Nintendo has confirmed that interest in its upcoming console, the Nintendo Switch 2, has dramatically exceeded the company’s expectations and that there won’t be enough units at launch in Japan. As of April 23, more than 2.2 million applications were submitted in Japan through the company’s official My Nintendo Store lottery system, a figure that does not include any third-party retailers or international markets. The console was revealed in a first look trailer on April 2, and is set to launch on June 5, 2025. Its price in the United States will be $449.99.
The Lottery System
Importantly, the 2.2 million figure represents lottery applications, not confirmed pre-orders. In Japan, it is common for companies to use a lottery-based sales model for high-demand products, where customers apply for a chance to purchase the item. Winners are drawn at random and can then finalize their order. This system is designed to reduce site congestion and scalping, particularly for tech and gaming hardware. Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa acknowledged that the level of demand far surpassed internal projections, stating, "This far exceeded our initial expectations and greatly surpassed the number of ‘Nintendo Switch 2’ units we are able to deliver from the My Nintendo Store by June 5."
Comparisons to Historic Console Launches
While lottery entries are not the same as actual sales, they offer a reliable measure of market interest. The original Nintendo Switch sold around 333,000 units in Japan during its launch weekend, while the PlayStation 2 sold roughly 650,000 units during its first weekend in Japan in 2000. The PlayStation 4 sold 322,000 units in Japan in its first two days. These figures highlight the unprecedented excitement surrounding the Switch 2.
Supply Constraints and Next Steps
Nintendo stated that many applicants will not be selected in the first lottery round, with results to be announced tomorrow, April 24. To reduce customer inconvenience, the company will automatically roll over unsuccessful applicants into a second round. Starting April 24, game retailers and online shops across Japan will begin offering their own lottery or reservation systems. Nintendo has also committed to ongoing post-launch sales via the My Nintendo Store, with details to follow. "We will continue to work with our retail partners to ship as many units as possible so that we can deliver the ‘Nintendo Switch 2’ to more of you," Furukawa added.
Despite the overwhelming demand, Nintendo is taking steps to strengthen its production capacity. Analysts predict that the company will be able to produce between 6 million and 8 million consoles by the time it hits shelves on June 5, 2025. However, Furukawa warned that even with increased production, the company may not be able to fulfill all the applications received.
Challenges Ahead
The launch of the Switch 2 is also complicated by external factors, such as U.S. tariffs affecting production costs. About a third of the units are assembled in Vietnam, which was hit with a 46% tariff before the U.S. government granted a 90-day reprieve at a lower rate of 10%. This situation has forced Nintendo to delay pre-orders in the U.S., where the console will retail for $450, from April 9 due to these tariffs. Additionally, the company announced it would be raising prices for Switch 2 accessories in the U.S., indicating that "other adjustments to the price of any Nintendo product are also possible in the future."
What’s Next for Switch 2?
The release of Switch 2 represents a pivotal shift in Nintendo’s history. Their predicted demand and increased production clearly show optimism, though restricted supply chains reveal hidden struggles. There is potential for the console to skyrocket in market dominance, but the company’s fulfillment of demand and its ability to navigate supply chain hurdles will determine its success. However, the ongoing supply crisis may lead Switch 2 to face the same fate as countless other technological products that suffer from high demand without ample supply.
As Furukawa noted, "To deliver Nintendo Switch 2 to all of you, we have been procuring a large number of components in advance and proceeding with production." The anticipation is palpable, but the reality of limited supply is setting in. The company is committed to ensuring that as many units as possible reach consumers, but it remains to be seen how effectively they can manage this unprecedented demand.
Overall, the Nintendo Switch 2 is poised to potentially become the biggest hardware launch in video game history, but the company must address these challenges head-on to meet consumer expectations. With the gaming community eagerly awaiting more news, all eyes will be on Nintendo as they navigate this critical period leading up to the launch.
