Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Breaks Sales Records Amid Controversy Over Flashcart Restrictions

On July 31, 2025, Nintendo held its Direct: Partner Showcase, revealing a range of new games and updates for both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 platforms. Among the highlights were the announcements of EA SPORTS FC 26 with an overhauled gameplay experience, and a new edition of Madden touted as "the realest Madden ever, built from Sundays," featuring new explosive plays and legendary stars.

Nintendo offered a sneak peek at several upcoming titles, confirming that these releases are aimed for both the current and next-generation consoles. Specific games highlighted include The Witcher: Legacy, which is currently crowdfunding on Gamefound, and features a debut demo now available to players; and a new installment in the Stories game series, slated for release in 2026. The Direct also showcased a significant update for Mario Kart World, introducing changes to artificial intelligence, lap races, and momentum, describing it as the most significant update the game has seen to date.

Additionally, other projects, such as Legends of Greyhawk, were announced, promising a streamlined ruleset aimed at maximizing fun. The showcase addressed quality of life improvements and bug fixes for several titles, updates to midseason content for live service games, and upcoming changes designed to enhance the social experience within games.

All games remain the property of their respective owners, with Nintendo of America Inc. headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA. No further details or specific release dates for most titles were provided during the announcement.

The Nintendo Switch 2, launched on June 5, has become the fastest-selling Nintendo console in history, with over 3.5 million units sold globally in its first four days. This figure doubles the sales of the original Nintendo Switch during the same period. The new console features a larger 1080p display (4K when docked), a faster processor, and redesigned magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers with mouse functionality. It also introduces the GameChat feature for online voice and video communication. The console launched alongside "Mario Kart World," a game featuring interconnected worlds and dynamic weather, and will soon release "Donkey Kong Bananza," a 3D platformer exclusive to the Switch 2. The console is priced at $449.99, with a bundle including "Mario Kart World" available for $499.99. Nintendo projects 15 million sales by March 31, 2026. However, the Switch 2 has also faced controversy as Nintendo has begun banning users who employ the MIG Flash flashcart to play backward-compatible games. Affected users report being barred from online services, though their Nintendo accounts remain unaffected. The MIG Flash, which allows users to store and play multiple game ROMs, has been flagged by Nintendo's anti-piracy measures, leading to widespread bans. Despite these issues, the Switch 2 continues to dominate sales, particularly in Japan, where demand is so high that parody listings for "Switch 2" (light switches) have appeared online.

The Nintendo Switch 2, the highly anticipated successor to the original Switch, officially launched on June 5, 2025, with significant upgrades and new features. The console includes a 7.9-inch display, an increase from the original Switch's 6.2-inch screen, and supports 4K resolution when docked. The Joy-Con controllers now attach magnetically, improving ease of use. Storage capacity has been increased eightfold, addressing one of the major limitations of the predecessor. The Switch 2 also introduces a Game Chat function, allowing up to 12 players to communicate simultaneously, and enables screen sharing and video chatting during gameplay. A standout feature is the integration of a camera (sold separately) for real-time face bubbles in games like Super Mario Party: Jamboree, enhancing social interaction.

Demand for the Switch 2 has been overwhelming, with fans queuing for hours or even days outside stores in cities like Tokyo, New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. Many customers secured their consoles through a competitive lottery system or pre-orders, while others camped out for the chance to purchase one. The console, priced at $449, has sold out at numerous retailers, with reports of shortages in international markets. Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser personally sold a unit to Christopher Evangelista, who camped out for two months outside Nintendo New York.

The launch has significantly impacted the gaming market, with projections estimating 13.6 million units sold in 2025. The global video game and services market is expected to grow to $201 billion this year, with console sales alone projected at $16.5 billion. The Switch 2's success is attributed to its innovative features and the popularity of exclusive titles like Mario Kart World, priced at $80. Despite criticism over its higher price point, the console has reinvigorated Nintendo's dominance in the handheld market, with no direct competitors currently challenging its position.

The Nintendo Switch 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the popular Switch console, launched worldwide on Thursday, June 5, 2025, amid massive fanfare and long queues. Priced at $449, the console features significant upgrades, including a larger 7.9-inch display, detachable Joy-Con controllers with mouse-like functionality, and enhanced social features like Game Chat, allowing up to 12 players to communicate simultaneously. The console also supports 4K resolution when docked and offers eight times the storage of its predecessor.

Fans across the globe, including in New York, San Francisco, Tokyo, and Chicago, camped out for days or even weeks to secure the console. In New York, Christopher Evangelista camped for two months outside Nintendo New York to be the first in line. Meanwhile, in San Francisco, Jessica Adam and her husband, Daniel Adam, a software engineer, waited in line outside a Best Buy, hoping to snag one of the limited units available for walk-in customers.

The launch event in New York featured a midnight release, where influencers like Jacey Adler praised the new design and social features. However, some attendees, such as Simone De Rochefort from Polygon, expressed mixed feelings about the sensitivity of the Joy-Con mouse mode.

The highlight of the launch was the exclusive game *Mario Kart World*, priced at $80, which offers a vast explorable world alongside traditional Grand Prix races. *Saturday Night Live* cast member Bowen Yang, despite a racing defeat, remained enthusiastic about the game.

Despite the high demand, the console's price and supply chain issues, including tariff rumors and sold-out preorders, left some gamers hesitant. The Switch 2's success follows the original Switch's 150 million global sales, cementing Nintendo's dominance in the handheld market.