A handful of Nintendo Switch 2 units have made it out into the wild ahead of launch, but those with the new hardware are allegedly unable to use it due to a mandatory day one update.
Nintendo’s follow-up to the mega-popular Switch is set to hit store shelves on June 5, 2025. At least, that’s the official street date for when fans around the globe can collect their new shiny purchase.
For some, Christmas has come early, but it’s not all good news. With millions of units distributed around the globe, it’s not too uncommon for a physical game or machine to spill out early for a select few lucky individuals. That’s exactly what’s happened here more than a week out from the Switch 2’s release date.
A small number of fans have gotten their hands on Nintendo’s new device, revealing as much in unboxing videos on social media. However, they’re allegedly unable to even so much as play a game on the system due to a forthcoming day one patch.
Early Nintendo Switch 2’s are effectively useless
Reports began to circulate early on May 27, as one YouTube account reportedly emanating from the United Arab Emirates showed an unboxing of the Switch 2. This video has, of course, been delisted for obvious reasons.
In a comment on their own video, the user said the following: “Nintendo locked the Switch 2. It needs [an] update to function, so I am waiting for June 5 to unlock it.”
Another alleged early owner echoed that sentiment. “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.’”
If the claims are to be believed, it means the Switch 2 is effectively useless until the day one update is deployed on June 5. Until then, games can’t be played on the new hardware.
So if you were worried about Mario Kart World spoilers, or any other game-changing revelations spilling out early, fear not. It appears Nintendo has taken every measure to ensure fans around the world are all accessing the Switch 2 at the same time in early June.
