Switch 2 Chaos: Nintendo Can’t Keep Up with Insane Demand in Japan

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Summary

  • Nintendo is struggling to meet Switch 2 demand in Japan due to overwhelming pre-order lottery sign-ups.
  • The My Nintendo Store set up a “lottery sale” for Switch 2 pre-orders to thwart scalpers.
  • Furukawa announced a second lottery for anyone who misses out on the initial Switch 2 pre-orders.

In Japan, Nintendo is finding it challenging to keep up with customer demand for the upcoming “Switch 2”. Excitement for Nintendo’s next major console is growing, as gamers anxiously look forward to the June 5 launch date. Several stores are only recently offering pre-orders, and in America and Canada, these pre-orders were initially delayed due to tariffs enforced by the Trump administration this month. However, Nintendo has since confirmed that pre-orders will start on April 24 in those regions.

As a dedicated gamer, I was thrilled when Nintendo began accepting pre-orders for the Switch 2 in Japan on April 2nd, right after they unveiled its price and launch date during a special Nintendo Direct event. However, instead of traditional sales, these pre-orders are being handled through a lottery system on the My Nintendo Store. The lucky winners? Those who have logged more than 50 hours on the original Switch and are also members of Nintendo Switch Online. This strategy aims to combat scalpers from snatching up all the Switch 2 units, but even with this approach, it seems that Nintendo is still grappling with supply issues for their latest console.

This past week, I was among the throngs eagerly awaiting the news from Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa about the pre-order lottery for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 in Japan. To my excitement, it turned out that a staggering 2.2 million people flocked to the My Nintendo Store, surpassing Nintendo’s expectations and exceeding the number of Switch 2 consoles that can be distributed from the website on June 5. Unfortunately, due to this overwhelming demand, it appears that a substantial number of us won’t receive the chance to pre-order a Switch 2 when the lottery results are revealed on April 24.

Nintendo is Struggling with Switch 2 Demand in Japan

As a gamer eagerly anticipating the Switch 2, I can’t help but feel a tinge of disappointment when Furukawa shares the news that registration doesn’t guarantee a pre-order on launch day. However, he does offer a glimmer of hope: anyone who registered and missed out will be entered into another lottery. Still, it’s important to keep our fingers crossed because even this second chance isn’t a certainty.

Furukawa acknowledges the inconvenience caused by the unexpected Switch 2 shortage and expresses his sincere apologies. But he also promises that Nintendo is working tirelessly to increase production, ensuring that the demand from consumers like us will eventually be met. Here’s to hoping we can get our hands on a console soon!

In essence, the news about Switch 2 being exclusive to Japan initially might hint at potential supply and demand challenges Nintendo could face in regions such as North America once global pre-orders for Switch 2 become available. The My Nintendo Store in the U.S. is set to send out invitations for pre-ordering Switch 2 on May 8, while third-party retailers like Walmart and Best Buy will start taking pre-orders at midnight Eastern time on April 24.

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2025-04-23 18:47