Nintendo is pulling back on Switch 2 production, dropping its quarterly target from six million units to four million. The move follows weaker-than-expected console sales in the US, according to unnamed sources cited by Bloomberg. The cutback starts this quarter and will continue into April.
Last month, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa admitted on an earnings call that “overseas sales were somewhat weaker than expected.” This comes after the Switch 2’s explosive launch last June, where it sold 3.5 million units in just four days-making it Nintendo’s fastest-selling console ever.
Why players should care
For gamers, this production cut means fewer Switch 2 units hitting shelves in the short term. However, Nintendo still plans to sell 19 million Switch 2 consoles by the end of its fiscal year in March, so long-term availability shouldn’t be a problem-unless demand suddenly spikes or supply chain issues worsen.
Rising memory prices are also squeezing production budgets. Nintendo is reportedly considering a price hike for the Switch 2, but the current production cuts are driven by slower demand, not costs. If you’re waiting for a price drop or a holiday bundle, don’t count on it just yet.
Export delays and European plans
Export delays caused by the ongoing war in the Middle East could force Nintendo to ramp production back up, according to Bloomberg’s sources. The company is also stockpiling a battery-replaceable Switch 2 variant for the European market, set to launch in the next fiscal year. This model could be a response to EU regulations requiring easier battery replacement in consumer electronics.
The bottom line
- Switch 2 production is down, but annual sales targets remain unchanged.
- Rising memory costs and export delays could affect pricing and availability.
- A battery-replaceable Switch 2 is coming to Europe next year.
Speculation: If US demand doesn’t rebound, expect more cautious restocks and fewer discounts. For now, Switch 2’s long-term prospects look solid, but the days of instant sellouts may be over-at least in the States.