adminSwitch 2 production is reportedly being reduced after holiday sales fell short of Nintendo’s expectations, particularly in the United States. The planned cut could affect the number of consoles made this quarter and continue into April, though the company has not publicly confirmed the reported change.
Image credit: Nintendo
Why Switch 2 production may be changing
People familiar with the plans say Nintendo expects to produce four million consoles this quarter, down from an earlier plan of six million. The lower production level is also expected to continue in April. These figures refer to reported manufacturing plans, not a confirmed change to the console’s retail price or availability.
Console sales are said to have missed the company’s expectations during the holiday period, with the shortfall particularly noticeable in the US. A lower-priced version sold well in Japan, but that performance did not offset weaker US sales, according to the report.
For readers tracking the news, it is useful to distinguish between production targets and sales: producing fewer units does not by itself confirm how many consoles consumers bought or whether stores will experience shortages.
Market reaction and Nintendo’s outlook
Nintendo’s share price reportedly fell by as much as 6.3% to ¥8,835 ($55.72) per share following the production news. Earlier in the month, the share price had risen 10.5% after the release of Pokémon Pokopia. Share prices can respond to a range of company and market developments, so a movement on its own does not establish the reason for a longer-term change.
Despite the reported production adjustment, sources said Nintendo remains confident in the console’s long-term prospects. Rising prices and memory-chip shortages were not identified as reasons for the decision. Nintendo did not respond to a request for comment.
How the reported change compares with Switch 2 sales
The Switch 2 launched last June and sold more than 1.1 million units in the US during its launch period, setting a US launch record. By November, global sales had reached 10.36 million units, the highest total achieved by a Nintendo platform over a comparable period, according to the article’s figures.
After the company’s financial results last month, president Shuntaro Furukawa said hardware sales in Japan were ahead of the rest of the market. He also described performance following holiday sales of the lower-priced console, Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Kirby Air Riders as “better than expectations.” These comments provide context, but they do not confirm the latest reported production plans.
Possible revised model and EU battery rules
Separate reports have suggested that Nintendo may release a revised Switch 2 model in the European Union with a replaceable battery. The reported change would align with EU legislation adopted in 2023 that requires portable consoles to have replaceable batteries by 2027.
Until Nintendo confirms any model changes, buyers should treat details about a revised console as unconfirmed. Anyone considering a purchase can check official product information and local retailer listings for confirmed specifications and availability.
What the Switch 2 production report means
The reported reduction in Switch 2 production points to a more cautious manufacturing plan after holiday sales, especially in the US, came in below expectations. However, Nintendo’s long-term confidence and the console’s earlier sales milestones remain part of the wider picture. The Switch 2 production figures are currently reported plans rather than an official company announcement, so further confirmation will be important.
