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.

Excited gaming fans have been queuing outside stores in Tokyo as Nintendo’s much-anticipated Switch 2 finally went on sale. Many of those waiting to collect their prized console had secured their devices through a competitive lottery system,