Switch Shortages Are Not Intentional, Nintendo Executive Asserts

"It's a good problem to have, but it's a problem."

Posted By | On 22nd, Jun. 2017

The Nintendo Switch’s shortages are at this point well documented and well known– so much so that Nintendo has apologized for them, and promised to increase supply. However, a ridiculous conspiracy theory, one that has dogged every Nintendo product since the NES era, persists- that the shortages are orchestrated by Nintendo to drum up hype and give the impression of a product more successful than it is. This, in spite of several reports confirming that Nintendo is trying to amp up production, but facing stiff competition for the same parts from other companies.

Nintendo’s Senior Director of Corporate Communications Charlie Scibetta insisted in an interview something that should be basic common sense, but sadly needs to be said nonetheless- the shortages are not intentional nor orchestrated. “It’s definitely not intentional in terms of shorting the market,” he told Ars in a recent interview. “We’re making it as fast as we can. We want to get as many units out as we can to support all the software that’s coming out right now… our job really is to get it out as quick as we can, especially for this holiday because we want to have units on shelves to support Super Mario Odyssey.”

So how has the situation become as bad as it has, then? Apparently, Nintendo wildly underestimated the demand for the new system- which is not something I can blame them for, given the tepid response to the Wii U. “We anticipated there was going to be demand for it, but the demand has been even higher than we thought,” he said. “We had a good quantity for launch, we sold 2.7 million worldwide in that first month, said we’re going to have 10 million [more] by the end of the fiscal year… Unfortunately, we’re in a situation right now where as quick as it’s going into retail outlets it’s being snapped up. It’s a good problem to have, but we’re working very hard to try and meet demand.”

This is a logical, sensible explanation, and given the other reports corroborating troubles in the supply chain, this is something that should conclude the myth of ‘artificial scarcity’ once and for all. Sadly, I have my doubts about that happening.


Tagged With: ,

Amazing Articles You Might Want To Check Out!



Share Your Thoughts Below  (Always follow our comments policy!)



Keep On Reading!

F1 Manager 2024 Announced, Launches This Summer

F1 Manager 2024 Announced, Launches This Summer

This year's title offers poaching, dynamic contract negotiations, improved rival team AI and the option to cre...

Payday 3 Developer Starbreeze Appoints New Interim CEO

Payday 3 Developer Starbreeze Appoints New Interim CEO

Former Focus Home Interactive CEO Juergen Goeldner will act as interim CEO until the Board finds a permanent r...

Rise of the Ronin Story Vignette Highlights Factions and Key Characters

Rise of the Ronin Story Vignette Highlights Factions and Key Characters

Team Ninja's open-world action RPG is full of interesting characters, some fighting by your side and others op...

Star Wars Jedi, God of War 3 Director Forms New Independent AAA Studio, Giant Skull

Star Wars Jedi, God of War 3 Director Forms New Independent AAA Studio, Giant Skull

The Stig-Asmussen led studio's first project is a AAA single-player action-adventure title developed on Unreal...

emptyvessel is a New AAA Studio Comprised of Former id Software, Naughty Dog, Activision Vets

emptyvessel is a New AAA Studio Comprised of Former id Software, Naughty Dog, Activision Vets

The studio says its first project will be an "immersive" shooter that it is developing on Unreal Engine 5.

Grandia HD Collection Launches March 26th for PS4 and Xbox One

Grandia HD Collection Launches March 26th for PS4 and Xbox One

The collection includes Grandia HD Remaster and Grandia 2 HD Remaster with enhanced sprites and textures, wide...