- Switch 2 goes on sale globally amid long queues and exhausted reservations, with an official forecast of 15 million units in its first fiscal year.
- The high price and new features, such as video chat and Joy-Con as a mouse, are generating both excitement and debate among users.
- Doubts persist about Nintendo's strategy with physical formats, competition from handheld consoles, and adaptation to a changing market.
- Nintendo denies special incentives for stores in Japan and faces controversy and challenges to maintain the success of the original Switch.
The arrival of Nintendo Switch 2 has marked a true social and commercial phenomenonFrom early morning, thousands of fans lined up outside stores around the world, especially in Japan, where demand far exceeded initial expectations. Advance reservations already indicated that the device, the successor to one of the best-selling consoles in history, was poised to make its mark on the industry.
The launch took place between a atmosphere of maximum expectation and certain controversiesOn the one hand, the starting price, around €469,99 in Spain and $449,99 in the United States, has sparked debate among consumers. However, Most stores have sold out of stock in a matter of hours after launching lottery systems to distribute the first batches of consoles, given the impossibility of meeting the initial demand.
Stock outs and mass adoption
From Tokyo to New York, Both retailers and large stores have opted for raffles and sweepstakes. to give those who wanted to get a Switch 2 access on day one. In Japan, some stores have distributed hundreds of consoles in a matter of hours, while Nintendo's official online store received more than two million pre-orders for the new model alone.
Users like Koji Takahashi, who had to participate in several raffles, or young Kuro, who took the day off to enjoy the console from the very first moment, are examples of the passion this launch has generated. Interest has been driven by the ability to play the latest exclusive titles, such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, as well as backwards compatibility with games from the original Switch., allowing users to continue enjoying their previous catalog.
Nintendo's forecasts for the current fiscal year point to sell 15 million Switch 2 units by March 2026Analysts don't rule out even higher figures if production allows and international demand remains stable. In some stores, stocks sold out within a few hours, and some buyers have traveled long distances or tried several times before obtaining the console.
New features and price debate
Nintendo Switch 2 features a larger, higher-resolution screen, more memory, and processing power, and adds features such as live video chat and the ability to use the Joy-Con as a mouseThese new features are designed to offer a richer gaming experience both on the TV and in handheld mode. Furthermore, the console maintains its hybrid and backwards-compatible nature, one of the great successes highlighted by veteran buyers.
However, Price has been one of the most discussed topicsIn Japan, there is a noticeable difference between the Japanese-only version and the multilingual version, which has caused some annoyance among foreign residents and tourists. In the West, the cost is significantly higher than the original model, both for the console and for the new games, whose prices in some cases reach 90 euros. Many people consider the technical updates and catalog to justify the investment..
Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa has acknowledged that Maintaining sales momentum will not be easy in the long term, although he hopes that the initial boost will serve to consolidate the company's position in the coming years.
Controversies surrounding physical formats and distribution
The launch of the console has also brought some controversy surrounding Nintendo's strategy regarding the physical distribution formatsOne of the most recurring debates has revolved around the new "game-key cards," physical cards that don't include the full game, but rather an activation key that allows you to download the title from the internet. This system has been criticized by users and developers, especially independent ones, as it This could make long-term preservation of games difficult and limit full physical editions..
Some titles from Nintendo and major publishers will continue to have traditional cartridges, but the trend towards these new formats has generated concern regarding the preservation of the video game and basic consumer rightsFurthermore, questions have been raised about whether this strategy could negatively impact physical sales in the future, in a sector where digital games are increasingly gaining ground compared to conventional physical editions.
Competition, future challenges and doubts about innovation
Switch 2 faces the challenge of an increasingly competitive market, with the rise of gaming laptops, Sony's return to the portable console field, and the consolidation of alternatives such as the Steam Deck or devices from Lenovo and Asus. Although Analysts believe the Switch 2 will outsell all gaming PCs combined in its first year., the long-term strategy is to maintain the appeal for both fans of Nintendo exclusives and those looking for a versatile and powerful device.
As for innovation, The new console opts for continuity and improvement of its hybrid formula rather than radical surprises.While the first Switch was a revolution, the new machine is a logical and robust evolution, with more power and some updated features. Competition from mobile devices, the rise of digital gaming, and the pressure to maintain a long-term, attractive catalog will be key in the coming months.
The first few weeks after launch will be crucial to determine whether Nintendo can renew its leadership and, above all, whether Switch 2 succeeds in exciting both loyal users and those considering entering the Japanese company's ecosystem for the first time.
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