The Nintendo Switch 2 hits shelves worldwide on June 5, 2025, with Mario Kart World leading its launch. Discover the console’s new features, game lineup, and why its $450 price and $75 games are stirring controversy among fans.
The Nintendo Switch 2 launched globally today, June 5, 2025, igniting excitement as fans lined up at midnight to grab the successor to the original Switch, which sold over 150 million units since 2017. Priced at $450, the hybrid console boasts a 7.9-inch 1080p display, enhanced Joy-Con 2 controllers, and a powerhouse launch title, Mario Kart World. However, high game prices and supply shortages are fueling debate, with retailers like GameStop and Walmart reporting rapid sellouts. Here’s the latest on this massive gaming moment.
Launch Day Frenzy and Availability
Stores like Smyths in the UK and GameStop in the US opened at midnight, with fans queuing for a chance to buy the Switch 2, dubbed “the biggest gaming launch ever” by one retailer. Preorders sold out instantly in April, and Nintendo shipped “out of stock” signs to stores, anticipating demand outstripping supply. Walmart and Target confirmed online restocks for June 6, with Costco listing Mario Kart World bundles ($500) for launch day. Social media posts on X show fans like Tushar Sandarka, president of the University of York’s Mario Kart society, thrilled but frustrated by stock shortages. Nintendo aims to produce 10 million units by March 2026.
New Features and Launch Titles
The Switch 2 delivers a leap forward with a 120Hz HDR-compatible display, 4K output when docked, and a custom Nvidia chipset for smoother performance. New features like GameChat, Joy-Con 2 mouse controls, and GameShare enhance multiplayer fun, while magnetic Joy-Con attachments and a $50 camera add versatility. The flagship title, Mario Kart World, introduces free-roam racing and new items like the Coin Shell, earning praise for its “intuitive controls” and vibrant tracks. Other launch titles include enhanced versions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land with improved visuals. Over 50 games, including Hollow Knight: Silksong and Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, are confirmed for 2025.
Price Controversy and Tariff Concerns
The console’s $450 price ($500 with Mario Kart World bundle) and $75 games like Mario Kart World have sparked backlash, with fans on X calling the costs “steep” compared to the original Switch’s $300 launch. Nintendo’s Bill Trinen told IGN that rising costs justify the hike, but a UK retailer’s cancellation of preorders and tariff fears tied to a US presidential announcement on June 4 added to the unrest. Donkey Kong Bananza, set for July 17 at $70, and new $30-$40 Amiibo figures also raised eyebrows. Despite this, analysts predict strong sales due to Nintendo’s loyal fanbase.
Fan Reactions and Early Impressions
Fans are buzzing, with X posts highlighting Mario Kart World’s appeal and the console’s “sleek, monochrome” design. The Verge and Gizmodo praised the Switch 2’s “subtle improvements” and portability, though some noted its lack of groundbreaking innovation. A leaked unboxing by Russian podcasters, locked by a day-one update (20.1.1), went viral, with fans joking about “Nintendo Ninjas” cracking down. The Nintendo Today app has become a go-to for updates, revealing customizable N64 controls and a CRT filter for retro games. However, Nintendo’s decision to withhold review units until launch, citing a critical day-one patch, has left gamers wary of potential bugs.
What’s Next for Switch 2
With Metroid Prime 4 and Pokémon Legends: Z-A slated for later 2025, the Switch 2’s lineup looks robust. Nintendo’s backwards compatibility ensures most original Switch games work, though some, like Pokémon Scarlet, face startup issues, per Wario64 on X. The company’s anti-scalping measures, like limiting preorders to one per account, aim to keep consoles in fans’ hands. As midnight launches revive nostalgia, the Switch 2 could rival the original’s US record as the fastest-selling console.
