Nintendo Co., Ltd. is witnessing an unprecedented surge of interest in its upcoming console, the Nintendo Switch 2, with approximately 2.2 million applications submitted for its initial lottery drawing in Japan alone. This overwhelming response has led to expectations that many applicants will not be selected, as the number of applications significantly exceeds the available units.
On April 23, 2025, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa announced the staggering figure on the company's official social media account, X. "We have received 2.2 million applications for the lottery sale at our official online store for customers in Japan alone, which is far larger than what we had anticipated," Furukawa stated, adding, "As such, we apologize that a significant number of the applicants wouldn’t be selected." This announcement highlights the excitement surrounding the console, which is set to launch on June 5, 2025.
The lottery application phase for the Nintendo Switch 2 ran from April 4 to April 16, 2025, and results are expected to be announced shortly after the pre-order period begins on April 24, 2025. Those who do not win in the first lottery will automatically be entered into a second lottery round, which is expected to start on April 28, 2025.
As pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 open, major retailers in the U.S. including Best Buy, GameStop, Walmart, and Target are participating. Pre-orders at GameStop will begin online at 11 AM ET on April 24, while other retailers will open their pre-orders at midnight. The console will retail for $449.99, while a bundle including Mario Kart World will be available for $499.99. This bundle is expected to be particularly sought after, as it offers a significant discount on the game compared to purchasing it separately.
In Japan, the initial lottery results are likely to create a buzz as customers eagerly await to see if they will secure a console. With such a high number of applications, the competition is fierce, and many are preparing for the disappointment of not being selected. "The number is way beyond expectations," noted Serkan Toto, founder of the Kantan Games consultancy, reflecting on the excitement surrounding the launch.
Nintendo's efforts to meet this overwhelming demand are underway, as the company is strengthening its production system to ensure that more units can be produced and shipped in the future. The company aims to ramp up production in Vietnam to keep pace with the high expectations from consumers.
As excitement builds for the Nintendo Switch 2, reservations and lottery applications will also commence at game retailers and online shops nationwide starting April 24, 2025. Interested customers are encouraged to check announcements from each retailer for details on how to apply.
In addition to the console, a variety of games are already available for pre-order, including heavyweights like Donkey Kong Bananza and enhanced versions of fan-favorites like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. These titles are expected to launch alongside the Switch 2 on June 5, 2025, further enhancing the appeal of the new hardware.
However, there is a noted price increase for accessories related to the new console. While the price of the Switch 2 itself remains unchanged, many accessories, including the new Joy-Con 2 controllers and the Switch 2 Pro Controller, have seen price hikes of around $5. The most significant increase is for the Dock Set, which has jumped from $10 to $119.99.
With the pre-order frenzy set to begin, customers are advised to prepare ahead of time. Logging in to retailer accounts and saving shipping and payment information can help streamline the purchasing process. Given the current demand and the potential for sellouts, being ready at the designated start times will be crucial.
As the launch date approaches, Nintendo's ability to meet the high demand will be tested. The company has already indicated that it may struggle to fulfill worldwide orders, and the situation is being closely monitored. The excitement surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 could signal one of the biggest hardware launches in the video game industry’s history.
As the pre-order date approaches, the anticipation for the Nintendo Switch 2 is palpable. With millions of applications already submitted in Japan and pre-orders opening across major U.S. retailers, the demand is clear. Nintendo's efforts to bolster production could prove vital in meeting the expectations of eager gamers worldwide.
