The Nintendo Switch 2 is launching with record sales, and that is why it is so hard to get.
Since June 5, 2025, the hybrid handheld console has been in high demand and shows no signs of slowing down. Nintendo’s efforts to increase availability haven’t stopped shortages, which multiple markets predict will last into 2026.
Early reports from analysts all showed the same thing. Sales weren’t creeping up; they were crashing down like an avalanche. In just a few days, the Switch 2 reportedly sold over 3.5 million units. That number jumped to an estimated six million by the end of the first month.
Even though Nintendo hasn’t released final figures yet, internal forecasts expect between 15 and 20 million consoles shipped before March 2026. The problem is that it still might not be enough to meet demand.
Where Is the Shortage the Worst?
Much of the strain is coming from Japan and major U.S. cities, where buying a Switch 2 has become a matter of luck.
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+ 4In Japan, Nintendo was forced to use a lottery system to decide who gets to buy one. In many parts of the U.S., players are relying on restock trackers and late-night notifications just to have a shot. Regions like Canada, the UK, and Australia tend to have better stock overall, but availability can still be unpredictable from store to store. One person might casually pick one up in-store, while another has been hunting for weeks.
What Role Do Tariffs Play in the Shortage?
The situation gets trickier due to trade and tariff concerns, with most Switch 2 units made in Vietnam and Cambodia, and Nintendo expecting a 10% import tariff on shipments to the U.S. in its yearly earnings forecast.
click to enlarge + 4But a new trade agreement from the Trump administration unexpectedly raised that figure to 20%, putting Nintendo in a tight spot.
The company has already hinted that it may adjust prices in certain regions to absorb the cost. It even paused pre-orders for North America briefly while reassessing the impact.
Should You Wait or Buy From a Reseller?
For those unwilling or unable to track restocks at 1 AM or drive hours to find a console, the choice becomes either paying scalpers or waiting months.
click to enlarge + 4Prices are climbing not just at retail but also on resale platforms, where scalpers are cashing in.
Prices on eBay and other resale sites have reached $800-plus, usually without any bonus games or accessories included.
That wait could stretch a lot longer than anyone hoped. Analysts from Toyo Securities and UBS Securities both believe shortages will continue through spring 2026.
Even more conservative estimates place the situation improving no sooner than early next year. Add unpredictable tariffs, manufacturing delays, and holiday shopping spikes, and shelves could stay empty through next summer.
Is Nintendo Taking Responsibility?
Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa has already apologized publicly for the shortages and acknowledged the company didn’t anticipate this level of demand.
click to enlarge + 4They’re addressing the issue, though juggling supply shortages and global price swings isn’t easy. While a few lucky buyers can easily find Switch 2 consoles in stores, most people aren’t so fortunate.
The reality differs depending on where you are, and buying a Switch 2 is still a challenge for most. The Switch 2 could be available by the holiday of 2025 or later in the next fiscal year, but either way, many fans might still be waiting to get one in 2026.
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