Nintendo May Be Struggling to Meet Switch 2 Demand in Japan

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Summary

  • Nintendo may be struggling to meet Switch 2 supply in Japan.
  • A recent survey that attracted over 31,000 responses suggests over half of would-be Japanese buyers haven’t yet managed to secure a console.
  • Nintendo is offering two Switch 2 models in Japan, with one of them being a country-exclusive cheaper unit that only works with Japanese Nintendo Accounts and games.

It appears that there could be supply issues for the Switch 2 in Japan, as suggested by a recent survey showing more than half of prospective buyers in the region have not yet acquired the console. With the launching on June 5, Nintendo is running short on time to rectify any potential stock shortages.

On April 9th, pre-orders for The Switch 2 were made available in numerous markets worldwide, including Japan. Prior to an early April 2025 event showcasing the console’s specifications, launch games, and pre-order dates, Nintendo executives had promised ample stock to cater to the initial demand. Yet, when consumers attempted to pre-order the device, some encountered challenges securing a unit.

Highlighting the alleged issue of supply scarcity, a survey carried out by well-known Nintendo-centric Twitter account @2021nZelda questioned Japanese consumers about their pre-order experiences, as noticed by NintendoSoup. The poll garnered over 31,000 responses in just a day, with most respondents stating they faced challenges getting a console. By May 30, exactly one week before the Switch 2’s release date, only 32.7% had successfully pre-ordered. In stark contrast, 59.8% admitted they had not been able to secure a pre-order, while 7.5% opted for a neutral, non-committal response.

Switch 2 Supply in Japan Looked Even More Troubled Earlier This Month

The current trend of responses suggests progress over two weeks ago, as more people are now able to secure pre-orders compared to earlier. In mid-May 2025, a similar poll conducted by @2021nZelda reported that only 25.1% of respondents had managed a pre-order. Neither survey delved into specifics, such as which exact console model the respondents were trying to buy. It’s worth noting that Japanese consumers have the advantage of a more affordable Switch 2 model priced at around $339, in addition to the standard $449 option.

The less expensive version doesn’t support multiple languages and can only be used with a Japanese Nintendo Account. It also doesn’t promise to work with physical Switch 2 games bought outside Japan. Nintendo stated that the depreciation of the yen against the U.S. dollar is the main cause for launching two versions in Japan, claiming it aims to make the console more affordable for its local market. However, the preference of this cheaper model among Japanese consumers compared to the standard one remains uncertain at this point.

The latest fan polls hint that Nintendo’s forthcoming console could encounter supply shortages in Japan, as we’ve seen before with the Switch 2. Due to high demand and fears of reselling, Nintendo has used a lottery system for managing pre-orders in Japan. On April 24th, winners were announced; those who didn’t win were placed into a second round instead.

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2025-05-31 13:05