Nintendo Switch 2 to Face Continued Shortages, Report

The Nintendo Switch 2 arrived more than a month ago, yet securing one remains difficult and may stay that way until spring 2026. Strong global interest meets ongoing parts shortages and assembly constraints, resulting in long waiting lists and lottery-style sales events. Estimates from Toyo Securities’ Hideki Yasuda and UBS’s Zhai Yijia suggest about 6 million units will ship during the launch month, surpassing the debut speeds of both the original Switch and Sony’s PlayStation 5. Yasuda forecasts total shipments reaching 20 million by March 31, 2026, while Zhai predicts a slightly lower figure of 18 million. Even the more modest estimate would still exceed the predecessor’s pace by roughly 20% to 30%.

In Japan, Nintendo’s official online store recently ran its fifth lottery for Switch 2 orders, and many participants have reported repeated disappointment. Brick-and-mortar retailers, such as Yodobashi Camera, have experimented with first-come, first-served sales restricted to store credit-card holders, yet inventory still vanishes within minutes. Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa acknowledges these hurdles, saying, “We are working to strengthen our production system so that we can flexibly respond to demand,” and stressing that while the Switch 2 carries a higher price point than previous models, the company is focused on delivering experiences that justify its cost, especially for younger players. There are even some forecasts, such as those from the research firm DFC Intelligence, which predict that the Switch 2 could exceed 100 million units sold by the end of 2029, positioning it to surpass the original console’s lifetime sales. Until manufacturing ramps up, however, securing Nintendo’s latest flagship will remain a test of patience for many gamers.