Excited gamers line up for Nintendo Switch 2 in Chicago and around the world

CHICAGO (WLS) -- After hours of waiting Thursday morning, hardcore Nintendo lovers finally got their hands on the Switch 2 after it was released around the world.

Dedicated fans lined up well before the crack of dawn outside this Bucktown Target on North Elston Avenue.

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"The most exciting thing I'm looking forward to for this Switch is going home and going to bed because I've been here since 12," Angel Macias said.

Nintendo fans from all walks of life are losing sleep to avoid missing out on being some of the first to unbox the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2.

"With Playstation and Xbox there's high-demand and everyone wants to get these consoles opening day," Danny Jara said.

The Switch 2 is Nintendo's first new gaming console in eight years since the original Switch was released.

It boasts better graphics...an in-game chat feature...and a sharper...larger screen.

It's selling for $450, which ain't cheap, but for those who hold Nintendo near and dear to their hearts, the price tag is worth it.

"Nintendo is like pretty much everything I did growing up as a child. Instead of playing tag outside, we're inside playing Mario Kart and Kirby and Zelda," Damonte Tanner said.

"I think Nintendo is symbolic of childhood and nostalgia," Alyssa Altieri said. "I think that's what makes it really fun and I think they've done a really good job of improving on everything."

We met Connor DeJarnette taking a break on the ground, waiting in line for the store to open Thursday morning.

"Literally on Facetime with my friends right now," DeJarnette said. "They are in Japan which is really funny."

ABC7 caught up with Connor in the Target parking lot moments after his big purchase.

"t's like worth the reward...It's all worth it. I'll play it after work and see what happens!" he said.

If you're looking for a last minute Switch 2 at this store, there appear to be some devices left according to the Target website.

Nintendo has said it expects to sell 15 million Switch 2 consoles for the fiscal year through March 2026.

The company has promised to roll out attractive software for the Switch 2 later this year, including "The Legend of Zelda" games, a Pokemon title and a Kirby game, as well as offerings from outside software companies.

Nintendo is capitalizing on the launch with the opening of a store in San Francisco and the Super Nintendo World amusement facility in Orlando, Florida, both set for this month.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.