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Wafricnews - june 8, 2025

Nintendo has officially released its long-awaited Switch 2 console, sparking excitement — and long queues — from Tokyo to Toronto. This marks the company’s first major console release in eight years, following the original Switch's 2017 debut.

Demand is already sky-high. In Japan alone, more than 2.2 million people entered a lottery for a chance to buy the new device, according to Nintendo. In the U.S., major retailers like Best Buy opened their doors just after midnight to accommodate eager buyers.

Priced at $450, the Switch 2 builds on the original’s hybrid formula: a console that works handheld, tabletop, or on TV via docking station. But Nintendo didn’t just update the design — it added several major improvements, hoping to keep the system competitive in an increasingly crowded market that now includes handheld-PC hybrids from Valve and Lenovo.

What’s New in the Switch 2?

At first glance, the Switch 2 may look familiar, but under the hood, it’s a major leap forward.

  • A larger 7.9-inch screen, up from 6.2 inches on the original.

  • 8x more internal storage, giving players more room for games.

  • A new magnetic snap system for the upgraded Joy-Con controllers, designed for easier use.

  • The dock now supports 4K resolution for sharper visuals on TVs.

One standout feature: the Joy-Con controllers now support mouse-like motion. Players can slide them across a table or lap to control movement with PC-level precision — ideal for games like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and the new Drag x Drive, where players control wheelchair-style vehicles to play court-based sports.

The Switch 2 also debuts a social side to Nintendo gaming, with a new Game Chat system that allows voice chat with up to 12 players, live screen sharing, and even video chat bubbles appearing in-game for select titles.

“Nintendo’s trying to make online play feel more personal — almost like you're in the same room again,” said Doug Bowser, President of Nintendo of America.

Games at Launch — and What’s Coming

Leading the launch lineup is Mario Kart World, a new entry in the racing franchise that introduces open-world exploration beyond traditional racetracks. Other major titles arriving in 2024 include:

  • Donkey Kong Bonanza (July 17)

  • Drag x Drive

  • Kirby Air Riders

  • Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment

Switch 2 is also backwards compatible with most original Switch games, although Nintendo cautions that some older titles may not be fully supported. To bridge the gap, updated “Switch 2 Editions” of fan favorites are also launching, including:

  • The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

  • Tears of the Kingdom

  • Super Mario Party Jamboree

  • Kirby and the Forgotten Land

  • Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Still Holding Onto the Old Switch?

Nintendo is keeping its older lineup alive — for now. The Switch Lite ($200), Standard Switch ($300), and OLED Switch ($350) are still available, offering more affordable entry points.

But the continued success of these older models could slow down adoption of the new console — a reality Nintendo is watching closely.

“The Switch’s success is both a blessing and a challenge,” said Mat Piscatella of market research firm Circana.
“Nintendo has a strong foundation — but also very high expectations to meet.”

The Bigger Picture: Culture and Competition

With the Switch 2, Nintendo is betting not just on hardware, but on its deep well of beloved IPs — Mario, Zelda, Pokémon — and its ability to connect players in playful, often nostalgic ways.

But with more gamers turning to powerful handheld PCs or cloud gaming, the battle for attention is tougher than ever.

Still, Nintendo has one major advantage: loyalty.

“Even players who own a PlayStation or a gaming PC often also buy a Nintendo console,” said Piscatella. “That cross-ownership is unique in the industry.”

Whether the Switch 2 can capture the magic — and the market — for another eight-year run remains to be seen. But if launch day excitement is any indicator, Nintendo’s gamble may already be paying off.


By Wafricnews Desk.

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