The Nintendo Switch 2 has been out for three weeks and already enjoyed some unprecedented wins. After 3.5 million units were sold globally in its first four days, despite what has been perceived as quite a high $700 asking price, it can comfortably claim to be the fastest-selling game console ever.

Part of that could be attributed to Nintendo’s preparation of adequate stock for launch, whereas many previous systems have sold out before demand could be satisfied. But it’s also partly due to gaming’s ever-growing popularity, along with the massive success of the original Switch.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is off to a strong start, following the original Switch which has sold more than 150 million units.Credit: Bloomberg

Ron Curry, chief executive of peak body the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association (IGEA), said Nintendo was a deeply ingrained entertainment brand for Australians. People who grew up playing the company’s first handheld Game Boy could easily be in their forties or older today, and those people tended to pass the hobby down to their kids.

“Their media diet as they grew up included games. That was the way they connected with each other and enjoyed their downtime. So it’s not surprising that they continue to do that,” he said, adding that price was not likely to be an inhibitor, even as major games inflated to cost more than $100.

“If you look at the longevity that $100 buys, it’s quite different to going to a movie, or some of the streaming services we have. On a dollar per hour basis, it’s really good value.”

Curry said IGEA research indicated that 81 per cent of Australians played games, with 79 per cent of those being aged 18 or older. The gender split was close to even, the average age of a game player was 35, and 91 per cent of parents who play games said they play with their kids to connect as a family.

Customers pile into a Bic Camera in Tokyo to buy a Switch 2 earlier this month.Credit: Bloomberg

But who are the people buying this new and unproven system right at launch, and what do they think of it?

Software engineer Kate Appleby, 28, said she and her partner both upgraded right away. A new game in one of her favourite series, Rune Factory, was a key deciding factor. But she also felt the original Switch was struggling to keep up performance-wise.

“Rune Factory 5 ran absolutely horribly on the Switch 1. I didn’t finish it because it was so bad. And I’m finding it runs fine on the Switch 2,” she said.

“I’ve recently finished Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom,........

© The Sydney Morning Herald