Anticipation for Nintendo's next-generation console has reached fever pitch in Japan, translating into staggering preliminary demand figures. The company revealed that a remarkable 2.2 million people applied for the opportunity to purchase the Nintendo Switch 2 through a lottery system conducted solely via the My Nintendo Store in Japan. This initial wave of interest significantly surpassed the company's internal forecasts, signaling an intense consumer appetite for the upcoming hardware.In an official statement released via social media, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa addressed the situation directly. He confirmed the 2.2 million application figure, describing it as an "extremely large number" that "far exceeds our expectations." Crucially, Furukawa acknowledged that this demand also "far exceeds the number of Nintendo Switch 2 consoles that can be delivered from the My Nintendo Store on June 5th." This confirmation serves as an early warning that many hopeful customers who participated in the initial My Nintendo Store lottery will not receive their console on the anticipated delivery date through that specific channel.The immediate consequence of this overwhelming demand is that a significant portion of the 2.2 million applicants from the My Nintendo Store lottery will face delays. While excitement remains high, this supply constraint highlights the challenges manufacturers face when launching highly anticipated technology. Nintendo has expressed awareness of the potential disappointment and is actively working on addressing the imbalance between the immense interest and the initial production capacity allocated for its direct online storefront launch.Recognizing the supply limitations for the initial lottery, Nintendo is taking steps to manage the situation and broaden availability. The company announced plans to improve its production system to ramp up manufacturing. Furthermore, starting April 24th, pre-orders or alternative lottery sales will commence at various game retailers and online stores across Japan, expanding the avenues through which consumers can attempt to secure a console. Sales will also continue via the My Nintendo Store after the official release date. Furukawa emphasized the company's commitment, stating, "With the cooperation of retailers, we will continue to ship the console and make efforts to get as many Nintendo Switch 2 consoles as possible into your hands."Nintendo further reassured customers about its long-term plans, stating its intention to continue producing and shipping a "considerable number" of Switch 2 units well beyond the launch window. While apologizing for the initial delay in meeting the massive demand demonstrated by the My Nintendo Store lottery, the company is signaling a sustained effort to fulfill orders and eventually satisfy the widespread enthusiasm for its new console. The situation underscores the immense popularity of the Nintendo brand and sets the stage for what is expected to be a major global hardware launch, even as the company navigates the complexities of production and distribution in its home market.
