Midnight Queues and Sky-High Demand for Switch 2
The long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here — and gamers across Australia have gone into overdrive. With a retail price tag of around $700, fans queued in droves at EB Games and other major outlets across the country, some even lining up at midnight to get their hands on what many are calling the “biggest game launch of the year.”
At Gamesmen in Sydney, hundreds waited hours ahead of launch. Stores from coast to coast were packed with fans keen to experience the next-generation console on release day. EB Games reported that their first wave of pre-orders had already sold out, adding to the excitement and urgency around the Switch 2 release date.
Hundreds lined up outside The Gamesmen store in Sydney. [Image collected from: news.com.au].
What Makes the Nintendo Switch 2 So Special?
The original Nintendo Switch was revolutionary — a console that bridged portable and at-home gaming. The Switch 2 elevates that hybrid legacy with substantial upgrades:
- A larger, higher refresh rate screen
- Enhanced graphics
- Improved Joy-Con 2 controllers, now with mouse-like functionality
- Refined haptics and a magnet-based attachment system
- Game Chat and built-in camera features
- More internal power and faster load times
- USB mouse support for added versatility
The Switch 2 is also launching with new gaming capabilities and accessories — setting the tone for what appears to be a strong generational leap for Nintendo.
Launch Day Reactions and Challenges
Despite the excitement, not everything has gone smoothly. Some retailers such as Game in the UK cancelled select pre-orders, while Nintendo US temporarily pulled their order system in April due to tariff concerns.
Yet, enthusiasm hasn’t waned. In the UK alone, Currys sold 30,000 units by launch morning. As GamesRadar+’s Sam Loveridge noted, “When pre-orders first went live, it was an absolute scramble to find any stock, but Nintendo was clearly prepared.”
Tushar Sandarka, president of the University of York’s Mario Kart Society, echoed the widespread sentiment: “Even if it’s a bit higher than I would have wanted to pay for it, it’s going to serve me well for the next 7 or 8 years.”
Meanwhile, some students like Mae and Lottie are opting to skip the upgrade due to the cost. Mae said, “It’s quite spenny,” while Lottie added, “I’m not spending that on a game.”
Nintendo Switch 2 [Credit: Henry T. Casey/CNN Underscored]
Switch 2 Games and First Impressions
The headline Switch 2 game is Mario Kart World — the first brand-new traditional Mario Kart release in over a decade. The £75 price tag (approx. $140 AUD) raised eyebrows, but it offers a knockout competition mode and a relaxed driving option, alongside stunning graphics and fluid gameplay at 120Hz.
Unfortunately, other big first-party titles like Donkey Kong: Bananza and Metroid Prime 4 won’t be available at launch. Instead, players must turn to upgraded versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, or explore third-party games such as Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma and Cyberpunk 2077.
Next-Level Features Set Switch 2 Apart
The Switch 2 feels like more than just an incremental upgrade. Here’s why it’s resonating so strongly:
- Joy-Con 2: Larger, ergonomic, with better vibration and improved comfort.
- Pro Controller: Textured feel, enhanced haptics, and extra programmable buttons.
- Home Screen: Mostly familiar but now includes Game Chat, Gallery, and Game Share.
- Mouse Control: Menus can be navigated with a computer mouse.
- Game Chat & Camera: Video and voice calls integrated into multiplayer sessions.
Katie Holt from Ampere Analysis sees this as a strategic shift: “This more powerful console offers plenty of opportunities for third-party games publishers bringing Nintendo into more direct competition with Sony and Microsoft.”
Also Read: Liberal Party Leaders Reject Alan Stockdale’s Comments on Assertive Women
Final Thoughts: A Worthy Evolution
After spending hands-on time with the Nintendo Switch 2, early users are convinced that this is the natural next step. It’s not just a Switch Pro, but a refined, more powerful version that maintains what made the original special while addressing its limitations.
Yes, $700 is a big spend — but fans seem ready to commit. The Switch 2 release date marks a major moment in Nintendo’s timeline. It’s now up to the company to support the hardware with a robust catalogue of games over the coming months.
For now, Australia has spoken — and it’s game on.
Short summary:
With the Nintendo Switch 2 release date set for 5 June 2025, Australian fans flocked to EB Games stores at midnight to be among the first to experience the highly anticipated console. Featuring upgraded hardware, refined Joy-Con 2 controllers, and the blockbuster launch title Mario Kart World, the Switch 2 has already proven to be one of the most successful console launches in recent years. Boasting enhanced performance, innovative features, and a growing library of Switch 2 games, the new system signals a strong future for Nintendo enthusiasts across Australia.
