The much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 has officially launched, igniting a global shopping frenzy that saw midnight store openings, supply shortages, and pre-order chaos across markets. The successor to Nintendo’s best-selling hybrid console hit store shelves on Thursday, with GameStop, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target among major retailers hosting midnight release events to accommodate surging demand.
Global Demand Surpasses Expectations
Nintendo confirmed that more than 2.2 million people in Japan alone entered the pre-order lottery for the Switch 2, far exceeding inventory available for launch day. In the U.S., Best Buy Switch 2 sales began at midnight, while Walmart Switch 2 units were available online and in Supercenters as early as 6 a.m. ET. But by mid-morning, the Nintendo Switch 2 was sold out on most major U.S. retail websites, including Amazon, Target, and GameStop.
In China, e-commerce giant JD.com reported over 400,000 reservations for the console, and while not all reservations may translate to purchases, the number underscores immense interest in the region. Meanwhile, in the U.K., Currys, Smyths, and Amazon UK showed comparatively better availability, with deliveries promised by Friday.
Shortages, Store Rushes and High Hopes
The Switch 2 launch is expected to continue facing stock shortages, particularly in Japan, where industry analysts say demand is “perhaps higher than anywhere else.” Shuntaro Furukawa, Nintendo’s President, admitted that supply would not meet initial expectations, despite massive preparation.
“This is the biggest console launch of all time,” said George Jijiashvili, Senior Analyst at Omdia. “As expected, there is a frenzy of Nintendo fans checking stock availability at their local GameStop, Best Buy, or eagerly awaiting deliveries from Walmart or Costco.”
A Strategic Bet for Nintendo’s Future
The original Nintendo Switch, released in 2017, sold over 152 million units, making it the second-best-selling device in Nintendo’s history, after the Nintendo DS. The Switch 2 console, which includes upgraded hardware, longer battery life, and enhanced gameplay experience, is critical for sustaining Nintendo’s momentum.
Analysts predict massive first-year sales:
- Kantan Games forecasts 20 million units in the first year.
- Omdia projects 14.4 million units sold in 2025 alone.
- Nintendo itself expects a modest 15 million units in its fiscal year ending March 2026.
Games, Pre-orders, and Availability
Retailers have reported strong interest not just in the console, but in the Switch 2 launch titles as well. Pre-orders for new games are trending across platforms like the Nintendo eShop, GameStop, and Amazon.
Searches like “when does the Switch 2 come out,” “Switch 2 review,” “Switch 2 stock,” and “Switch 2 games” have flooded online trends since midnight.
What Comes Next?
Though the initial chaos has led to sold-out listings at Walmart Nintendo Switch 2, Target Nintendo Switch 2, and Costco Nintendo Switch 2, experts expect the supply to stabilize in the coming weeks. Still, fans hoping to get their hands on the new Nintendo Switch are advised to check stock regularly or wait for restocks and second wave pre-orders.
For those lucky enough to secure a unit, the Switch 2 promises to deliver a blend of portability, performance, and nostalgia — a winning combo that may help Nintendo write another chapter in its storied gaming legacy.
Tags: Nintendo Switch 2, GameStop, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Nintendo, Switch 2 pre order, gaming console launch, Switch 2 midnight release, Nintendo Switch 2 games, console shortage