If you’ve been holding out on buying a Nintendo Switch as of late, it might currently be the time to re-evaluate that plan. That’s according to recent comments made by Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa, who recently told Japanese site Nikkei that the console could experience hardware shortages later on this year. This is due to a combination of different factors, including high demand and ongoing pandemic challenges, but the biggest relates to the production of vital semiconductors.
Shuntaro tried to quell fears by stating that Nintendo has enough “necessary materials for the immediate production of semiconductors for switches”, but was candid that this may soon change. “In Japan and other countries,” he went on to say, “demand has been very strong since the beginning of the year, and there is a possibility of shortages at some retailers in the future.”
It’s worth noting that Nintendo Switch isn’t the only console to suffer from the ongoing semiconductor drought. We know, for instance, that Sony is also struggling to manufacture enough PS5s to meet demand due to this one component. As such it’s throttling the company’s potential sales. The Nintendo Switch was able to maintain a consistent stock flow throughout 2020 and up until now, for the most part. If Shuntaro’s comments are anything to go by though, this could soon change towards the end of the year.
This isn’t too mention fairly substantial reports that Nintendo is planning to launch a new, more powerful Switch model variant over the holiday season. Known colloquially as the “Nintendo Switch Pro”, Bloomberg claims that this improved console will feature a better battery, slightly bigger screen and increased graphical potential. Is the current semiconductor shortage likely to affect Nintendo’s plans to launch the pro? It certainly won’t help proceedings.
Luckily, both the standard and Lite version Nintendo Switch are readily available across a wide range of UK retailers. Wondering where you can get one at the best price? We’ve pulled in the best current offers below, making it easier than ever for you to save on Switch (while you can still buy one):
