Nintendo says there won't be supply issues, but the Switch is already sold out at major retailers on both sides of the pond
Switch is already sold out, so let's hope you got your pre-order in early.
Switch pre-orders opened late last week, but the window of opportunity to reserve launch day stock has already snapped shut for many hopefuls as first round stock is rapidly selling out.
Amazon and Amazon UK have both closed Switch preorders, which were listed as while stocks last, as have Best Buy and Walmart.
Things are no better at specialty retailers. GameStop has announced via press release that it has completely sold out of its "initial allocation" of Switch stock.
"We’re working closely with Nintendo to get additional Nintendo Switch units, and will let our customers know when they become available," GameStop executive Bob Puzon said.
GAME UK is still taking pre-orders, but with the caveat that you might not actually get your console on launch day.
"At this time we have not received official confirmation of stock allocation. Until we have our allocation confirmed by Nintendo we cannot guarantee that every order will be fulfilled for launch," the retailer said.
On a bright note, it seems like there's plenty of stock in Australia, where the console costs AU$469, but that situation might not last.
All this is a bit of a worry given the Switch launches in early March, but it's possible retailers will receive further allocations before then. Certainly comments from Nintendo of America boss Reggie Fils-Aime suggest there'll be plenty of Switch units to go around.
"What we’ve said publicly is that there will be 2 million units that will be shipped worldwide for the launch, essentially through month one," he told Wired.
"Two million for essentially the first month is a huge number, especially when you look and see that this is not peak seasonality. This is essentially the first three weeks of March. Our focus is making sure that the consumer who wants to buy a Nintendo Switch can buy a Nintendo Switch. That’s how we build our supply chain, that’s how we think through the amount of product that’s available."
The executive acknowledged concern stemming from supply issues with the NES Classic, but said that was a different situation - Nintendo did not anticipate anything close to that level of demand, he explained, as it expected the mini console to be a nostalgia piece for older gamers rather than a runaway hit.
Fils-Aime's comments may comfort you, or they may not. If you're hanging out for a launch day Switch, it's best to register your interest at a couple of retailers and hammer the pre-order button as soon as you get a notification.