The theme for our June store tour was, as teased months in advance, inevitably the 'Nintendo Switch 2'. It is the first console Nintendo has launched in about a decade, and it finally offers backward compatibility. With the new hardware causing sales of older titles to plummet for months, one did not need to look twice to see how closely gamers were watching this space.

Sure, some argued that since the hardware was limited to raffle-based sales in select stores, the actual foot traffic would be minimal. Yet, in practice, the store’s atmosphere was transformed. Those who lost the raffle turned up to ask when general retail sales would begin, and newcomers entering the Nintendo ecosystem via the Switch 2 started showing keen interest in the console's back catalog.

The Nintendo camp saw a significant boost in visitors thanks to the new hardware. Even with the reservation-only sales model, many came seeking to purchase the console to experience games with improved performance. Furthermore, the store was busy with customers hunting for pre-owned titles and inquiring about when the Switch 2 would transition to standard retail availability.

The surprise standout in this store tour was the steady performance of 'Mario Kart 8 Deluxe'. The fact that many opted against the bundle—which is cheaper but prevents the resale of the physical game—is quite telling. A clear divide in preferences also emerged; new users leaned toward Animal Crossing, the Kirby series, or lighthearted party games. Veterans, however, were eager to push the Switch 2 to its limits, picking up The Legend of Zelda series or the aforementioned Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition.

In particular, 'Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition' was a runaway success among third-party titles. Its popularity stems from the lack of a 'key card' requirement, its handheld portability, and the developer-supported cross-save feature. Combined with the game's inherent quality, it secured a spot in the weekly top 10 at the Daewon Shop in Yongsan I'Park Mall. It is a phenomenon not unlike the surprising success of the Switch version of Hogwarts Legacy last year.

Backward compatibility also fueled a hot market for pre-owned Nintendo Switch games. Demand was highest for the Pokemon series, led by Pokemon Legends: Arceus, followed closely by the Kirby and Mario franchises. Beyond the games themselves, stores saw a natural uptick in sales for merchandise and accessories as foot traffic swelled.

While the Sony camp might have seemed lower in priority, Death Stranding 2 was the clear standout. As a PS5 exclusive, the title drew in a surprising number of players due to its improved quality-of-life features, character-driven narrative, and the word on the street that it is more accessible than previous works by the director, Kojima. Some users even raved about the photorealistic graphics achieved when running it on a PS5 Pro.

Among existing titles, interest in Lies of P has surged. This followed the surprise announcement of Lies of P: Prelude at the Summer Game Fest on the 12th. When the base game first launched, physical copies were scarce due to the niche nature of the Soulslike genre, and the developer applied steep discounts so quickly after release that it cleared out inventory. As a result, two years on, both new and used copies are virtually non-existent, leaving very few players with a physical copy in their collection.

Quite unexpectedly, we also noted a slight uptick in users purchasing Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. Despite combining the polarizing genres of Soulslike and Roguelike, store officials noted that consistent updates and the refinement of guides have made the gameplay smoother. With a lack of other major new releases, gamers who were previously on the fence have finally started buying in.

As mentioned during our May store tour, demand for the Switch 2 from foreign gamers remains steady. North American visitors were particularly active, and despite the stabilization of exchange rates, many from other Asian countries—outside of China and Japan—visited due to the relatively lower pricing in the region. Chinese buyers, in particular, were active, showing high interest in essentials like the Nintendo alarm clock 'Alarmo', as well as the Switch 2 Pro Controller and carrying cases.

However, store officials noted that since local users are well aware of the reservation system, they continue to participate in the raffles. Beyond the occasional question about when general sales will begin, it is difficult to gauge the true pulse of the domestic market. A clearer picture of what local gamers are truly focused on will likely emerge only after the console transitions to standard retail availability.