Nintendo has announced that pre-orders for its highly anticipated new gaming console, the Nintendo Switch 2, have reached an impressive 2.2 million in Japan as of April 23, 2025. This figure significantly surpasses the company's expectations, leading to concerns that many customers may not be selected in the upcoming lottery set for April 24, 2025.
Shuntaro Furukawa, President of Nintendo, shared the news via X (formerly Twitter), stating, "We sincerely apologize that we may not be able to meet the expectations of many customers due to the overwhelming number of applicants." The lottery results will determine who will secure a console, with those who are unsuccessful automatically entered into a second lottery scheduled to begin on April 28.
The Nintendo Switch 2, priced at 49,980 yen, is set to release on June 5, 2025, marking Nintendo's first new console launch in over eight years. The device promises enhanced performance, featuring a larger 7.9-inch screen and double the pixel count of its predecessor, the original Switch. It will support both new dedicated software and existing Switch games, appealing to a broad audience of gamers.
In anticipation of high demand, Nintendo has implemented measures to curb reselling. To qualify for the lottery, applicants must meet specific criteria, including having played Switch software for over 50 hours and maintaining a subscription to Nintendo's paid service for more than one year. These requirements aim to ensure that the consoles go to dedicated fans rather than resellers.
Further highlighting the excitement surrounding the launch, legendary gamer Takahashi Meijin updated his blog on April 22, predicting the odds of winning the lottery. He remarked, "I also applied, but my expectations are moderate. It took me a year to get a PS5, so I hope it won't take as long this time." Meijin anticipates a lottery ratio of about one in six to ten applicants, expressing hope for a favorable outcome.
As the lottery sales for the Nintendo Switch 2 began on April 4, 2025, the overwhelming response reflects the console's anticipated popularity. The first round of applications has already closed, and the results will be eagerly awaited by millions of hopeful gamers.
Nintendo's commitment to meeting the high demand is evident, as they plan to ramp up production and shipment in substantial quantities. "We are taking steps to strengthen our production capabilities to meet this demand," Furukawa stated, acknowledging the challenges posed by the overwhelming number of applicants.
The gaming community is buzzing with excitement as the release date approaches. Many fans are already speculating about the new features, including the innovative "Game Chat" function, designed to enhance social gaming experiences. This feature allows players to enjoy conversations and gameplay as if they were in the same room, regardless of distance.
The Nintendo Switch 2 will also launch alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, enabling easy video chatting for friends and family, further enriching the gaming experience.
As April 24 approaches, anticipation continues to build. Gamers across Japan are eagerly awaiting the lottery results, hoping to secure their chance to be among the first to experience the next generation of Nintendo gaming. With millions vying for a limited number of consoles, the excitement is palpable, and the stakes have never been higher.
In conclusion, the Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to be a revolutionary addition to the gaming landscape, blending enhanced technology with a commitment to community engagement. As the release date nears, all eyes will be on Nintendo to see how they navigate this unprecedented demand and deliver on the expectations of their loyal fanbase.
