Nintendo Switch 2 Breaks UK Records as Nintendo’s Biggest Console Launch Ever

Five days after its worldwide launch on June 5, 2025, the Nintendo Switch 2 has made history in the UK as Nintendo’s biggest console launch ever. UK retailer Currys reported it as their “biggest gaming pre-order ever,” with 30,000 units sold at midnight alone. Driven by Mario Kart World and a strong lineup of third-party games, the Switch 2 has seen unprecedented demand. However, high prices for the console and games, along with supply challenges, have sparked debate about whether it can sustain this momentum and match the original Switch’s 150 million units sold.

A Blockbuster Launch

The Nintendo Switch 2, priced at £395.99 or £429.99 for a bundle including Mario Kart World, sold out across major UK retailers like Argos, Amazon, Currys, and Smyths Toys within minutes of pre-orders opening in April 2025. Social media posts on X described an “absolute scramble” to secure units, with some fans frustrated by canceled pre-orders at GAME and stock shortages. In France, the console reportedly sold over 200,000 units in its opening weekend, and UK sales are believed to have surpassed this, driven by midnight store openings and fervent fan excitement.

The original Nintendo Switch, launched in 2017, sold 2.74 million units in its first month and over 150 million worldwide by December 2024, making it the third-best-selling console ever. The Switch 2’s UK launch has outpaced its predecessor’s debut, with Currys alone reporting record-breaking pre-orders. Nintendo’s hybrid console design—playable in handheld, tabletop, or docked modes with a 7.9-inch 1080p LCD screen and 4K TV output—has resonated with fans. New features like GameChat, a Discord-like voice and video chat system, and GameShare, for sharing select game modes, have added to the appeal.

Mario Kart World and Third-Party Power

The launch’s centerpiece, Mario Kart World, has topped UK sales charts as expected. Priced at £74.99 for physical copies—£15 more than typical Switch titles—it introduces new tracks, characters, and a knock-out competition mode. Fans like Tushar Sandarka, president of the University of York’s Mario Kart Society, called it a “big deal” for the community, despite its cost. Other launch titles include first-party hits like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Switch 2 Edition, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and Super Mario Party Jamboree, alongside third-party games like Cyberpunk 2077, Hades II, Civilization VII, and Sonic X Shadow Generations.

Unlike the original Switch, which struggled with third-party support due to underpowered hardware, the Switch 2’s custom NVIDIA Tegra chipset offers a significant performance boost. CD Projekt Red, developers of Cyberpunk 2077, praised Nintendo as an “awesome partner,” noting that porting the game was “not a gigantic effort.” The console’s ability to run major titles like Elden Ring, Street Fighter 6, and Star Wars Outlaws has impressed observers, shifting from the Switch’s reliance on first-party and indie games. Over 50% of original Switch sales came from third-party titles like Hogwarts Legacy and Minecraft, and analysts expect this trend to grow with Switch 2’s capabilities.

Pricing Concerns and Market Challenges

Despite the launch’s success, high prices have raised concerns. The Switch 2’s £395.99 base price is a steep increase from the original’s £259.99, and Mario Kart World’s £74.99 price has sparked debate about whether £75 will become standard for premium games. Analysts like Piers Harding-Rolls from Ampere argue that pricing won’t deter early adopters, especially with bundle deals. However, some fans, like one who told the BBC it could cost “a day’s pay,” are hesitant, and X posts reflect mixed feelings about affordability.

Supply issues have also emerged. Retailers struggled to meet demand, with Amazon UK and Nintendo’s store selling out quickly. In the US, pre-orders were briefly paused due to proposed tariffs, adding uncertainty. While Nintendo pledged to produce enough units to avoid scalping—a problem with the original Switch—stock shortages persisted into the launch weekend. Analyst Mat Piscatella from Circana believes pricing won’t be a “massive challenge” initially, but long-term success depends on sustained stock and compelling games.

A New Strategy for Nintendo

The Switch 2 breaks from Nintendo’s tradition of unique console names, opting for a “straight sequel” to leverage the original’s brand. GamesRadar+’s Sam Loveridge noted this makes it “a clear proposition for consumers,” building on the hybrid design. Nintendo’s Takuhiro Dohta said developers are still learning the hardware’s capabilities, suggesting graphics and gameplay will improve as third-party studios optimize titles. This contrasts with the original Switch, where developers faced hardware limitations.

The console introduces features like Joy-Con 2’s mouse-like functionality for strategy games and a dock supporting 4K resolution, HDR, and 120Hz refresh rates. GameCube titles in the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack appeal to nostalgic fans. However, Nintendo’s decision not to provide review units before launch surprised some third-party publishers, meaning critical validation for titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Civilization VII will come post-release, potentially impacting visibility.

Can Switch 2 Match Its Predecessor?

The Switch 2’s record-breaking UK launch, driven by strong pre-orders and a diverse game lineup, positions it as a formidable successor. Analysts suggest it could be Nintendo’s biggest console launch ever, with X posts indicating it has broken sales records in France and likely the UK. However, long-term success depends on addressing pricing concerns, maintaining stock, and leveraging third-party support. With Mario Kart World leading and titles like Metroid Prime 4 and Pokémon Legends: Z-A on the horizon, the Switch 2 has a strong foundation.

For now, the Switch 2’s UK triumph shows Nintendo’s ability to captivate its audience, but high prices and supply constraints could test its staying power. As developers unlock the console’s potential, fans can expect a new era of gaming that builds on the original Switch’s legacy while pushing boundaries with enhanced performance and innovative features. Whether it can surpass the original’s monumental success remains to be seen, but the Switch 2 is off to an impressive start.