Nintendo’s first console, the Switch, became one of the company’s most successful systems, but the portable console faced significant marketing challenges.
A year after its release, the console saw the emergence of its first emulator, unleashing a wave of piracy that complicated Nintendo’s product messaging from launch onward.
Well-known titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom experienced leaks weeks in advance, and even though Nintendo took swift action to manage these breaches, they could not completely prevent information from leaking.
As the launch of the Switch 2 approaches, scheduled for June 5th, Nintendo seems better prepared this time around.
Across the globe, retailers are receiving Switch 2 stock, and images from backrooms showcasing these boxes have proliferated online.
In an unusual step, at least one retailer has displayed its Switch 2 stock in public view, allowing regular customers to catch a glimpse of what’s to come.
This situation has inevitably led to some units finding their way into the hands of everyday consumers.
In late May, a notable unboxing video emerged on the internet, prompting a swift response from Nintendo, which enlisted Web Capio, a company specialized in anti-piracy, to put an end to video uploads of the incident.
The individual who shared the unboxing video claims their Switch 2 is non-functional until launch day, indicating it requires a software update before it can be used.
Moreover, several media outlets have been informed that they will not receive a unit because Nintendo is preparing a day-one patch.
This marks a significant shift as the Switch 2 is the first Nintendo console that appears to need an internet connection for initial setup.
According to the Pew Research Center, 79% of households have broadband internet, suggesting that millions might find themselves unable to play their new console straight out of the box.
This issue may be temporary, as future units may come with the update pre-installed.
However, for the initial launch period, this requirement is something potential buyers must consider.
Nintendo has yet to provide a comment regarding this situation.
With just a week remaining before the official release, opportunities for other users to acquire a Switch 2 continue to arise.
Recent images purportedly from Russia have surfaced, providing a glimpse of the packaging customers can expect.
Additionally, there are videos showcasing basic menu layouts on the Switch 2, hinting at what users might experience upon unboxing.
Despite the excitement surrounding the device’s leaks, the actual content unveiled so far lacks significant substance, consisting mainly of menu screens without any playable games.
Should any game leaks occur in the days leading up to the launch, their impact is likely to be minimal.
Most titles set for release either already exist in some format or are less narrative-driven.
For example, gaining advanced knowledge of characters for a new Mario Kart release pales in comparison to unveiling the final boss of a highly anticipated sequel to a landmark game.
In contrast to the leakage challenges faced during the original Switch’s lifetime, it seems that, for now, Nintendo has a firmer grip on its launch strategy for the Switch 2.
image source from：https://www.polygon.com/nintendo/601984/switch-2-leaks-takedowns-antipiracy
