The Nintendo Switch 2 is out now across Australia and New Zealand, and for the first time in a long time we got midnight launches – even in Western Australia which hasn’t had a midnight launch in 20 years. There were midnight launches at EB Games stores, at The Gamesmen in New South Wales, Paper House Games had a midnight launch and party in Melbourne and it’s all gone off without a hitch we’re told.

We’ve had team members and readers across the land send us in reports from the launches, and snap some photos. Here’s how it went down.

We’ll have more photos, coverage from launches as they come in.

Paper House Games – Victoria

Report by Paul Roberts

Super keen to get into festivities, I was one of the first to arrive on a freezing Melbourne winter’s night. Thankfully it was indoors, in the snug Paper House Studio in Thornbury. Doors opened at 9:30pm for those who had bought a Switch 2, or snagged a ticket to join in on the occasion. 
Upon arrival, I was greeted by none other than Mario himself through the vessel of Terry (of Paper House games). In the studio was a cozy setup, with the lights dimmed, mood fairy lights, and some Nintendo lo-fi music completing the ambience.

There was a Wii set up with Wii Sports running through the night, with the 90s cult classic The Super Mario Brothers Movie projected on a wall. The studio held a raffle with cool lucky dip prizes. I never expected that I would be ending the night with Xbox 360 copies of Mortal Kombat 9 and 50 Cent Blood on the Sand, and Armello on the Xbox One! There were some cool Nintendo-themed snacks to accompany canned coffee, keeping me going for the night. On top of that there was neat concept art dotted around the studio for Wood & Weather, a god game where you interact with a city of wooden block people (there’s a demo for PC), which I am hopeful is making its way to the Switch/Switch 2 some day! 

It was a nice relaxed feel to the evening, so relaxing it was easy to forget that we were only hours away from the brand new Switch! Once it approached midnight the Switch pick up was straight forward – your name is called, you collect your Switch and grab a seat until everyone’s got their Switch. It’s a process I know that wouldn’t work for larger shopping centre environments, but it was a fun celebratory way to bring in the new era of the Switch 2. 

Paper House offered a different way to spend a big hardware launch. Not only did I enjoy it, it would be nice if events like this happen in future, especially if it helps shine a light on some cool indies around Australia. 

The Gamesmen – NSW

There was quite the turnout at The Gamesmen, with a massive line snaking down the street to the store. Vooks Discord member Helian who sent us these photos believes about 300 people were there – possibly one of the biggest midnight launches in the country for sure.

EB Games Canberra – ACT

Vooks team member Brad braved the minus 3 degrees to line up for his console at EB Games in the capital – about 60 to 70 people were there as well.

EB Games Bendigo – VIC

Thanks to Justin for allowing us to use his photo. They counted about 80 people in line.

EB Games Springfield – QLD

Apparently there’s a Springfield here in Australia, unfortunately it’s not that one – but it did have a midnight launch. James P sent us this photo in, another smooth launch.

EB Games Penrith – NSW

Vooks Discord member Bkz052 sent us this one, they estimated that around 100 people were in attendance. Their Fast Pass meant they were out by 12:15am as well.

And in WA, we checked out three midnight launches, but due to the time difference, we didn’t stick around until actual midnight for the consoles to go on sale. Ours are all hopefully arriving tomorrow. The staff were positive, and people had already come in, paid everything off, and were planning to return closer to midnight.

Did get this moody shot of EB Games on William Street with a small gathering in side even hours before.