While the original Switch is hailed as one of Nintendo’s most successful consoles, its marketing faced significant challenges. Within a year of the Switch’s introduction, an emulator was released that paved the way for widespread piracy. This development undermined Nintendo’s control over its product launches, resulting in major titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom leaking weeks in advance. Despite Nintendo’s prompt efforts to address these leaks, they were unable to fully prevent them.
However, this time around, Nintendo appears better prepared for the launch of the Switch 2.
Retailers worldwide are now stocking the Switch 2 in anticipation of its June 5th release. Photos of backrooms filled with Switch 2 boxes are circulating online, and at least one store has prominently displayed its stock for customers to see.
As expected, this has resulted in the new console reaching the hands of some consumers. In late May, footage of an unboxing began to appear online. Although numerous screenshots have surfaced from this leak, Nintendo quickly took action to remove video uploads, employing the services of Web Capio, a firm specializing in anti-piracy measures.
The source of the leak claimed that the console is unplayable until the June 5 launch day, as it requires an update to access its features. Some members of the press have also been informed that they won’t receive their units due to Nintendo preparing a day-one patch, marking the first time a Nintendo console needs an internet connection for initial setup. According to research from Pew Research Center, 79% of households have broadband internet, leaving a significant number of potential customers unable to use their Switch 2 immediately. While this issue may be short-lived, as future units could come with the update pre-installed, consumers will have to factor in the day-one patch for the launch period. Nintendo has not yet commented on this situation.
With just a week remaining until the launch, there’s still a chance for more individuals to obtain a Switch 2. Pictures emerging from Russia depict the expected packaging for the console. As of now, videos showcasing the basic menus of the Switch 2 are also available:
While the Switch 2 leaks have generated quite a bit of conversation, it’s important to note that glimpsing a few menus is far less thrilling than seeing unreleased games. If games were to leak, the impact might be limited; many titles slated for launch are either already available or lack strong narratives. Having early knowledge of playable characters in Mario Kart World isn’t as significant as learning about the ultimate antagonist in a highly anticipated sequel to a landmark game.
Unlike the challenges faced during the Switch 1 era, it appears that Nintendo is currently managing its launch strategy for the Switch 2 effectively.
