Nintendo Switch 2 demand is so high in Japan that retailers are only selling consoles to their best customers

The hype for the Nintendo Switch 2 is real. While the console’s reveal was met with some controversy over prices for both software and hardware, the console’s demand is so high that Nintendo has grossly underestimated the number of units needed in the region.

Alongside Nintendo’s own issues supplying consoles directly to gamers, retailers in the region will also only receive a small number of units. In order to determine who is able to buy a unit in Japan, retailers are restricting the consoles for customers who have spent the most at their stores.

Nintendo Switch 2 in Japan is a bloodbath

Reported by IGN, Japanese retailers are putting “strict restrictions” on who can apply to purchase a Nintendo Switch 2 as a result of limited units and extremely high demand. Additionally, stores are attempting to stop scalping and make sure that consoles only go to gamers who actually want the console.

According to the outlet, “almost all” Japanese retailers are now requiring would-be customers to sign up for a chance to buy the system. Potential customers are required to not only be an active member of a retailer, but also need to have spent a specific amount of money at the store over the past two years.

Bic Camera, a popular Japanese electronics chain, only allows players to enter their Nintendo Switch 2 lottery if they have an active Camera credit card and have spent over 30,000 yen ($207) between April 2023 and March 2025. The store also has a separate online lottery for higher-tier customers who have spent 50,000 yen ($345) in that same period.

More egregiously, Joshin, another electronics chain, requires Nintendo Switch 2 lottery entries to be either a Platinum or VIP member of their in-store point programs. Platinum members of the store need to have spent 150,000 yen ($1,030) within the last year.

Nintendo have officially apologised to fans for not being able to supply enough units to potential players company president Shuntaro Furukawa said: “we plan to continue producing and shipping a considerable number of Nintendo Switch 2 units in the future. We apologise for the delay in our ability to meet your expectations, and we appreciate your understanding.”

For more Nintendo Switch 2 coverage, read about how Cyberpunk 2077 is the best place to play the game on the go. Additionally, read about how the new system’s hype is causing MicroSD express cards to sell out worldwide.