The Nintendo Switch had what retailers are dubbing a ‘fantastic launch’ in the UK, with the platform being perceived as a rebound for Nintendo after a few years in the slump with the Wii U. As MCV reports, executives at UK stores said their stock was quickly diminished during the Switch’s first few days on sale, but overall remarked that it was a very strong launch.
Said HMV’s head of technology and games Phil Browes, “We satisfied all pre-orders and blasted through the remainder of our initial allocation. Every single one of our pre-order customers received their console on launch day, and we’re optimistic that with some great games due to be released, Switch can establish itself as a successful third console in the market. We’re a bit tight [on stock] but we’re looking forward to more deliveries this week.”
Meanwhile, GAME appears to be rather satisfied with how the Switch launch worked out, too. “GAME is the go-to destination for new console launches, and it was no different for the Nintendo Switch. Successful midnight openings across the country drew the in the crowds, with the European President of Nintendo, Mr Shibata, even heading down to our Wardour Street store. Demand for the Switch remains high and we are continuing to take orders in our stores and online, we’re incredibly excited about the opportunities this new console represents,” said GAME’s COO Guy Lister.
ShopTo’s head of commercial Alison Fraser was happy about the launch, but she did note that delivery issues marred what should have been a slam dunk otherwise. “Overall, it was a great success,” she said. “I’m afraid we did [have delivery issues] which took the shine off the successful launch as we shipped to all of our customers on Thursday which would have been on time for launch.”
GameSeek’s managing director Stephen Staley said the launch went well, but stock levels for the system were not zero, and there were no more Switch systems to sell. That, in fact, appears to be a recurring concern. Speaking anonymously, one manager said that it was hard to tell when stores would be getting more stock. “We are in communications with Nintendo but there is not a confirmed date as of yet,” they said. “With Mario Kart coming in April I would hope there would be more stock before then but that’s not been confirmed.”
As of right now, the Switch has had a good launch even in the UK, a territory where Nintendo has historically done bad. So that’s a win for Nintendo- but now, as these concerns about sellouts are clearly demonstrating, the onus is on Nintendo to maintain momentum by maintaining stock, and also by maintaining a steady supply of games. Let’s hope they can do so.