Nintendo Switch Shortages Set To Cause 10 Percent Decrease In Sales

Just as we reported earlier today that Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X/S shortages may slowly be starting to ease, it looks as if Nintendo Switch shortages are soon set to begin.

To date, both the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch OLED have been relatively easy to get your hands on. With a quick internet search, there’s guaranteed to be several retailers stocking the consoles, but sales are soon to be affected by a shortage of semiconductors.

In case you missed it, take a look at the overview trailer for the recently released Nintendo Switch Sports.

According to Nikkei Asia, Nintendo are expecting to ship 20 million Nintendo Switch consoles this current fiscal year. This is a 10 percent decrease on 2021’s figures and 30 percent decrease on 2020’s figures, which saw over 28 million consoles shipped.

As a console ages, you’d expect sales to drop slightly but Nikkei Asia goes on to note that the 10 percent decrease is due to continued semiconductor shortages and “disruptions to logistics networks.” Demand remains high for Nintendo Switch consoles, even six years after release, and the plan was originally to step up production.

The supply chain disruption is being caused by several factors. One such factor is the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Most Nintendo Switch consoles are produced in China which is currently experiencing strict lockdowns in response to an outbreak of Covid-19. This is also hugely affecting production.

It’s reported that if lockdowns continue, sales could drop below the expected 20 million units. If you’re interested in buying the Nintendo Switch soon, I wouldn’t panic. You’re unlikely to see the kinds of shortages PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X/S have experienced. It certainly isn’t great news for Nintendo though.