Nintendo, somehow, underestimates demand for Switch 2 pre-orders

Engadget - Apr 23rd, 2025

Nintendo is experiencing overwhelming demand for its upcoming Switch 2 console, with over 2.2 million people entering a pre-order lottery in Japan alone, far exceeding the initial supply available for the June 5 launch. The company plans to announce lottery winners on April 24, and a second drawing will follow, though not all interested customers will secure a console. In response, Nintendo is ramping up production efforts to meet demand and has assured fans of continuous future shipments. Pre-orders in the US and Canada are set to begin on April 24, maintaining a $450 price point despite potential financial losses for Nintendo due to recent tariffs and pricing uncertainties.

The high demand for the Switch 2 mirrors previous console launches, where scarcity led to inflated prices on resale platforms. Similar scenarios occurred with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, which saw prices soar to $1,700 on sites like eBay and Amazon. Nintendo's earlier releases, such as the SNES Mini and NES Mini, also faced similar resale markups. This pattern highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing supply, demand, and fair pricing in the gaming industry, particularly when external factors like tariffs impact costs. Nintendo's commitment to increasing production underscores its dedication to meeting consumer expectations despite current hurdles.

Nintendo Switch 2 Trump Tariffs Pricing Strategy Supply Chain Issues Pre Order Lottery Console Demand Resale Market

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.0

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a timely and generally accurate overview of the demand and supply challenges facing the Nintendo Switch 2. It effectively conveys Nintendo's perspective and the current consumer interest, but it could benefit from a more balanced approach by including additional viewpoints and expert analysis. The reliance on Nintendo's statements limits the diversity of sources, and greater transparency regarding the information's origin could enhance credibility. Overall, the article is clear and engaging, though it could explore the broader implications of tariffs and reselling more thoroughly to increase its impact and public interest.

Accuracy

The story accurately reports on the high demand for the Nintendo Switch 2, citing that 2.2 million people entered a pre-order lottery in Japan, which is consistent with Nintendo's announcements. The claim about the number of consoles available on launch day being insufficient is also supported by Nintendo's statements. However, the story's mention of 'President Trump's extreme tariffs' impacting US pre-orders needs more precise context, as it lacks specific details on how tariffs directly delayed pre-orders. Overall, the story aligns well with available facts but could benefit from more detailed sourcing on tariff impacts.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on Nintendo's perspective regarding the demand and supply challenges for the Switch 2. It lacks input from consumers or industry analysts, which could provide a more rounded view of the situation. While it highlights potential issues like reselling and tariffs, it doesn't delve deeply into the consumer impact or broader market implications. The balance is somewhat skewed towards Nintendo's narrative without exploring alternative viewpoints or criticisms.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and easy to understand, with a straightforward narrative about the demand for the Switch 2. It clearly outlines the sequence of events regarding pre-orders and the company's response to demand. However, the inclusion of unrelated details, such as historical resale prices of other consoles, could be better integrated or omitted for a more focused narrative.

Source quality

The article relies heavily on statements from Nintendo, which are credible for company-specific information. However, it lacks diversity in sourcing, such as insights from industry experts or third-party analysts that could provide additional context or verification. The article does not cite any external reports or independent data sources, which could enhance its reliability and depth.

Transparency

The article provides some transparency by quoting Nintendo's statements, but it does not disclose any potential biases or conflicts of interest. It lacks an explanation of how the information was obtained, such as whether it was through a press release or direct communication. Greater transparency regarding the source of the translated post from Nintendo could improve the article's credibility.