Nintendo Switch scarce – already sold out

Any doubts as to how popular the Nintendo Switch is going to be may eased by this weekend’s flurry.

According to reports it has only taken a couple of days for stocks to be snapped up at some retailers.

Both Amazon UK and US websites had sold out of their allocation by as early as Friday, only a day after Nintendo’s big reveal.

In the UK, the Switch is still available to pre-order on GAME’s website. That might not be entirely good news, however.

VG247 reports that the retailer said it has

…not received official confirmation of stock allocation. Until we have our allocation confirmed by Nintendo we cannot guarantee that every order will be fulfilled for launch.”

So, remain excited but prepare to be disappointed.

GameStop over in the US has also stated that it “has reserved all of its first allotment of Nintendo Switch systems.” The online retailer began taking pre-orders on Friday on its website and at its 3,900 stores.

It sounds like GameStop is trying to get more Nintendo Switch consoles as they are still receiving requests.

Senior Vice President of merchandising at GameStop Bob Puzon said

The fact that this initial allotment has been completely reserved in a matter of a few days demonstrates gamers desire for this fun and revolutionary gaming system… We’re working closely with Nintendo to get additional Nintendo Switch units, and will let our customers know when they become available.”

Nintendo of America boss Reggie Fils-Aime had a chat with Wired on Friday.

In the interview he said that two million units of the Switch will be shipped worldwide at launch.

He also tried to reassure those trying to pre-order the console regarding availability:

I know, because I read the boards and I read the comments, that there is concern about supply. From what I’ve read, the concern seems to stem from the lack of ability to buy NES Classic. So what I would say is this: two million for essentially the first month is a huge number, especially when you look and see that this is not peak seasonality. This is essentially the first three weeks of March. Our focus is making sure that the consumer who wants to buy a Nintendo Switch can buy a Nintendo Switch. That’s how we build our supply chain, that’s how we think through the amount of product that’s available.”

Has Nintendo purposely under-produced in order to build demand or is the Switch looking to be a big seller?

Have you managed to pre-order? If so, who with?

What is the Nintendo Switch?

If you’re not sure about what’s causing all this excitement, hop on over to our all you need to know about the Nintendo Switch article.