The Nintendo Switch has gotten off to an impressive start in the UK, selling around 80,000 units - double what the Wii U managed - but there are hints that stock is going to be tight over the next few weeks.
HMV's head of technology and games Phil Browes spoke to MCV about the launch, and claims that the retailer "blasted through" its initial allocation:
We satisfied all pre-orders and blasted through the remainder of our initial allocation. Every single one of our pre-order customers received their console on launch day, and we're optimistic that with some great games due to be released, Switch can establish itself as a successful third console in the market. We're a bit tight [on stock] but we're looking forward to more deliveries this week.
It has become clear that had more stock been available during launch week, more systems could have been sold as the demand is clearly there. GameSeek managing director Stephen Staley told MCV that stock levels had dropped to nothing over the weekend and he was unable to acquire any additional machines for his customers, while another manager - who wished to remain anonymous - stated that no official date has been given on when more consoles will arrive:
We are in communications with Nintendo but there is not a confirmed date as of yet. With Mario Kart coming in April I would hope there would be more stock before then but that's not confirmed.
Shortages at launch are nothing new, but one would hope Nintendo can get a handle on things before the Switch's next big title - Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - arrives next month.
[source nintendoeverything.com, via issuu.com]
Comments 31
Ah...
Nintendo should at least release one or two different bundles.
Give us White or Blue or Red Switch + Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. From far I know, Japanese loves White consoles and by release White one, i'm sure the sales will be boosted again.
So we know it sold 80,00 in its first week, but does this mean second week sales are going to somewhere around the ballpark of 0? Such much for keeping momentum up...
Still very easy to buy a Switch in Ireland. HMV? They're still alive? They've been a disaster here for the last number of years. They were bought out a few years ago. Very different from the UK. Their games section was embarrassing. Only store left on the island now is up in Belfast. It's a shame as I remember them being absolutely brilliant years ago.
http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/remaining-irish-hmv-stores-to-shut-within-months-as-retailer-takes-on-netflix-giant-34869715.html
My cousin has ordered one, he couldn't resist Zelda any more and never had a Wii U. I think Amazon are claiming they will be back in stock this month
Hopefully Nintendo can keep up supply.
If they can't then it's a real missed opportunity.
I know they're being cautious after the Wii U, and they have stated that they ramped up production after the initial pre orders sold out pretty much everywhere,, but I really hope they get some stock in quick.
It's all well and good having the best game ever made in years but without a console to play it on then what's the point?
Well, I guess since that's Nintendo's weakest market, they figured there'd be some units left over since the Wii U sold half as much initially. Makes since to think that way, I guess. Gotta go by the history of your previous system.
My local HMV has heavily cut down on their gaming section since their financial problems a few years back, but despite their limited stock, they still have some Switch stuff available... probably due to their full RRP pricing, and lack of additional incentives
Seems to be the same situation in the US. Every time I go into a game or electronics store I hear the guys on the phone every 30 seconds. "No, we don't have any Switches. More coming in a few weeks. Want to preorder the $500+ bundle?"
Everybody wants to blame Nintendo for "shorting", but I can't blame them. It would have been a disaster for them if they had gone all out and the console fizzled. Now they are getting great word of mouth, people are looking for Switches everywhere, and by the time they get a lot of consoles out in the wild there will be a satisfactory lineup of games, so there will be no more "400 Zelda machine" talk.
Expect Just Dance Switch to shoot up the charts, because everything else is sold out.
There are still no NES Minis to be found anywhere in the US but they are thriving on eBay. I really blame eBay for most shortages. They guarantee a price so if anyone happens to see one on a shelf they snatch it up and resell it. Why not. You can double your money in a snap. The switch is guaranteee to bring about $415 on eBay else they give you a coupon. They falsely increase demand. Sure Nintendo could have had more initially but i expect it to be 6 months before it's easy to get a switch at the store.
I'm just shocked that HMV still exists but yeah there's space for a third console. It's all upto Nintendo.
The Wii u failed because of Nintendo not none of us.
if they don't re-stock before Mario kart 8 then they are fools to themselves. hopefully they are on top of things
@BinaryFragger Did you know that they are closing ALL HMV's in Canada (if they haven't done already) by April 30th. Bye bye HMV you won't be missed.
We believe Nintendo Switch can be an excellent half of one side of a stand filler product so we dont have a whole side of a stand being clothing alongside 3DS, says GAME.
@Anti-Matter I'm sure we'll see additional color options in the future, but it's definitely too soon for that. More color options usually show up later on down the line, when sales have cooled down, as an incentive to push new people to buy. And since demand far exceeds supply at this point, I wouldn't expect any new colors for quite a while. They have to keep stores stocked before they can worry about offering more color variations.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE aye. I remember them opening in Newcastle , England back in the day and they were amazing. I vividly recall their n 64 promo stand and being blown away by Mario . Since then they have just stumbled into one disaster after another.
Lets hope Nintendo's got the Switch stock ready for MK8 Deluxe.
I ended up buying one from a reseller, a couple of dollars extra but I didn't want to wait, who knows how long, until a new restock.
Hopefully they get stock in before April, or else this demand will cool. Having units to sell alongside Mariokart will only help. I wish they had come out with more color options, I got the neon more because I didn't want gray, by green and gold(zelda) or white and blue(glacial tones) would have both been preferable for me.
Of course they will release color bundles next year, so I guess I'll just have to buy more joy cons then.
Amazon are getting more stock on March 31st. It was still available to buy after the launch weekend though. Stock might be tight but at least it's not non-existent.
It only doubled Wii U launch numbers? That is kinda embarrassing, but given that the UK is Nintendo's worst market, not surprising to say the least.
they do need more stock but HMV can close their pie holes, I have yet to visit an HMV that did anything to do with the Switch. Hell my local one's staff doesn't even to seem to know there was a new system until the GAME across the way put up preorder posters.
I'm waiting for another Year of Luigi to get my Luigi themed Switch with Super Luigi Universe.
The green one with the big white circle with the big green "L" on it.
Soon. Soon.
I get sad when I go to HMV these days. 10-15 years ago I was in my local store at least once a week. Today the store is a shadow of what it was.
Nintendo has another problem that just will not go away the Zelda Amiibo are all out of stock on Nintendo Shop so if your unfortunate enough to get a Switch and Zelda you can't get your Amiibo Come On Nintendo pull your bloody socks up an sort this out
It's a hot item everywhere. I attended an LA Lakers basketball game at Staples Center, in L.A. this weekend, and during halftime, a group of fans behind us talked about the Switch and how it's sold out and hard to find!
@Link41 "It only doubled Wii U launch numbers? That is kinda embarrassing, but given that the UK is Nintendo's worst market, not surprising to say the least."
Unexpectedly, it's been hard to find in the UK. Had there been more stock...
As long as I get mine in April I will be happy!
Nintendo would be crazy if they don't sort out lack of stock issues, I'm confident that they will as they have a big hitting game coming in April. Also I am wondering if they do Mario Kart- Switch bundles or if they will save for another hard hitting title?
I was in my local Sainsburys tonight and they had two Switches in stock.... so if you know where to look, also I might go in HMV and see what they've got in stock. I did buy mine but it was pre-ordered.
Think they should realease with a themed system after every game from now on or every week when production is consistent MK 8 toad console or Mario next two weeks.something to keep you on your toes
Or characters
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