Nintendo’s long-awaited Switch 2 console has officially launched in Australia, sparking long queues at midnight and unprecedented retail demand across the country.

Early indicators suggest the console is on track to outsell every PC gaming handheld ever made, including the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally, by the end of the year.

Analysts at Ampere Analysis forecast Switch 2 sales to exceed 13 million globally by the end of 2025, potentially surpassing 100 million units by 2030.

In Australia, EB Games, The Gamesmen, and independent retailers like Paper House Games saw packed midnight launches in cities from Sydney to Perth, many of which hadn’t hosted such events in years.

Some locations in Victoria and NSW had more than 300 customers lining up despite chilly overnight conditions.

The Switch 2 boasts significant hardware upgrades, including a 7.9-inch HDR display, 4K support when docked, and a custom NVIDIA processor.

Priced around A$680, the device is seen as a potential “main console” for gamers previously split between PC and console play. First- and third-party titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Yakuza 9: Director’s Cut, and Mario Kart World are expected to drive further adoption.

Australian retailers are banking on strong follow-on sales from high-margin accessories and games.

The Switch 2 looks poised to dominate the handheld space and give Aussie retailers a much-needed boost in the consumer tech category.