Nintendo Switch 2, featuring custom Nvidia chip, launches today with fever-pitch demand

Nintendo’s (OTCPK:NTDOY)(OTCPK:NTDOF) highly anticipated Switch 2 launched today, with major retailers quickly selling out of the gaming console, which is powered by a custom chip from Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA).

“If the Switch 2 matches or exceeds the success of the original—which sold over 150 million units—suppliers like NVIDIA, which provides the custom Tegra 239 chip, could see a boost in their embedded systems business, even though it remains a much smaller revenue segment compared to data centers or gaming GPUs,” said Seeking Alpha analyst Bernard Zambonin.

The Switch 2 also features UFS storage provided by SK hynix (OTCPK:HXSCF) and a Wi-fi/Bluetooth receiver from MediaTek (OTCPK:MDTK.F).

Nvidia said the new console enables up to 4K gaming in TV mode and up to 120 FPS at 1080p in handheld mode. The device also supports high dynamic range, or HDR, and AI upscaling to sharpen visuals and smooth gameplay. It features 10 times the graphics performance of the first Switch.

“Nvidia content appears to be most abundant in the Nintendo Switch 2,” said Seeking Alpha analyst Michael Del Monte. “Comparing the specs between the Nintendo Switch OLED and Switch 2, I have reason to believe the console may not have as big of a splash in the market as one may think, particularly when comparing display quality. Though Nvidia may be providing more content in the new device, the Switch 2 release shouldn’t be expected to be a needle-mover for Nvidia given the muted impact when compared to its Data Center market.”

Nintendo said it expects to sell 15M units during the fiscal year that ends in March 2026, but analysts believe that’s a conservative estimate.

“Despite tariff challenges, Nintendo’s strategic pricing and accessory adjustments should mitigate impacts, and I expect 17M units to be sold by March 2026,” writes Seeking Alpha analyst Compounding Chef.

The original Switch ranks as the third best-selling gaming console of all time, ranking behind Sony’s (SONY) PlayStation 2 and the Nintendo DS.

CNET’s Switch 2 Stock Tracker shows the console is already sold out at Walmart (WMT) and GameStop (GME). It is available in-store or in select stores only at Best Buy (BBY), Target (TGT) and Staples.