Nintendo Switch 2 Launches Globally — But India Gets Left Behind Again

Nintendo’s long-awaited Switch 2 console officially launched worldwide today, bringing powerful upgrades and new games to fans, except in India. Priced at $449, the Nintendo Switch 2 is the Japanese gaming giant’s first hardware release in eight years and the highly anticipated follow-up to the original Switch, which sold over 150 million units globally.

The new console features a 7.9-inch 1080p LCD screen, 256GB of storage, upgraded Joy-Con controllers, and a custom Nvidia Tegra T239 processor that delivers enhanced graphics and improved performance. Nintendo also introduced Game Chat, enabling video communication through an external camera.

But for Indian fans hoping to get their hands on the hybrid console, there’s bad news.

No Official India Launch Yet

Despite global enthusiasm, the Nintendo Switch 2 has not been officially released in India as of June 5. Nintendo continues to operate without a formal distribution network in the country — a strategy consistent with its historical reluctance to officially launch hardware or games in India.

That means no official listings, no warranty, and no customer support for Indian consumers.

“Nintendo’s absence from the Indian gaming market is nothing new,” said tech analyst Rohan Tiwari. “It’s unfortunate, especially when demand for handheld and hybrid gaming is surging across South Asia.”

Third-Party Imports: Your Only Option

While the Switch 2 may eventually find its way to Indian shores through grey market sellers and parallel imports, buyers should expect a premium markup and potential issues with region-locked content and service compatibility.

Gamers who still want to buy the console can check global marketplaces and ship internationally, but that also means no official repair services and no access to India-specific pricing or deals.

Demand Breaks Records

Globally, demand for the Switch 2 has been explosive. Nintendo reported 2.2 million pre-orders in Japan alone, with US retailers selling out within hours of launch. The initial lineup includes Mario Kart World Tour, Cyberpunk 2077, and Street Fighter 6, helping boost demand.

Analysts expect Nintendo to sell between 15–20 million units in FY2025.

Despite a price jump from the original Switch’s $299 launch tag, the hybrid console’s mix of nostalgia, portability, and modern features appears to be a winning formula.

Nintendo’s Bigger Game Plan

Nintendo’s strategic focus is shifting beyond consoles, with new ventures into movies, theme parks, and subscription gaming. With production moved from China to Southeast Asia amid trade tensions and tariff concerns, supply chain reliability remains a question.

Until then, Indian gamers are left watching the global hype from the sidelines — again.