Nintendo Switch 2 is officially in public hands, but early users have allegedly discovered they’re unable to play the console before launch.
On Tuesday, a YouTube user posted a short video of them opening a retailNintendo Switch 2unit, which, based on the retailer packaging, was likely obtained early in the United Arab Emirates.
According to the user, they are unable to actually play theSwitch2 console, however, because it requires an update to function before the official June 5 release date.
A second person who has allegedly been able to obtain Switch 2 early is said to have sent proof to the news and deal aggregatorWario64.
“I have no permission to post pics, but can share that when they try to boot a Switch 1 game, a message prompts ‘Please connect to the internet and update your system’,” they wrote.
A Switch 2 unit is already out in the wild.It’s apparently locked behind a Day 1 patch and can’t be used.https://t.co/IYxxHL8sq0pic.twitter.com/fZLOy43Jw9
According to Wario64’s source, Switch 2 games cannot be booted without the mandatory update. If true, it means Switch 2 owners will need to connect their consoles to the internet before they can be used. However, it’s also possible that physical games include the system update.
With fewer than ten days until Switch 2’s global launch day, some social media users have already postedimages of Switch 2 units arriving at storesin the US. However, today is the first indication that units have made their way into public hands.
Nintendo Switch 2 is due to launch on Thursday, June 5, alongside first-party titlesMario Kart World, Switch 2 Welcome Tour, and Switch 2 Editions of current-gen games such asThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
Third-party launch games includeSplit Fiction,Cyberpunk 2077,Civilization VII,Hogwarts Legacy,Street Fighter 6,Yakuza0 Director’s Cut, Sonic X Shadows Generations, and more.
Donkey Kong: Bananza is due for release in July, with Drag X Drive also expected this Summer. Nintendo Switch 2 versions ofPokémonLegends Z-A andMetroid Prime 4: Beyondare also due this year, with no confirmed release dates.
