Nintendo has said it’s ready to combat Switch 2 launch shortages and beat the scalpers, declaring: “We are making preparations.”
Following the release of its latest financial results, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa was asked what it was doing to make sure the Switch 2 avoids the launch shortage issues the original Switch suffered back in 2017.
“We will take all possible measures based on the experience we have accumulated to date (regarding scalpers and the like),” Furukawa told Japanese publication Nikkei, translated by VGC. “We are making preparations.”
So, what could these “preparations” involve? Making loads of Nintendo Switch 2 units, it seems. Last year, Nintendo stressed the importance of manufacturing enough Switch 2 consoles to meet demand as a key tactic for beating the scalpers.
When the Nintendo Switch launched back in March 2017 it suffered from a constrained supply, boosting scalpers who sold the console at inflated prices. But in July 2024, Furukawa said things will be different when it comes to launching the Switch successor.
“As a countermeasure against resale, we believe that the most important thing is to produce a sufficient number to meet customer demand, and this idea has not changed since last year,” Furukawa said at the time.
“In addition to this, we are considering whether there are any other measures that can be taken to the extent allowed by laws and regulations, taking into account the circumstances of each region.
“Although we were unable to produce sufficient quantities of Nintendo Switch hardware last year and the year before due to a shortage of semiconductor components, this situation has now been resolved. At this time, we do not believe that the shortage of components will have a significant impact on the production of the successor model.”
Nintendo plans a Switch 2 Direct for April 2, where it will reveal more. Nintendo will also hold Switch 2 hands-on events in cities around the world.
Speaking today, February 4, 2025, Furukawa also touched on plummeting sales of the Nintendo Switch, which he denied had anything to do with consumers waiting to buy a Switch 2 instead.
“We don’t think the impact of refraining from purchasing is that great,” Furukawa insisted. “We think it’s a solid eighth year, but we haven’t reached our target.”
Elsewhere, Furukawa said Nintendo will continue to support the Switch even after the release of Switch 2 “as long as there is demand.” To that end, both Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond are scheduled for release in 2025 on the original Switch.
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at [email protected] or confidentially at [email protected].
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