Fans Test Nintendo Switch 2 Ahead of Launch at Makuhari Messe

Introduction

On April 26, 2025, Nintendo held a special preview event at Makuhari Messe near Tokyo, inviting fans to test the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 ahead of its global launch.

Event Highlights

• Hands-On Demo: Attendees experienced new exclusive titles such as Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza on the console’s updated hardware.
• Record Interest: Over 2.2 million lottery applications were submitted in Japan for the limited event tickets, far exceeding the available slots.

Tariff Concerns

Many attendees and industry observers noted worries over potential price increases due to recent U.S. tariffs on electronics imported from China.

Pre-Launch Demand

• Pricing: The Switch 2 is set to retail at 49,980 yen (≈ $350) in Japan and $449.99 in the U.S. after initial preorder adjustments.
• Global Rollout: Nintendo plans similar hands-on events in New York, Berlin, and Hong Kong ahead of the console’s June 5 release.

What’s Next

Consumers eager to secure the console should monitor Nintendo’s official channels for preorder invitations and lottery details, as initial allocations have quickly sold out.

Conclusion

The Makuhari Messe preview underscored the overwhelming excitement and high demand for Nintendo Switch 2. Despite economic headwinds from global tariffs, Nintendo’s staggered event strategy has successfully built momentum for its June launch.

Resources

• Original Reuters report: “Japan’s Nintendo fans test Switch 2 ahead of launch amid tariff worries”
• Nintendo Official Announcement: Nintendo Maintains Nintendo Switch 2 Pricing, Retail Pre-Orders to Begin April 24 in U.S.