Nintendo's stock rose significantly on Thursday, April 24, 2025, following the announcement that the company received over 2.2 million pre-order applications in Japan alone for the upcoming Switch 2 console. This surge in interest is indicative of a booming consumer demand ahead of the console's launch date on June 5, 2025. The Kyoto-based gaming giant has acknowledged that it cannot meet all demand through its lottery system, which has raised concerns about potential supply shortages.
As reported by Investing.com, Nintendo's shares, which are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, saw a maximum increase of 6%, reaching 11,035 yen by 02:36 GMT. The overwhelming pre-order response has also led to significant online traffic, temporarily paralyzing the official website and reservation system during the application period.
On April 23, 2025, it was revealed that approximately 2.2 million people in Japan applied for pre-order allocation for the Nintendo Switch 2, a figure that far exceeds the 360,000 units sold in Japan during the initial launch month of the original Switch in 2017. The company stated, "This level of demand has far exceeded our expectations and preparation levels," highlighting the intense consumer interest.
In light of the overwhelming demand, Nintendo plans to offer a second lottery opportunity for those who were unsuccessful in the first round, which will be announced on April 24, 2025. Additionally, the company intends to introduce a third-party retail reservation system to further accommodate the high volume of applications.
As the anticipation builds, major U.S. retailers such as Walmart, Best Buy, and Target have also begun accepting online pre-orders for the Switch 2 on April 24, 2025, at 12 PM Eastern Time. The base model is priced at $449.99, while a bundle that includes the new "Mario Kart World" game title will be available for $499.99. This bundle is set to be sold on a limited basis until the fall of 2025, providing a $30 discount on the game compared to its individual price of $79.99.
Despite Nintendo's confidence in securing sufficient initial supply, the company is aware of the potential for shortages. Doug Bowser, President of Nintendo of America, has reiterated in recent interviews that they have stock ready to meet U.S. demand. However, consumers remain cautious, recalling the severe supply shortages that accompanied the launch of the PlayStation 5.
In response to the rising prices of peripherals like Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers due to past tariff policies, Nintendo has indicated that future product prices may be adjusted based on market conditions. While the current price for the Switch 2 remains fixed at $449.99, fluctuations could occur, emphasizing the urgency for early purchasers.
The gaming community is buzzing with excitement, and the competition for pre-orders is fierce. Industry experts recommend that consumers prepare by creating accounts on major retail sites, pre-entering shipping and payment information, and utilizing mobile apps to increase their chances of securing a unit.
With the Switch 2's release, Nintendo is poised to continue its legacy of success in the gaming market. The company has committed to ramping up production to meet demand and expressed its desire to ensure that as many customers as possible can experience the new console. Nintendo stated in an official release, "We apologize for not being able to fully meet customer expectations, and we are doing everything we can to increase production and shipments to allow many customers to quickly encounter the Switch 2."
As pre-orders begin in the U.S. and continue to surge in Japan, the gaming industry will be closely watching how Nintendo navigates this unprecedented demand. The Switch 2 is not just a new console; it's a critical component of Nintendo's strategy to maintain its competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market.
