Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has issued a public apology for the ongoing shortages of theSwitch 2, addressing the high demand for the hot new Nintendo console. The launch of Nintendo’s newest video game platform has been a smash hit for the developer early on, with the console quickly breaking sales records around the world. TheSwitch 2became the all-time fastest-selling video game console in the United States within the week following its launch andMario Kart Worldhas consistently topped sales charts. Now, the demand for Switch 2 consoles may have become too much for Nintendo to handle.
Console shortages have been nothing new for the video game industry throughout recent years, with demand for the newest platforms outpacing the supply. The PS5 and Xbox Series X both saw significant shortages following their initial debuts, often leading to scalpers re-selling consoles for exorbitant prices. The Switch 2 has not been safe from re-sellers either, with Yahoo Japan evenwarning customers about scalper listings for the Switch 2on the online storefront. Nintendo is now publicly addressing the limited supply of Switch 2 consoles.
Nintendo Apologizes for Switch 2 Shortage
As reported by NintendoLife, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa officially addressed shortages for the Switch 2 during a recent shareholder meeting. The president shared that the number of initial applicants for the Japanese lottery sales of the Switch 2 “far exceeded Nintendo’s expectations,” with more than 2 million people applying for the early sale. Furukawa shared that Nintendo has run several more lottery sales in the months since, formally apologizing for Nintendo being unable to meet the initial high demand for the console. TheSwitch 2 has already soldmore than 1 million units in Japan in less than a month.
The early popularity of the Switch 2 has been joined by similar success for its flagship launch title,Mario Kart World. The newest entry in the racing franchise made some major changes to the game’s formula, introducing an open world for players to explore and adding new game modes.Worldhas been a hit with many fans on the same scale as the Switch 2 itself, with a Famitsu report confirmingMario Kart Worldhas sold 1 million physical copiesin Japan.
Nintendo looks to have plenty in store for fans of the Switch 2 beyondMario Kart World, with lots of major titles releasing throughout the year.Donkey Kong Bananzawill debut next month as a new 3D platformer, while Nintendo has also teased other first-party franchises likeMetroidandKirbycoming to Switch 2. The console will also see some notable third-party releases, withBorderlands 4launching on Switch 2at the same time as other platforms. Nintendo fans can hope that the Switch 2 supply issues will be alleviated quickly, so even more fans can try out the console.
