Nintendo's President Expresses Regret over Switch 2 Shortfall - Cites Demand Surpassing Anticipated Levels
The Nintendo Switch 2, the latest gaming console from the Japanese tech giant, was released on June 5, 2025, and has been widely available in both the U.S. and the U.K.
In the U.S., major retailers such as Walmart, GameStop, Best Buy, Target, Costco, Sam's Club, and Staples have been selling the console, with stock varying by location. Walmart started selling the console at midnight ET on launch day, while GameStop held launch events offering standard and Mario Kart World bundles. Best Buy offered in-store sales only during the launch week, and Target's consoles come in and out of stock online.
The standalone Switch 2 console is priced at around $449.99, with bundles (e.g., including Mario Kart World) for about $499.99.
In the U.K., the Nintendo Switch 2 was also released widely on June 5, 2025, with pre-orders starting on April 5. Common major electronics retailers and gaming stores like GAME, Argos, Amazon UK, and others are likely to stock the console, similar to the U.S. pattern.
Despite initial pre-order challenges due to high demand and website issues at Walmart, Best Buy, and Target, stock remains limited but is slowly replenishing at various retailers. Major retail stores have also resorted to lottery-based sales for the Switch 2.
Contrary to some concerns, the availability of the Switch 2 in the U.S. and U.K. is not associated with any issues related to scalpers or artificially increased prices. Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa apologized during the company's 85th Annual General Meeting of Shareholders for the initial demand for the Switch 2 outpacing supply in many countries.
The Switch 2's launch did not result in shortages to the same extent as the launches of Nvidia's RTX 40-series and 50-series GPUs and the PlayStation 5. Instead, it has been a success, smashing the original Nintendo Switch's sales record by almost a million copies.
For the best chance to purchase the Nintendo Switch 2, check the websites or physical stores of the retailers listed above regularly, as stock fluctuates quickly due to high demand. Nintendo is working to strengthen its production system to deliver as many units as possible to customers. A fifth round of lottery sales is scheduled to start in July.
In the midst of high demand, various retailers such as Walmart, GameStop, Best Buy, Target, Costco, Sam's Club, Staples, GAME, Argos, Amazon UK, and others are stocking the Nintendo Switch 2, with technology enthusiasts eager to get their hands on the latest gadgets. The standalone console, priced around $449.99, and bundles, such as the one including Mario Kart World, cost approximately $499.99.
