Nintendo Faces Soaring Demand for Switch 2 in Japan
Nintendo is experiencing an unprecedented spike in interest for its forthcoming Switch 2 console in Japan, hinting that it may be poised to break records as one of the most impactful gaming hardware releases to date. hardware launches in the industry’s history.
To handle the overwhelming local demand, the Kyoto-based company introduced a lottery system for purchases, prioritizing customers who frequently play and who previously subscribed to Nintendo’s online services on the original Switch.
“On Wednesday, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa shared on X that the company’s official online store in Japan received an astonishing 2.2 million lottery sale entries—far surpassing what they had anticipated. “We apologize that a significant number of applicants will not be selected.”
Following the blockbuster success of the original Switch, now eight years old, the $450 Switch 2 will be crucial to Nintendo’s future. In Japan, the console will be sold for 49,980 yen (approximately $350) in a Japanese-language-only version—around 25% cheaper—which has helped boost domestic demand. In the U.S., pre-orders, delayed to better gauge tariff impact, will begin on Thursday.
On Thursday, NintendoNintendo.com’s shares traded in Tokyo jumped as much as 5.5%, marking the biggest intraday gain in two weeks.
Why Japan Can’t Wait for the Nintendo Switch 2
“Japan accounts for one-third of the global Switch install base, which translates to about 6.6 million global pre-orders,” said Pelham Smithers of Japan-focused equity research firm Pelham Smithers Associates.
Analysts previously predicted that Nintendo could produce between 6 to 8 million Switch 2 units before its expected release on June 5. Both the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 set the benchmark for console launches, each moving 4.5 million units within just the first two months of their release.
Furukawa mentioned that Nintendo is implementing multiple strategies to accelerate and expand its production capabilities.
Read More: Nintendo Gains Extra Time to Prepare Switch 2 Debut Amid Tariff Pause
The launch of Switch 2 has been affected by former President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies. Close to one-third of the latest consoles are manufactured in Vietnam, which faced a steep 46% tariff prior to receiving temporary relief from the U.S.granted a 90-day relief period at a reduced 10% rate. Last week, the company announced it would raise prices for Switch 2 accessories in the U.S. and said “other adjustments in pricing for future Nintendo products are also possible.”
Nintendohttps://www.nintendo.com/us/?srsltid=AfmBOoofBHUFWYH55CVoL9o6fCpWi24vXA_9ZgZbFYsd14H7Xd8A50ie, one of the most prominent names in the gaming industry, has been a major player for decades, providing unforgettable experiences for gamers worldwide. Established in 1889 in Kyoto, Japan, as a playing card company, Nintendo has since transformed into a global entertainment powerhouse, known for pioneering gaming consoles, iconic franchises, and groundbreaking innovations in the world of video games.
Nintendo’s rise to fame in the gaming world began in the 1980s with the release of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), a console that revitalized the gaming market after the video game crash of 1983. The NES brought timeless classics like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid, solidifying Nintendo as a leading force in the gaming industry. As time passed, the company continued to innovate with each new console, from the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) to the Nintendo 64, GameCube, Wii, and Nintendo Switch.
A major element of Nintendo’s success lies in its focus on creating beloved franchises and characters. Iconic figures like Mario, Link, Samus Aran, and Pikachu have become household names, and games featuring these characters have sold millions of copies worldwide. Nintendo’s ability to create engaging, timeless experiences for all ages has been a driving factor in its continued success.
One of the defining moments in Nintendo’s history came in 2006 with the release of the Wii console. With motion-controlled gaming, the Wii introduced a revolutionary form of interaction and became a global phenomenon. The Wii’s family-friendly approach and accessibility to casual gamers brought a wide variety of new audiences to the world of gaming. It sold over 100 million units worldwide, cementing Nintendo’s place as an industry leader.
In recent years, Nintendo has continued to push the boundaries of gaming with the release of the Nintendo Switch in 2017. The Switch’s hybrid design, which allows it to be used both as a home console and a portable handheld device, was a game-changer. The console’s versatility and the success of games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons made the Switch an overwhelming success, with sales reaching over 100 million units globally by 2023.
Nintendo’s commitment to creating unique gaming experiences is evident in the hardware they produce. While other companies focus on graphics and processing power, Nintendo has consistently emphasized innovative gameplay mechanics and creative designs. Their consoles, such as the Wii and Switch, are designed to be approachable and enjoyable for all types of gamers, regardless of their age or experience level.
In addition to hardware, Nintendo has expanded its reach into various other forms of media and entertainment. The company has ventured into film and television, with the recent release of the Super Mario Bros. Movie, which achieved significant commercial success. Nintendo has also explored mobile gaming, with titles like Super Mario Run, Fire Emblem Heroes, and Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, tapping into the rapidly growing mobile gaming market.
Nintendo’s online services, such as the Nintendo Switch Online subscription, allow players to access classic games, play online multiplayer, and use cloud saves. While not as advanced as its competitors’ services, it has proven popular with Nintendo’s loyal fanbase.
Looking to the future, Nintendo continues to innovate and surprise its audience. The upcoming release of the Switch 2, expected to build on the success of its predecessor, is already generating excitement. With its strong legacy, dedicated fanbase, and continued focus on creating fun and imaginative gaming experiences, Nintendo is poised to remain a key player in the ever-evolving gaming landscape for years to come.
Nintendo’s legacy as a beloved company is not only defined by the consoles and games it has created but also by its ability to adapt and evolve in an ever-changing industry. As long as the company remains true to its philosophy of creating fun, accessible, and memorable gaming experiences, Nintendo will continue to be a beloved name in the gaming world.