It is still almost impossible to buy a Nintendo Switch 2 at a regular price in the USA. The console had millions of pre-orders, and Nintendo managed to sell over 3 million consoles within the first 24 hours of its launch. However, demand is not yet met, as the console sells out immediately after restocks. Or at least this is the case here in the USA. When stock appears in any of Nintendo’s retail partners, such as Target or Best Buy, the restock quantities are limited, and the consoles get sold out within minutes. It appears that this is the new standard for console launches, as Nintendo’s launch brings painful reminders of another long-awaited console launch – the Sony PS5 in 2020.

Key takeaways

  • The Nintendo Switch 2 remains widely unavailable, but stock appears sporadically at various retailers.
  • The latest updates to the Nintendo console product feature more powerful hardware, a larger screen, and numerous new features.
  • The hottest game titles for the new console are Mario Kart World and the Donkey Kong Bananza.
  • No active viruses are targeting the Nintendo Switch 2, and the console is relatively safe; however, parental control is strongly advisable.

Why is Nintendo Switch 2 so hard to buy?

Undoubtedly, one of the hottest topics in consumer tech lately has been the launch of the new version of Nintendo Switch. Even though Nintendo had its most profitable console debut ever with the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 and sold millions of consoles through pre-orders, the console is still not widely available in stores in the USA.

Gaming enthusiasts who wish to experience the newest Nintendo game titles must either constantly monitor retail stock quantities and drive to the store in hopes of being there on time before it sells out, or buy the console from scalpers on the second-hand market, such as eBay. Even though stores have strict rules, such as limiting Nintendo Switch 2 purchases to one console per person, availability remains a problem.

Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo has managed to sell over 5 million units since the launch last month, which means that gamers are finding reasons to upgrade. There are numerous differences between the new and older versions, primarily consisting of a larger screen, more powerful hardware capable of 4K output, and access to exclusive games.

Which games are exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2?

New titles, such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, are exclusively available to Switch 2 gamers. Both games cannot be played on the original Nintendo Switch, as they require the new, improved hardware only found in the new console. The same goes for other highly anticipated gaming titles that have not been launched yet, such as Kirby Air Riders and Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

Are there viruses for Nintendo Switch 2?

There are no credible threats to the new Switch 2 users. Hackers are more focused on developing malicious code that targets products that run on Android, Windows, and iOS, leaving Nintendo’s OS some breathing room. However, the new console can be addictive, especially for younger children, and it is connected to the internet, meaning that usage of parental controls is strongly advised. There are new features, such as GameChat, which allows players to communicate via voice and video chat, which might be of interest to predators.

Even though the Nintendo Switch 2 was launched last month, stock shortages are likely to continue plaguing the product, as demand appears to be higher than supply. Scalpers are also aware of the stock shortages and actively try to take advantage of the situation by buying consoles at MSRP and then selling them on platforms such as eBay at a higher price. The new product comes packed with new features and new games to explore, making it an attractive option for gaming enthusiasts.  Although it does not have a browser, the Nintendo Switch 2 can still connect to the internet and features new capabilities that enable communication between players, making parental supervision strongly recommended.