The Most Impressive Feat About Nintendo’s Switch 2 Release

by

Since its release in June, the Nintendo Switch 2 has been successful, despite some debates over its software pricing and the use of Game-Key Cards. However, there are several aspects to be pleased about during the past three months. Although there’s always room for improvement, sales are booming, and the console is receiving positive feedback for its exclusive games such as “Mario Kart World” and “Donkey Kong Bananza.

In an exceptional manner, Nintendo has surpassed expectations, particularly when it comes to the availability of their hardware. The newly released Nintendo Switch 2 has sold over 5.8 million units globally since its launch in late June, surpassing the sales of the original Switch and setting new company records. Remarkably, this popular console is readily available at various retailers such as Best Buy and GameStop. It was anticipated that there would be high demand for Nintendo Switch 2 given the success of the original Switch, which is among the best-selling video game systems ever made. Yet, Nintendo has skillfully managed to keep up with the demand.

The Problem With Console Launches in the Modern Age

Anticipation among Nintendo enthusiasts for the release of Switch 2 was tinged with apprehension, given the difficulty in obtaining the original Switch upon its launch in 2017. However, this paled in comparison to the turmoil that accompanied the arrival of PS5 and Xbox Series X|S in 2020. The issue of bots and resellers has been a persistent irritant for gamers, driving up prices and making it difficult for consumers to purchase at the regular retail price.

A brief look at eBay indicates that resellers aren’t making a fortune by reselling Nintendo’s new system; most of the top listings are priced near or slightly above the $449-$500 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), depending on whether it’s the Mario Kart World bundle. This contrasts significantly with the PS5 launch, where consoles were often sold for twice their retail price, or even higher. The desire for the Switch 2 seems to be high, but resellers are finding little reason to inflate the cost excessively.

How Nintendo Avoided Switch 2 Shortages

In a seemingly straightforward approach, it seems Nintendo successfully avoided shortages for the Switch 2 by producing more than ample supplies to match demand. As early as February, Nintendo’s president, Shuntaro Furukawa, had explicitly stated this strategy to prevent issues with resellers. Additionally, speculations surfaced prior to launch suggesting that Nintendo was amassing a massive stockpile of Switch 2 units, potentially to dodge tariffs. During a financial results briefing in May, Nintendo announced their expectation to sell 15 million Switch 2 consoles before the fiscal year ending in March 2026. Whether they will reach this target remains uncertain, but it’s clear that Nintendo manufactured enough units with that goal in mind.

As a dedicated gamer, I appreciate how Nintendo’s strategy for the Switch 2 release helped me avoid the hassle of dealing with resellers. Right after the grand reveal in April, I had the opportunity as a Nintendo Account user to express my interest in pre-ordering the system directly from them, rather than relying on other retailers. This direct sales approach ensured that I, along with fellow enthusiasts, could secure our systems without the annoyance of bots or resellers flooding sites like Target or Walmart. However, Nintendo seemed to underestimate the passion of their fanbase in Japan, as demand far surpassed the allocated units intended for direct sales.

Will Nintendo Switch 2 Sell Out if Prices Go Up?

Since the unveiling of the Switch 2, there’s been quite a buzz online, mostly regarding its price and software. Interestingly, in 2025, we’ve observed an upward trend in hardware prices due to tariffs, with Nintendo raising the cost of the original Switch, and both PS5 and Xbox consoles following suit. Now, Nintendo’s initial price for the system appears more reasonable compared to the current market, which might lead people who were hesitant about purchasing one to reconsider. Notably, Nintendo hasn’t provided any hints about a potential increase in the Switch 2 price, unlike Sony and Microsoft who gave minimal warning before their price hikes.

Currently, Nintendo might find it advantageous to maintain the current price level; increasing it soon after launch is not typical for them, and doing so early could discourage some potential buyers. However, there’s a chance that they might consider this move due to the unpredictable nature of the current market conditions. This uncertainty may prompt some people to purchase the system earlier than planned, possibly in hopes of upcoming games like a new Animal Crossing or the next Zelda title, which have not been officially announced yet.

How Xbox & PlayStation Can Learn From Nintendo

To ensure success for a new video game system, it could be beneficial to increase production to match high consumer demand, store excess products, and sell directly to the most enthusiastic gamers. At the moment, it’s uncertain what Xbox will do with their next system due to their current focus on multiplatform distribution. We know they are developing a new Xbox console, but if many major exclusives become available across different platforms, demand could significantly decrease. In such a scenario, Microsoft might not benefit much from studying Nintendo’s strategies. Conversely, PlayStation has the opportunity and need to optimize its product allocation prior to launching PS6 to maximize its chances of success.

Unforeseen market conditions are always part of the equation, and this was evident in 2020 when Sony had to adapt their plans to account for both the coronavirus pandemic and an unprecedented surge in video game sales due to people seeking entertainment. As we approach the release of PS6, there may still be unforeseen challenges like tariffs or other global issues to navigate. No business can predict every contingency, but Sony should aim to devise a versatile plan that learns from the difficulties encountered by the launch of PS5. So far, Nintendo has demonstrated this approach can be successful.

https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/metroid-prime-4-release-nintendo-speculation/embed/#

Read More

2025-08-25 19:11