“Smart move”: Fans react as few Nintendo Switch 2 units are reportedly made out ahead of its real launch with a mandatory day one update

According to Video Games Chronicle (VGC) on May 27, 2025, two early adopters, one in the UAE and the other via an anonymous tip to deal aggregator Wario64, were able to purchase retail Nintendo Switch 2 consoles before launch day. The Spanish news site, Los40, confirmed that a YouTuber named "a2dubai" had gotten his console early and that it didn't work at all until the update servers were up on launch day.

Fans react as few Nintendo Switch 2 units are reportedly made out ahead of its real launch with a mandatory day one update

A post was added to the X handle of Dexerto with the caption:

"Nintendo Switch 2 units have reportedly been obtained before launchUsers claim the consoles are locked until a day one update is activated"

The most highlighted comment on the post read:

"Smart move by Nintendo tbh Physical hardware is just half the product now & the software activation is where the real launch happens"

Information from these early devices shows that the Switch 2 can't use any of its important capabilities, such as basic boot-up and compatibility with earlier Switch titles, unless the system software is updated.

Another post was added to the X handle of OJ - PlayerEssence with the caption:

"Somebody appears to have a real Nintendo Switch 2 retail unit, but he can't use it because it doesn't function without the day 1 update on June 5th. This was posted on Reddit."

Some of the comments on the post read:

"Nintendo is crazy for this, and I love it" (@TripleOSmoooth on X.com)

"I hope Nintendo doesn't go after his channel, because he has an unauthorized Switch 2." (@oesr07 on X.com)

Fans and followers on X.com expressed their views regarding the update. They were excited about it and hoped to see more.

One more post was added to the X handle of Culture Crave 🍿 with the caption:

"Some fans have already received the Nintendo Switch 2 🎮 It's locked behind a Day 1 patch and can't be used until June 5"

Some of the comments on the post read:

"Sounds dystopian. Sounds wrong to be paying a company to keep games and content from you." (@LadyLaurk on X.com)

"It's absolutely criminal that a company can dictate whether or not a customer can use their own purchases." (@DJMartinez06 on X.com)

"RED FLAG!" (@ForbiddenArms on X.com)

Fans and followers had a mixed opinion about the Nintendo Switch 2. Some considered the update good, while some pointed out the flaws of the new console.

Nintendo fans are having a heated argument over the company's decision to bury its technology behind a required Day One update. Opponents say it would lead to digital lock-in and is an unnecessary limitation. Supporters say it is a logical next step in managing the lifetime of consoles that would help avoid leaks, fix quality issues, and make security stronger.

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