Japanese video game company Nintendo has launched its first major piece of hardware in eight years. To much fanfare, much-anticipated Switch 2 console was released last Thursday. It is follow-up to its hugely popular predecessor, the Switch, which sold 152 million units worldwide. The new console can be used as portable handheld device or as tablet. It can be connected to external display. It comes with two controllers, power adaptor, USB-C charging cable, dock, and two wrist straps. It comes bundled with 25 games, including enhanced version of the smash success Mario Kart World. Nintendo expects to sell 15 million Switch 2 consoles for fiscal year to March 2026.
Gaming enthusiasts queued for hours outside stores worldwide, clamouring to get their hands on Nintendo's new system. In Japan, the consoles were sold via national lottery that got around 2.2 million applications. In Tokyo, winners of draw lined up at dawn outside electronics store. Switch fan Koji Takahashi, 39, said: "It's fantastic that players can see each other while playing. I can't wait to go home and play." Satoshi Ayame was unsuccessful in lottery, but undeterred, he went to store's release event to savour experience. He said: "I took half-day off work because I desperately wanted to try the Switch 2." The console has hefty $449.99 price tag, but fans say it is worth money.
