After months of speculation and mounting anticipation, Nintendo has launched the Switch 2 in the UK and globally, marking a significant step forward for the Japanese gaming giant. The hybrid console, which was released on 3 June, has already become Nintendo’s fastest-selling device, shifting over 3.5 million units in just four days.

The console launched in the UK at £379.99 for the standard edition, with the “Deluxe Set” bundling in Mario Kart World and enhanced Joy-Con controllers for £429.99. Despite the hefty price tag, retailers reported widespread sell-outs within hours of release. GAME and Argos saw queues online and in-store, with some high street stores reporting stock shortages through the first weekend.

Jason Webb, a gamer from Leeds

Launch Line-Up and New Features

The Switch 2 arrived with a launch line-up headlined by Mario Kart World, Pikmin 5, and Splatoon Nova, with The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of the Depths set to follow in July. The console features a brighter 1080p OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, upgraded internal storage, and improved detachable controllers. Nintendo has also introduced GameChat, its first in-built voice and video chat system, seen by many as a long overdue step into modern multiplayer gaming.

Early Market Jitters Now Easing

When Nintendo confirmed the console back in January, investors were not immediately convinced. Shares dipped nearly 7 per cent in Tokyo, with analysts criticising the reveal as thin on detail. The company was tight-lipped about the price, backwards compatibility, and exact release date, leading some to worry that Nintendo was not ready to compete with devices like the Steam Deck or PlayStation Portal.

However, as pre-orders sold out in April and early reviews trickled in, investor confidence returned. By late May, Nintendo’s stock had climbed to record highs, with analysts from Jefferies and Goldman Sachs issuing strong buy recommendations. Goldman expects long-term growth from the console, forecasting that it could sell over 60 million units during its lifespan.

What Users Think of the Switch 2?

Despite commercial success and analyst optimism, the Switch 2 has divided opinion among users. While many in the UK gaming community have praised the device as a worthy successor, others feel it fails to justify its premium price or fully resolve lingering issues from the original console.

The Good

For those upgrading from the original Switch, the improvements are tangible. "The screen is beautiful, the new Joy-Cons feel far sturdier, and I love how snappy the menus are," said Jason Webb, a gamer from Leeds who picked up his Switch 2 on launch day. Online forums and subreddits have filled with praise for the display, improved load times, and the seamless nature of GameChat.

Others have applauded Nintendo’s decision not to reinvent the wheel. “It’s exactly what I wanted – more power, better battery, and still the same pick-up-and-play feel,” wrote one user on r/NintendoUK.

The Bad

However, not everyone is impressed. A common criticism has been the console’s high price, particularly during a cost-of-living crisis. “£429 for a new console when I still have a perfectly good Switch? Nintendo’s taking the mickey,” said Sarah Khan, a student in Manchester.

Battery life has also come under scrutiny. Some users reported shorter-than-expected play times during launch week, prompting Nintendo to acknowledge a software bug that would be addressed in a future update. There have also been concerns about the magnetic controller attachments. “The little nub is already bending, and I’ve only had it a week. My kid snapped the last one in two months,” one frustrated parent shared on Facebook.

Another sore point is the sense that the Switch 2 is more of a refinement than a revolution.

Reddit user @WanderingPlumber.

The Road Ahead

Despite some early growing pains, the Switch 2 is off to a flying start. It has reignited interest in physical game releases, brought Nintendo back into the conversation around social and multiplayer innovation, and won over a loyal base of fans who see it as the best version of the console to date.

As the console heads into its second month, all eyes will be on Nintendo’s software pipeline. With the promise of a new Zelda, Pokémon Revival later this year, and strong third-party support, the Switch 2 may yet prove to be more than just a refresh. But with rivals looming and expectations sky-high, Nintendo has little room for error.

Whether the Switch 2 becomes a long-term game-changer or a short-term spike remains to be seen. What’s clear for now is that it has already made its mark.