Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders Surge Past 2.2 Million in Japan, Global Demand Soars Ahead of 2025 Launch

Nintendo Switch 2 is shaping up to be one of the most in-demand video game console launches in recent memory.

As anticipation reaches a fever pitch ahead of its official release on June 6, 2025, pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 have already shattered records, particularly in Japan.

The aggressive rollout of pre-orders across North America, Europe, and Japan has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm, underscoring the console’s global appeal and setting expectations for a landmark launch. According to Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa, the company is striving to meet unprecedented demand in its home market.

In a public statement shared on Nintendo’s official Japanese X (formerly Twitter) account, Furukawa explained that the company made extensive preparations in advance, sourcing substantial materials and ramping up production to prepare for the release of Nintendo Switch 2.

He revealed that since pre-order applications opened on April 2nd through the My Nintendo Store, approximately 2.2 million people in Japan alone applied for the lottery-based sales system.

"The volume of applications far surpassed even our loftiest expectations and greatly exceeded the number of Nintendo Switch 2 consoles available for delivery from the My Nintendo Store on June 5th," Furukawa stated.

As a result, he acknowledged that many eager consumers would not be able to secure a unit in the initial lottery.

Nintendo has implemented an automatic carryover for those not selected, placing them in a subsequent lottery.

Yet, Furukawa candidly admitted that even with additional inventory, satisfying total demand would not be possible at this time.

He extended his apologies and thanked customers for their understanding and patience. To address the supply shortfall, Nintendo is undertaking a robust expansion of its production capabilities.

Meanwhile, retail partners and online stores across Japan—and soon, in other regions—are beginning to offer their own pre-order or lottery systems.

Nintendo confirmed that the Switch 2 will continue to be available for purchase via the My Nintendo Store after its official release, with additional details to be provided closer to launch.

Furukawa reaffirmed Nintendo’s commitment to producing and shipping a significant volume of consoles continuously, reiterating apologies for not meeting every customer’s expectation at launch. Industry watchers are already comparing the Switch 2’s momentum to historic console launches.

PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 previously held the record for the fastest-selling launches, each moving approximately 4.5 million units within two months of release.

However, according to Pelham Smithers, founder of Japanese equities analysis firm Pelham Smithers Associates, the Switch 2 could dramatically surpass that figure if global demand mirrors Japanese trends.

In a recent statement to The Japan Times, Smithers noted that since Japan comprises about one-third of the total Switch user base worldwide, the 2.2 million pre-orders in Japan alone suggests a staggering 6.6 million pre-orders globally.

If realized, these sales would set a new industry benchmark and reinforce Nintendo’s leadership in the gaming hardware space. With the Nintendo Switch 2’s June 6, 2025 release date quickly approaching and the brand’s proven track record of innovative hybrids such as the original Nintendo Switch, the latest hardware launch is poised to redefine expectations for next-generation platform adoption.

The Nintendo Switch 2, backed by fervent consumer demand and expanded production efforts, is on the cusp of achieving one of the most successful console launches ever recorded. For more on Nintendo Switch 2 news, stay tuned to official announcements, Nintendo Direct updates, and retail partner information as the release date nears.

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