The Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here, and fans are going feral.
The hype is so real that Walmart and Best Buy literally had to shift their store hours just to keep up with the madness. The viral console launch has caused shortages, product limits, and a full-blown shopping frenzy.
Why All the Hype?
According to George Jijiashvili, senior principal analyst at Omdia:
“Today is the biggest console launch of all time.”
Fans across the U.S. are either constantly checking online stock availability or camping out near stores. And with this level of demand, it’s no surprise that both Walmart and Best Buy had to change things up.
What Changes Did Stores Make?
- Best Buy:
- Opened select stores at midnight on launch day
- In-store stock was limited to consoles, games, and accessories.
- Available only for walk-in customers
- Walmart:
- Opened online orders at midnight ET
- Opened Supercenters at 6am ET
- Website now shows console is sold out.
Doug Bowser (yep, that’s really his name), President of Nintendo of America, said:
“We’ve been working with retail partners to ensure there’s ample supply for not only the launch weekend, but well beyond.”
Still, given how fast stock is vanishing, it seems like even the best prep might not be enough.
Price Drama & Tariff Trouble
The Switch 2 is retailing at $449 in the U.S., officially the most expensive Nintendo console ever.
Why the price jump?
- Delays happened earlier this year due to Trump’s reciprocal tariffs.
- Nintendo held off on pricing to monitor tariff trends.
- Bowser claims the current price is final unless tariffs change again.
Nintendo expects to sell 20 million consoles by the end of this financial year. With this kind of launch energy, that number doesn’t sound crazy at all.
Switch 2 vs. Switch Lite: What’s New?
Here’s a quick look at how the Switch 2 stacks up against the Switch Lite:
| Feature | Nintendo Switch 2 | Nintendo Switch Lite |
|---|---|---|
| TV Connectivity | Yes | No |
| Joy-Con Controllers | Detachable | Built-in |
| Display | Larger screen | Standard handheld |
| Charging | Dock & cable support | Cable only |
| Exclusive Colors | Standard Nintendo palette | Yellow, Grey, Turquoise |
| Game Compatibility | All Switch games | Some restrictions apply |
| New Features | Upgraded hardware, new games | Basic handheld functionality |
This marks the first major upgrade since the original Nintendo Switch launched back in 2017. After eight long years, the wait has finally paid off, at least for those lucky enough to snag one.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is living up to its hype and then some. If you didn’t get your hands on one already, brace yourself for some serious console-hunting. Whether you’re checking Walmart at 6am or lining up at midnight at Best Buy, you’ll need speed and luck on your side.
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