With the eagerly anticipated launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, Nintendo is actively working to combat scalpers and ensure a smoother release than we saw with the original Switch. Remember the chaos back in 2017 when the first Switch hit the shelves? The company is confident that this time will be different. Despite the promising sales forecasts for the new console, Nintendo is determined to tackle scalpers and ensure sufficient stock for everyone eager to get their hands on the latest device.
Although Nintendo hasn’t set an official release date for its next console yet, excitement is building up. While analysts don’t expect the Switch 2 to surpass the phenomenal sales of its predecessor, the high demand is undeniable. Whatever happens, Nintendo reassures us that they’re gearing up for the inevitable rush when it finally drops.
In a recent conversation with Nikkei, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa shared that Nintendo’s goal is to have ample stock ahead of the Switch 2 launch to prevent a repeat of past mistakes. Recalling the scarcity issues when the original Switch launched, caused partly by scalpers, Furukawa emphasized that the company has absorbed those lessons and is boosting production to meet consumer demand. This approach hints at earlier reports suggesting Nintendo’s efforts to upscale production even before releasing the new console.
So, how many units will be ready when day one arrives? The exact number is still under wraps, but Furukawa mentioned that the company aims to take “all possible measures” against scalpers. Looking ahead to 2024, he hinted at potential legal actions in some regions to protect the available stock of the Switch 2. Nonetheless, their primary strategy focuses on ramping up production from the start. This proactive stance suggests that Nintendo’s been planning for this launch extensively, likely putting them in a better position than during the original Switch frenzy.
Nintendo’s not alone in this battle against stock shortages and scalpers. We’ve seen similar scenarios with other tech releases, like Nvidia’s RTX 5090 and 5080 GPUs, which flew off the shelves instantly and even appeared on reseller sites ahead of availability. It’s exactly these mishaps that Nintendo wants to avoid with the Switch 2. As eager fans, we can only wait and see if their strategies succeed in keeping the new console in the hands of actual gamers rather than resellers.
