Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Will Not Include Central America or Caribbean Markets, Confirmed by Distributor Report

Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Excludes Central America and Caribbean in 2024, Says Report Nintendo’s much-anticipated Switch 2 console will not see an official release in Central America or the Caribbean this year, according to a new report from Teletica, a well-known Costa Rican news outlet.

The decision follows a distributor summit in which Nintendo executives reportedly informed key partners from across the region of the company’s current plans for the next-generation Nintendo hardware. Background: Nintendo Switch 2’s Global Excitement First announced to widespread speculation and anticipation, the Nintendo Switch 2 (sometimes referred to as the Nintendo Switch successor) is poised to succeed the remarkably popular Nintendo Switch, which has sold over 125 million units worldwide since its launch in March 2017.

The new hardware is expected to deliver updated specs, enhanced graphics, and new features sought after by fans of the Nintendo platform. However, as clarified in the latest distributor meeting, Nintendo has elected not to deploy the Switch 2 across Central America and the Caribbean for the foreseeable future.

In communication with distributors, company representatives pointed to the absence of a dedicated digital storefront—specifically, the lack of an official eShop—in these regions as a significant barrier.

According to Teletica, Nintendo’s officials made it clear that the market size and regional challenges did not justify the launch at this time. Digital Storefront and Pricing Concerns Unlike other regions where the Nintendo eShop enables digital game and content purchases, Central American and Caribbean customers have no local access to Nintendo’s online store.

As a result, distributors were told there would be no official allocation of Switch 2 stock for these territories until at least 2026.

In addition to the digital infrastructure challenges, Nintendo reportedly cited concerns over the estimated regional retail price—projected as high as $610 USD once imported taxes and markups are factored in—as another reason for holding back the launch.

Such pricing could place the console out of reach for many gamers in the region. No Pre-Orders or Official Sales for 2024 Officially, this means customers in Central America and the Caribbean will not have access to pre-orders, local stock, or first-party distribution of the Switch 2 this year.

While determined fans may seek to import the new console from other territories, Nintendo will not offer support or guarantee availability of games and peripherals via regional channels during this period. Nintendo’s decision stands in contrast with the strong performance of the original Switch throughout global markets, including Latin America.

Given continued economic challenges and the complexities of digital distribution, the absence of a regional eShop appears to have played a decisive role in the company’s strategy for the Switch 2 rollout. Looking Ahead The Switch 2 remains on schedule for a broader international launch, with more details expected via Nintendo Direct presentations and official company announcements.

Analysts continue to predict high initial sales for the new hardware, and fans worldwide await further updates regarding regional availability and software line-up on the Nintendo eShop.

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