The Morning After: The Switch 2 pre-order struggle

Engadget - Apr 25th, 2025

Nintendo is facing challenges in meeting the high demand for its upcoming Switch 2 console, with pre-orders delayed in both Japan and the US due to ongoing tariff issues. Despite the official release date set for June 5, many eager customers who signed up for early access may not receive their invitation to purchase until after the console's launch. In Japan, the interest has been overwhelming, with 2.2 million people registering their interest, highlighting the console's significant popularity.

This situation underscores the logistical hurdles Nintendo faces in distributing its highly anticipated product amid complex global trade conditions. The scarcity of the console not only affects direct purchases from Nintendo but also extends to major retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and GameStop, which have struggled to maintain stock. The implications of this scenario suggest potential impacts on sales figures and customer satisfaction, while also showcasing the intense consumer demand for cutting-edge gaming technology.

Japan Nintendo Us Switch 2 Retailers Pre Orders Tariff Issues Gaming Consoles

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RATING

5.6

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and relevant overview of the challenges surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders, capturing the attention of the gaming community. However, it falls short in several areas, including source quality, transparency, and balance. The lack of direct sourcing and detailed analysis limits its reliability, while the inclusion of unrelated content detracts from its clarity and focus. To improve its impact and engagement potential, the article could benefit from a more balanced perspective, deeper exploration of the underlying issues, and clearer attribution of facts. Despite these weaknesses, the story's timeliness and public interest value make it a noteworthy piece for those following the gaming industry's developments.

Accuracy

The article makes several factual claims regarding the Nintendo Switch 2's availability and pre-order challenges. It accurately reflects the high demand and the difficulties faced by consumers in securing a pre-order, as corroborated by multiple sources. However, some claims, such as the tariff-related delays and specific numbers like the 2.2 million registrations in Japan, require further verification to confirm their precision. The story does not provide direct sources or evidence for these figures, which could potentially lead to inaccuracies if not verified independently.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the challenges consumers face in pre-ordering the Nintendo Switch 2, offering a limited range of perspectives. It does not delve into Nintendo's viewpoint or potential reasons for the supply issues beyond high demand. The narrative could be perceived as somewhat one-sided, emphasizing consumer frustration without exploring broader industry or logistical challenges that might contribute to the situation. Including insights from Nintendo or industry analysts could provide a more balanced perspective.

Clarity

The article is generally clear in its language and structure, though it occasionally meanders into unrelated topics, such as other tech products and gaming news. This detracts from the focus on the Nintendo Switch 2 and may confuse readers. The core message about pre-order challenges is communicated effectively, but the inclusion of unrelated content disrupts the article's coherence and focus.

Source quality

The story lacks explicit attribution to credible sources, relying instead on general statements about consumer demand and pre-order difficulties. While it references well-known retailers like Best Buy and Walmart, it does not cite specific statements from these companies or Nintendo. The absence of direct quotes or data from authoritative sources diminishes the article's reliability and leaves readers questioning the origin of some claims.

Transparency

The article does not adequately disclose the methodology or sources behind its claims, particularly regarding the tariff delays and registration figures. There is no explanation of how the information was gathered or any acknowledgment of potential conflicts of interest. This lack of transparency makes it challenging for readers to assess the credibility of the information presented and understand the basis for the claims.