Masahiro Sakurai Secures Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Order Through Japan’s Official Lottery

Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Order: Masahiro Sakurai Among Japanese Lottery Winners The highly anticipated launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 has sent waves of excitement throughout Japan, and renowned game developer Masahiro Sakurai—creator of iconic franchises such as Super Smash Bros.

and Kirby—has found himself celebrating alongside everyday fans.

Following the official pre-order lottery system initiated by Nintendo, Japanese gamers and industry figures alike have been waiting anxiously for confirmation of their status ahead of the new console’s June 5, 2025 release. As reported by Nintendo Life and corroborated by Nintendo contributor Andrew J.

Rue, Sakurai recently announced that he was among the successful applicants for a Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order.

The legendary developer had shared nearly three weeks prior that he entered Nintendo’s lottery system to secure the next-generation hardware on launch day.

In a newly translated update, Sakurai expressed his astonishment at winning, conveying, “Did I really…? I won the lottery!” Nintendo’s decision to utilize a lottery for Switch 2 pre-orders in Japan speaks to the soaring demand for the platform, which boasts significant hardware and software upgrades.

According to Rue, Sakurai’s triumph may have been aided by his selection of the multi-language version of the Nintendo Switch 2, priced at 69,980 yen.

In contrast, the standard, Japan-only edition is available at a lower price point of 49,980 yen.

Both models were included in the randomized allocation process, emphasizing the level playing field for prospective buyers. Notably, Sakurai’s participation in the lottery demonstrates the popularity and fairness of Nintendo’s process.

Despite his role as the director of one of the Switch 2’s major exclusives, Kirby Air Riders, Sakurai participated under the same conditions as fans.

This affirms Nintendo’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for consumers, even amidst challenges such as sudden server disruptions on the My Nintendo Store and warnings about phishing emails during the pre-order rush. With Nintendo having shipped over 125 million units of the original Nintendo Switch since its 2017 debut, anticipation for the Switch 2 is reaching unprecedented heights.

The new console is set to build on the legacy of Nintendo’s celebrated hybrid hardware, delivering enhanced gaming experiences for titles from celebrated developers like Sakurai.

Fans and industry insiders alike now look forward to June 5, 2025, when the Nintendo Switch 2 officially launches in Japan and early adopters—including Sakurai—get their hands on Nintendo’s next big innovation.

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