Gamers can’t get enough of the Switch 2 — and demand for the new console has boosted Nintendo stock too.
Shares in the Japanese company hit new highs this month and have gained 39% this year, adding $39 billion to its market cap that stands at about $115 billion.
The Switch 2 was released at the start of June and has been a huge hit with gamers. Nintento said earlier this month it had sold 3.5 million consoles in the first four days — the fastest-selling system it’s ever released.
US retailers have kept running out of stock, making it hard to nab.
Walmart said it would have units available online on Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET for members of its loyalty programme, Walmart+, and an hour later for the general public.
Retailers including Amazon, Game Stop, Target and Best Buy remain out of stock, according to the website Tom’s Guide.
If you can find one, the Switch 2 costs $449.99 or $499.99 with a bundle including the Mario Kart World video game that Nintento developed for the new device.
The Switch 2 is powered by a custom Nvidia processor, intended to provide sharper quality and faster game loading.
It has a bigger screen, at 7.9 inches instead of 6.22 inches, but remains an LCD display rather than an OLED.
Isabel Infantes/Reuters
The Kyoto-headquartered firm said it expected to sell 15 million consoles by the end of March 2026, but some analysts estimate the total will be far higher.
Related stories
Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know
Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know
Since the first Switch was released in March 2017, Nintendo stock has soared about 460%.
Business Insider’s review of the Switch 2 found it “feels like a direct, no-frills upgrade to its predecessor. It looks similar, it doesn’t require new controllers, and it even plays 99% of the original Switch’s library.”
“This lack of innovation gives the Switch 2 its greatest strengths and worst flaws. On the one hand, the system carries over everything I loved about the original console, including its massive library and iconic blend of handheld and TV gaming. But on the other hand, it offers what ultimately amounts to a similar gaming experience at jacked-up prices.”
