The Japanese video game company Nintendo has launched its first major piece hardware eight years. To much fanfare, the much-anticipated Switch 2 console was released last Thursday. It is the follow- to its hugely popular predecessor, the Switch, which sold 152 million units worldwide. The new console can be used as a portable handheld device or as a tablet. It can be connected to an external display. It comes two controllers, a power adaptor, a USB-C charging cable, a dock, and two wrist straps. It comes bundled 25 games, including an enhanced version the smash success Mario Kart World. Nintendo expects to sell 15 million Switch 2 consoles the fiscal year to March 2026.
Gaming enthusiasts queued hours outside stores worldwide, clamouring to get their hands Nintendo's new system. Japan, the consoles were sold a national lottery that got 2.2 million applications. In Tokyo, winners the draw lined at dawn outside an 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 the lottery, but undeterred, he went to the store's release event to savour the experience. He said: "I took a half-day work because I desperately wanted to try the Switch 2." The console has a hefty $449.99 price tag, but fans say it is worth the money.
