The gaming world is buzzing with excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2’s grand launch on June 5, 2025! After an eight-year wait, this successor to the original Switch is set to take gaming to new heights with a 7.9-inch 1080p display, magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers, and 256GB of storage. Starting at $450, the Mario Kart World bundle is also available for $500. But amid all the excitement, a firmware update released for the original Switch has gamers worried—how did Nintendo handle this crisis?
Firmware version 20.0.0, released on April 29, was intended to prepare the original Switch ahead of the Switch 2's launch. The star of the update was a system transfer feature that allowed for data transfers from Switch to Switch 2. This transfer is made possible via local communication or via Nintendo's dedicated servers. However, some gamers who installed the update experienced their consoles crashing and displaying the frustrating message "Error Code 2206-1015." Gamers took to social media to share their frustration, with some even complaining, "My Switch is just a box now!"
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Nintendo has dealt with the issue heroically! With complaints about Error Code 2206-1015 spreading, the company has issued an official statement stating that it is investigating the issue. "We are working on a solution to this issue. We apologize for the inconvenience, but please be patient," Nintendo assured. While these words may have eased gamers' concerns, the wait felt a little long for those who were unable to play their favorite games.
Nintendo kept its promise—it released firmware version 20.0.1 on May 2! Gamers happily reported that the update completely fixed the crashing issues. "Nintendo is back!" one user posted on X. The update also brought exciting new features like virtual game cards and GameShare features, which further improved the Switch 2's backward compatibility. This quick response helped Nintendo regain the trust of gamers.
Another exciting part of the update is the ability to transfer digital games and data from the original Switch to the Switch 2. The innovative concept of virtual game cards allows you to "load" and "eject" digital games, making it easy to transfer games between two Switch consoles or "loan" them to friends in a Nintendo Account family group. However, news that the original Switch will be factory reset after the transfer process has some gamers worried. "Will I lose my saves?" is the question trending on X!
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The Switch 2 pre-order rush is also adding to the excitement. Pre-orders began in the US and Canada on April 24, and Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and GameStop sold out within minutes! Those trying to buy from Nintendo's My Nintendo Store were warned that delivery on June 5 could not be guaranteed. In Japan, Nintendo president Shuntarō Furukawa said that 2.2 million people rushed to pre-order, adding that "it exceeded our expectations!" The demand underscores the Switch 2's popularity.
The Switch 2's backward compatibility is a big relief for gamers. Most of the original Switch games—both physical and digital—can be played on the Switch 2. However, in a compatibility chart released on April 2, Nintendo indicated that more than 180 games may experience "start-up" or "compatibility" issues. While gamers worried, "What will happen to our favourite games?" Nintendo assured them that most of the issues would be fixed before launch.
Despite these challenges, Nintendo's commitment to quality shines through. Their quick response to firmware issues and their effort to provide clear answers to gamers' concerns show the company's sincerity. As the launch of the Switch 2 approaches, gamers are eagerly awaiting new features, improved graphics, and unforgettable gaming moments.