Nintendo has reported a surge in demand for its forthcoming Switch 2 game console in Japan, indicating the potential for a record-breaking hardware launch in the gaming industry.
In response to the overwhelming interest, the Japanese company has implemented a lottery system for the device, giving priority to customers who are active gamers and subscribers to the original Switch’s online services.
Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa announced on X, “We have received 2.2 million applications for the lottery sale at our official online store for customers in Japan alone, which far exceeds our expectations. We apologize to the many applicants who will not be selected.”
The anticipated price for the Switch 2 is set at $450 (approximately Rs. 38,407). The device is seen as a crucial component of Nintendo’s future, following the success of the original Switch, which has been in the market for eight years. In Japan, the console will be priced at 49,980 yen ($350 or about Rs. 29,870) for a Japanese-language edition, nearly 25% less than its price elsewhere, a factor that has fueled domestic demand. Pre-orders in the United States, which were postponed to assess tariff impacts, are scheduled to begin on Thursday.
Nintendo’s shares, traded in Tokyo, saw an increase of up to 5.5 percent on Thursday, marking the company’s largest single-day gain in two weeks.
Pelham Smithers from Pelham Smithers Associates, which focuses on Japanese equity research, pointed out that with Japan accounting for one-third of the global Switch user base, this translates to an impressive potential of 6.6 million pre-orders globally.
Earlier forecasts indicated that Nintendo could manufacture between six million and eight million units by the time of the Switch 2’s launch on June 5. It is worth noting that Sony Group’s PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 currently hold the record for the best launches, each achieving sales of 4.5 million units in their first two months.
In light of the anticipated demand, Furukawa mentioned that the company is adopting various strategies to enhance production.
The launch of the Switch 2 has faced challenges stemming from President Donald Trump’s trade policies. A significant portion of the new console is assembled in Vietnam, which previously encountered a 46 percent tariff before being granted a temporary reprieve at a reduced rate of 10 percent. Recently, Nintendo announced price increases for Switch 2 accessories in the United States and cautioned that further price adjustments for any of its products could occur in the future.
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