Tokyo residents waited in long lines to purchase the Nintendo Switch 2 console because they wanted to experience Nintendo’s upcoming gaming system. The Switch 2 launched worldwide on Thursday with improved graphics and an expanded display compared to the original model. The Japanese market used a competitive lottery system to sell the consoles while Nintendo announced it received 2.2 million applications.
The official lottery did not stop major retailers from conducting their own device distribution processes. Koji Takahashi became the first person to reach the Tokyo store after winning a second-chance lottery draw for the main lottery. He expressed deep regret for those who failed to win the lottery draw but acknowledged the challenging process he went through to obtain his console.
Nintendo predicts the Switch 2 will reach 15 million sales by March 2026 through the release of games like “The Legend of Zelda,” Pokémon and Kirby. The launch of the console occurs during a challenging time for the gaming industry because U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed Chinese import tariffs which create supply chain uncertainties for Nintendo. The new console costs $449.99 in the United States whereas the original Switch launched at $299.
The launch represents Nintendo’s broader expansion which includes new San Francisco stores and a Super Nintendo World theme park in Orlando. The large number of Switch users will create strong initial demand for the new model despite ongoing trade tensions according to market analysts.
