YouTuber Spends 61 Days in Line to Snag First Nintendo Switch 2

Launch day hype turns into a legacy moment for devoted Nintendo fan ChickenDog.

While most gamers waited online for the Nintendo Switch 2 to drop, one man made it his mission to be first in line—literally.

Chris Evangelista, better known as ChickenDog on YouTube, camped out for a jaw-dropping 61 days outside the Nintendo New York store at Rockefeller Center. His goal? To be the very first person in the world to buy Nintendo’s latest and most expensive console yet.

“I’ve been going to these events for years,” he told Fox News Digital the night before launch. “It’s not even just about the console – it’s about the community. I want to make an impact and build my own legacy.”

And what a legacy it is. Since early April, ChickenDog held his spot in line with the help of friends who occasionally stepped in, along with a nearby Airbnb and hotel stays to catch some rest. His effort paid off when the Switch 2 officially launched on June 5.

A Global Gathering

But ChickenDog wasn’t alone. As launch day approached, the sidewalk outside Nintendo’s flagship store transformed into a global celebration of fandom.

“Just seeing everyone out here—fans from Chile, Germany, Canada… it’s wild how many people love Nintendo all over the world,” he said. “It’s cool to see everyone come together for a company we all love. And to have their support as I got the first console—it means everything.”

Nintendo Switch 2: What to Know

The Nintendo Switch 2 hit shelves June 5 with a base price of $499, or $549 if bundled with the new Mario Kart World—making it the priciest Nintendo console yet. For comparison, the original Switch launched in 2017 at just $299.

Pre-orders opened back on April 24, following delays as Nintendo evaluated potential tariff impacts under trade policies introduced during the Trump administration. The company has also warned that accessories for the Switch 2 will see “price adjustments” due to “changes in market conditions.”

The Hype Is Real

Despite the high price tag and delays, excitement for the Switch 2 hasn’t lost steam—thanks in part to superfans like ChickenDog, whose dedication turned heads online.

“The most exciting part is this last day,” he said on launch eve. “Being out here with my friends—the OGs in the community, the new fans who got inspired, the veterans—this is what it’s all about.”

For ChickenDog, the wait wasn’t just for a console. It was a moment to rally a community, meet people from around the globe, and cement his place in Nintendo fan history.