Nintendo Switch 2 shortages could last until next year, analysts say

It has already been over a month since the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 and we think it’s safe to say that the console has been well received, for the most part. Demand for the Switch 2 has been high, with Nintendo reporting at least 5.4 million sales already, 3.5 million of which came in less than a week since release. This has led to shortages, of which a new report suggests could last until spring next year.

There has been strong interest in the Switch 2 on a global scale, leading to long waiting lists and even some lottery-style events for consumers hoping to get their hands on one. Nintendo were getting way more Switch 2 pre-orders than expected, which was initially evident in Japan.

Nintendo Switch 2 shortages could last until spring 2026

Other a month since launch, a report from Nikkei Asia says that the Nintendo Switch is “selling at a record pace and remains elusive in shops”. This situation could last until spring next year according to analysts. The official Nintendo online store in Japan recently ran its fifth lottery for the Switch 2, but obviously many customers weren’t able to grab one.

Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa has commented on the ongoing shortages, saying, “We are working to strengthen our production system so that we can flexibly respond to demand”. Toyo Securities’ Hideki Yasuda and UBS’s Zhai Yijia estimate that around 6 million units shipped during the launch month – more than the original Switch and the PlayStation 5. Yasuda forecasts as many as 20 million units being shipped by March 31, 2026, which would outpace the original by anywhere between 20-30%.

Although this report comes from Japan, we’ve noticed that many large retailers in the U.S. are also suffering from stock problems, at least on their online stores. This includes the likes of Target and Best Buy; both list the Switch 2 as out of stock at the time of writing. For brick and mortar stores, you may want to look into the following, all of which had stock on launch day:

• Costco
• GameStop
• Target
• Best Buy
• Staples

You can also take a look at our ‘Where to buy Nintendo Switch 2‘ guide if you’re looking to find the console in stock.

Written by

Charlie Noon

Charlie is the editor-in-chief for PC Guide. He has a vast understanding of most PC hardware and consumer essentials, specializing in the reviews of monitors and TVs.

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