Nintendo Promises Switch Won’t Have Stock Shortages

In an interview with Wired, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Amie confirmed that the Switch will have two million units available worldwide at launch, and downplayed fears of stock shortages.

When asked about availability for the hybrid console in 2017, Reggie said this:


What we’ve said publicly is that there will be 2 million units that will be shipped worldwide for the launch, essentially through month one. I know, because I read the boards and I read the comments, that there is concern about supply. From what I’ve read, the concern seems to stem from the lack of ability to buy NES Classic. So what I would say is this: Two million for essentially the first month is a huge number, especially when you look and see that this is not peak seasonality. This is essentially the first three weeks of March.

He continued:

Our focus is making sure that the consumer who wants to buy a Nintendo Switch can buy a Nintendo Switch. That’s how we build our supply chain, that’s how we think through the amount of product that’s available. What happened with NES Classic is that was a situation where the global demand was well in excess of anything we had anticipated, and that’s what created shortages. The good news, at least for consumers in the Americas, is we’re going to continue to make the NES Classic available. With the ongoing level of supply, the ongoing demand is going to be met. We know the concern.

While this is good news, it may not be entirely accurate, as Amazon, GameStop, Best Buy, and Walmart have completely sold out of Switch pre-orders. Let’s hope that Nintendo is telling the truth, and people will be able a Nintendo Switch if they want one on March 3rd.


About

Owner and Publisher at Niche Gamer and Nicchiban. Outlaw fighting for a better game industry.


Where'd our comments go? Subscribe to become a member to get commenting access and true free speech!