally, the console introduces innovative Joy-Con 2 controllers that can “magnetically attach to the Nintendo Switch 2 console.” You can even use these controllers mouse style! Just slide your fingers across a flat surface, or even across your pants to get versatile, expressive controls while you play.
Anticipation and Future Outlook
Despite the preorder mess and possible delivery hold-ups, Nintendo is still looking ahead with excitement on the potential for the Switch 2. The company expressed its enthusiasm for the anticipation surrounding the new console, stating, “We’re thrilled by the enthusiasm for Nintendo Switch 2!”
They tempered expectations with a cautionary note: “Due to the very high demand, we will be working diligently to fulfill orders as product becomes available, but delivery by June 5 is not guaranteed.” This statement is indicative of Nintendo’s incredible commitment to customer satisfaction during what has become an extremely rocky launch window.
With the release date fast approaching, millions of gamers worldwide can’t wait to put the innovative features of the Nintendo Switch 2 to the test. When paired with its innovative features, its increased gameplay capabilities make it a powerful opponent in the gaming market.
