After a long wait filled with leaks, reveals, preorder stress, and hands-on events, the Nintendo Switch 2’s launch day has finally arrived around the world, including launch events at retailers like Walmart, GameStop, Best Buy, and Target.

In cities across the globe, crowds camped into the night, anticipating the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, eight years after the original's debut.

Nintendo Switch 2 arrives Thursday with Best Buy and GameStop holding midnight release events for pre-order pickups and limited inventory. Why it matters: The highly anticipated gaming console is expected to be in short supply globally.