The much anticipated Switch 2, being released around the world Thursday, is an upgrade to its eight-year-old predecessor with new social features meant to draw players into online gaming. Nintendo is counting on the Switch 2 to boost sagging sales.

Nintendo Co. fans from Tokyo to Manhattan stood in line for hours to be among the first to get a Switch 2, fueling one of the biggest global gadget debuts since the iPhone launches of yesteryear.

Excitement built in Tokyo as customers lined up before dawn on Thursday to collect their pre-ordered Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. The long-awaited successor to the original hybrid gaming system is now officially available around the world.