Nintendo fans got quite a surprise on Friday when it was discovered Hogwarts Legacy - a next-generation game inspired by the famous Harry Potter books and movies - would be coming to the Switch.
This confirmation was shared in an FAQ on the official game website, and now in an update, Warner Bros. Avalanche community manager Chandler Wood has reconfirmed this with the team over at GoNintendo. Here's the full exchange (via Twitter):
"We don't have anymore details right now except to confirm that yes, Hogwarts Legacy is coming to the Switch."
Noticeably, it's still unclear if the Switch game will be a proper release or a cloud version. The original discovery of Hogwarts Legacy for Switch was followed by the reveal of the game's Nintendo box art (via Amazon), which suggests it's getting a physical and digital release on the system. You can view the cover in our previous story.
So, there you go, according to the response from this WB Avalanche rep - Hogwarts Legacy really is coming to the Switch.
Players can look forward to an "open-world, single-player, action role-playing video game set in the 1800s wizarding world". Hogwarts Legacy is out Holiday 2022, would you be interested in playing a Switch version? Tell us down in the comments.
[source gonintendo.com]
Comments 164
This message has been updated from a previous version to make clearer Nintendo Life's stance on the topic:
Hogwarts Legacy does not exist in a vacuum. There are important discussions being had about the views and opinions held by the creator of the Harry Potter universe – views and opinions which we do not agree with.
Our goal is to create and foster a positive environment for people – all people – to discuss and celebrate video games, not to amplify ignorance or provide a forum for unconstructive arguments. As per our community rules, we do not accept any form of hate speech on our platform.
I really don't see it running on the switch well, but maybe a little bit of that hogwarts magic, is indeed needed.
This is the closest we'll get to Fable on the switch. Its an instant buy for that reason alone, provided it isn't cloud based.
Definitely getting this game. My options are Switch or XB1…personally, I’ll choose Switch every time, unless it’s a cloud version (which doesn’t seem to be the case here) or actually broken/unplayable. I don’t really care about graphics or performance, I just prefer playing on Switch. I was totally shocked to see it’s coming-I had already preordered an XB1 copy…never really occurred to me I’d have an option. We shall see!
Be interesting to see how it runs. Hopefully there won't be an explosion or some other hazard occurring.
Weirdest announcement of a Switch game from a major AAA studio so far.
I'm sure if it wasn't a cloud release they would have said to generate more hype
Lately i'm gaming a lot more on my switch than on other console/PC if i can choose so i will be glad if a proper port of Hogwarts Legacy will come on the Nintendo console even if that means lower graphics. Obiviously we are all hoping that it won't be a cloud game otherwise it's a clearly NO for me.
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Oh wow, cool news! Leaning towards PS5 for now, but will reconsider if it runs well enough on Switch.
Absolutely will not be purchasing for the reasons alluded to in the pinned comment, but want to say I really appreciate Nintendo Life’s handling of the subject. I wish those looking forward to the game a great time with the title. ❤️
@Would_you_kindly
That's what I thought too, but it does have a Switch retail edition on Amazon with boxart
Will watch this with interest... I absolutely loved some of the earlier Harry potter games, if this turns out to be anything like them I'd be tempted to get it
I'm still waiting to see more gameplay but I could see myself buying if they nail the wizard fantasy and performance.
Cloud version will be a hard pass, and I don't have a lot of faith in WB to do a good downscaling. A unique Switch version would be great, I miss when the SNES and Genesis would get totally different versions of licensed games like with Jurassic Park. But otherwise definitely a game I'll get on another platform.
Nintendo Life, Hogwarts Legacy is not a next generation game. The game is releasing on Xbox one and PS4 too.
And also the switch box art was leaked online, most likely not cloud I think
I’ve got over 100 switch games and have never purchased a cloud game and do not intend to so if this runs natively and gets decent reviews for the switch I’ll buy it
@westman98 I've searched for it but can only see Lego Harry potter
I'll buy it, if it's not cloud based. If it's cloud I won't be buying it. Cloud games are trash.
Looks good, hopefully it gets a proper physical release for the Switch.
The game looks fun and if it's a native port and runs well I may just get it.
@westman98 found it on best buy in the US & it does say physical for software format... Strange
@Would_you_kindly well I can see it on amazon though
If this isn’t a cloud version, then take my money! This game looks amazing and like my cup of tea.
@Snatcher wouldn't run too well on Xbox One and PS4 either but better than Switch ofc.
I can't see this being anything but a cloud game. Picture of box art means next to nothing.
Also posting the long disclaimer is a bit ridiculous.
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As long as it is not a cloud version and it runs decently well, I will buy it. I'm very hopeful that it is a solid port worthy of my time that comes out on time, like Immortals: Fenyx Rising. I don't want another Doom: Eternal Switch or Watchdogs Wii U situation.
Also, something is swimming around the internet that should be making certain people rethink things, so I appreciate NL's attempt at civility. Usually these discussions devolve into vitriol pretty quickly, so fingers crossed that it can be avoided this time.
Honestly, not picking it up either way, mainly because of reasons surrounding the creator of Harry Potter in general, but that entire spiel is for another day. The game itself looks decently solid so far, so who knows, maybe ill buy it secondhand if it's good enough, but as is, im gonna wait this one out.
Also, on the topic of WB, was the Batman Arkham Collection ever confirmed for Switch? Because I think that Collection could be a good representation of how well Hogwarts Legacy works on Switch, specifically Arkham Knight.
I'll be buying 5 copies for the reasons stated in the pinned comment, however what really sold me was the graphics in the trailer so 4 of those copies will not be for the Switch.
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I don't get why everyone thinks this game will not be able to run well on the Switch, have they not seen all of these other games? The main problem is the developers, they may end up taking the lazy route with the Switch...
The game is also going to launch on PS4 and Xbox One, so it will already be downgraded compared to the PS5 footage that was shown. I guess the folks at Avalanche were okay with downgrading the visuals even more.
Cool...it's pretty hard to get a console wrong, but sure
Still looks cool and Rowling still makes a fantastic product
Forgive my ignorance, but what’s the purpose of the warning at the beginning of the comments section on these Harry Potter games?
@BloodNinja
Rowling said some stuff that got wildly misconstrued, you'd best google it for the details.
@lolwhatno @Screen Thank you both for calmly explaining that to me. I have to admit I was braced for impact LOL
I'll look around wikipedia. Thank you.
Well, like I mused earlier, most cloud versions are usually announced as such out the gate. And the reports of physical versions speak in favour of the trend as well - I've yet to hear of a streaming app (or even a download code thereof) stuffed into a game card case.
@JaneBear as long as you keep these reasons to your personal budget plans rather than attempt propagating them (which you commendably do here), it's completely within your right.
That reminds me...I remember seeing a tweet 7 days ago saying that the Switch version might be a native port. Don't quote me on this one tho. But i think it's likely.
After all, that delay might've been a good thing.
@eaglebob345 I totally forgot about the Arkham Collection. No way WB is releasing cloud versions of that and Potter. I don't even think they've released a cloud Switch game. Again, this will be downscaled like Mortal Kombat or MLB the Show which is fine by me!
We know it is coming to the switch. But Cloud version.
@lolwhatno DUDE
NINJA APPROVED
Especially for the Last Giant gif
@Krambo42 same here, but with PS4/5. if I can play it on the go or everywhere in the house, this will be a much higher benefit than the best graphics.
I'll be buying this on next-gen console I think (I want 60 fps), it's cool that switch can run this game though since it's an open world titles with flying mechanics.
Really good news for people who prefer playing in handheld. Got no problem if it plays well enough like Witcher 3. People hating on a Switch version can suck it up.
It's Native port. Meaning, not a cloud version.
@Cyberbotv2 That's what I'm hoping for. WB did put down the funds to get Arkham Origins and Arkham Asylum ported onto the Wii U, MK11 on the Switch, and a plethora of LEGO titles on both. I expect them to at least attempt a port and not just drop a quick and dirty cloud version.
Hell yes can’t wait for this.
True, hogwarts legacy doesn’t exist in a vacuum, it exists in a broom probably
Joking aside though the issue is gonna be the cloud option if that is the route they choose. Nothing says disappointment like buying a game that won’t last forever and will probably have a ton of latency issues. Also.. I’m here for all the witches
If it runs okay I'll pick this up tbh. I don't have the patience for big open world collectathon games on my Series S, prefer to chug away at them in handheld mode on Switch
@eaglebob345 I wondee if the sales of the other Harry Potter games are why they're trying to make it happe
The main here with it coming to Switch is its portable and you can play where you wish.
Also the massive Switch user base probably over 110 million time the game releases.
That’s a lot of sales to miss out in if they didn’t release in Switch.
Anyway the best selling game on Switch this year will be Lego skywalker Star Wars, but only if BOTW2 doesn’t release 2022 or a surprise Mario or DK platform game.
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Buy this and support Rowling doing so? Yes please.
A chance to explore the wonderful world of JK on the switch…… take my money JK. Take my money. I’ll also get on the ps5 or the XSX.
Ofc I will be buying the game! Maybe not on the Switch but if they somehow manage to fit it all on the cartridge I will double dip!
The author created a fantastic world that I will remember for the rest of my life (and enjoy)
@Snatcher Why not? Have you seen the 15min gameplay reveal?
It really doesn't look that graphically impressive and its a single player game.
Pretty sure it will be able to run 1080p 30fps docked, which is good enough for this type of game.
You know the creator is controversial (and not cool, to put it nicely) if many sites put up caveats on them.
Slightly more on topic, the game looked okay. Idk if I'll buy it but if it really is a native port as I said before, it puts a few other publishers on notice. No matter how it runs, really.
Please, not another Cloud Japan Only version like Assassins Creed
@Dezzy70 Lego Star Wars won't be even close to the best selling game on the Switch this year, Pokémon Gen 9 and Switch Sports will sell far over 10 million.
This is not gonna be a cloud version if the physical release is real. And why wouldn't it be real?
That disclaimer is actually ridiculous… anyway, if the game is good and runs well on Switch, i.e. if they put the effort in, I could see us getting this.
If it’s free I still wouldn’t want it.
@Xiovanni I'm aware that she isn't involved. Regardless of her involvement, people associate the IP with her. And like you said, it doesn't help the devs are making poor excuses for some of their game design decisions.
In any case, I won't talk any more about this topic because I've already taken my side on the matter. Besides, that isn't the reason I don't want this game. I'm just not a fan of the IP, in general.
@Jeronan it’s because I have seen it I’m saying that, not only the graphics but just how big the game is, and I know botw and all that, but that was built for the switch, not this.
@lolwhatno I like that you said make your mind by yourself, because that’s respecting another opinion, by letting them make one.
@IronMan30 not true at all. This site doesn’t allow comments on threads about supporting Ukraine software. I’m sure they aren’t saying ukraine isn’t cool. It’s more some people can’t help themselves taking discussions off or in some cases not even understanding why or what someone said in the first place.
I personally am excited about this. I share people's concerns however over how it runs on the Switch & the threat of it being a cloud version.
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This game looks ultra ambitious, I'm surprised it's coming to Xbox One/PS4 let alone switch. My expectations are ultra low, like Lego games on DS vs PS3 type of low.
@LEGEND_MARIOID There's an Xbone version, so I'm willing to bet the Switch will be a graphically reduced version of that, probably running at a dynamic 720p with load times that would make FFXV on PS4 jealous. Looking over the trailer again I'm reasonably confident it'll be able to run natively on Switch if that's the best they can do on a PS5.
Also it's hilarious to me that the developer/publisher or whatever had to go on Twitter to make "...no, really, it's coming tp Switch!" post lol. Until yesterday I assumed it was a PS5 exclusive, but I'm assuming all the marketing is being funded by Sony
Will buy two or three copies so I have it on all my consoles if it turns out to be as good as it looks!
Very much looking forward to this game
@BTB20
You are correct, forget about those.
Posted to early in the morning for my brain. 😂
I need to catch up Switch wise as have been off the Switch scene for a while, probably since around Luigi Mansion 3.
Just bought a new Switch OLED white and pro controller and 128gb memory card.
Currently playing MK8 and Bowers Fury.
Will probably pick up Kirby Friday.
@eaglebob345 Doom eternal works fine on Switch!
I feel like I'm the only millennial nerd that never got into Harry Potter. Hmm maybe that's because I'm not actually a nerd but rather a dork, nerds are the smart ones that like to read. Regardless, I'll be eager to see how it runs on the Switch's comparatively ancient hardware.
720p 30fps here we come!
Will it be another "impossible" dynamic resolution scaling hitting 360p at 25fps port with low-res textures, effects, asset and geometry?
I seriously think game developers should do this more why not build the game for next gen but downgrade it for switch but by downgrade I mean fully rework it on a switch engine at the end of the day is switch fans would take the hit in visual fidelity just to have these games available to us
@Banjo- God willing, yes!
@MostHandsieBoy other than the licence i don't think JK Rowling have any input about which platforms the game will be released. She is not directly involved in the creation of the game.
@Matty1988 We'll find out later this year!
@dimi She's not involved but she does still hold the rights to the Harry Potter IP which means she's still getting paid.
Back on topic. The game looks cool, I'll be hunting down a used copy in the week or two after release.
What they don't say is when...
Let's see what it looks like/running on the Switch hardware before we get too excited.
Fingers crossed a talented Switch developer handles the conversion.
There’s no way this isn’t a cloud release
Sounds like the Switch 2 will be coming out this year if this game releases. Games can be written for both levels of performance. We got lots of Trolls seemingly thinking more when they have no clue.
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@Banjo- just a reminder that Hogwarts Legacy is not a next generation game. I don’t think the resolution will be that low
The game will probably run like crap on switch but I'll buy it to support Rowling whom I love. Of course I will buy it on a more powerful platform as well to enjoy it in it's true graphical glory at 60fps as it was intended to be experienced by the devs
@Waluigi451 It’s on Amazon so no
@Snatcher Both Skyrim and Witcher 3 made it to the Switch and especially Witcher 3 is a huge game.
What I have seen and read so far, Hogwarts won't come anywhere close to the vastness/scale of Witcher 3.
@lolwhatno That’s amazing, good job Did you know if you attack his arm, it will fall off and he won’t be able to use it as a weapon? I just learned that and I’ve been playing since launch!
@Matty1988 Whatever it is, I hope it's good. I know it's too much to hope for, but I would also like EA to re-release the Harry Potter games they made way back in the day. Those games were great childhood experiences.
I can't wait to see how this game will run on switch XDDDDD
@Strumpan I know it runs very well. I meant that I don't want it to release many months after the other versions for full price, when the other versions were much lower in price and the game was old news. Similarly to how Watchdogs was released on the Wii U and Doom Eternal on the Switch.
@lolwhatno DS2 is full of stuff like that! An old channel called Zoikoikum specialized in finding as many hidden details as possible. Fascinating stuff. Here’s a link:
https://youtu.be/a3A1lByqctI
I bet my brother will like this. He’s a fan of Harry Potter.
Oh right also I’m one of those guys that separates the art from the artist.
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I got all 3 consoles and Im getting the switch edition of this one. Two reasons, I think it will run just fine and to have a game like this on the go must be awesome.
@Thenewguy the game doesn't look that graphically demanding when I saw it last. Doesn't really look next gen (but still looks good enough)
The game is using UE5 apparently and it is also releasing on Xbox One and PS4 too
@anoyonmus Hopefully.
I wanna congratulate Nintendo Life on handling this better then most other outlets like KF, EZA and such. It's nice to see that along with LSM, Nintendo Life is approaching this rationally.
On another note, I am super hyped for this game, though I won't be playing on Switch, I assume it'll end up being a cloud version. If not, then I will wait until we know more about the performances before buying it.
Yep, I'm getting it.
Let's hope it's better than that Hogwarts Mystery Mobile Game.
I mean, we got The Witcher (with all its dlc) and Doom on switch, so who knows, maybe we'll be surprised of the game they deliver. I'll keep optimistic about it.
Yet more evidence that any game can run on Switch, it's just a matter of taking the time to optimize it for the system.
Of course, there's no guarantee this will be a good port. But the fact they're trying, that alone speaks volumes. And if it doesn't pan out, Steam Deck to the rescue.
But I hope it turns out well. I'd definitely prefer to play this on Switch Lite and OLED if I can.
My sisters are massive Harry Potter fans so this would've definitely gone down well with them if they were into games. I am very interested in how this comes over because if they manage to pull a DOOM on it? Oh my god.
@Mince its never meant to be showing off PS5 potential. Game is coming to Xbox One and PS4 too. It was meant to be a cross gen game before they announced it for switch
@Banjo- maybe they will use that AMD FSR.
Also finding physical copy listings on best buy and amazon hint it is not a cloud version
@TAndvig we have pretty much discussed this here and the fact there is evidence that it is NOT a cloud version but a native version.
Cloud versions don't have physical copy listings
My humble guess is that it’s going to be a cloud version , but if put in the right hands it could be a port but what is best a 480 p 20 fps port or a pseudo 4K downscaled 1080p cloud version with the problems of lag and inconsistent gameplay. Anyway I will play this game on my series s .
I won't be buying it
Exciting news but I can't be confident in saying it will look or run anywhere near good enough on the Switch. Here's hoping I get proved wrong.
@anoyonmus Yep, I don't think that the developer would say it's coming to Switch if it was the cloud version. They would clarify that.
@Banjo- maybe but idk.
Can you explain your comment a bit more further though, Banjo
@anoyonmus Yeah. I noticed the same thing. It's nice to see some new games that aren't Nintendo exclusives make their way to the Switch. Especially considering it will be 2 years into the nex-gen cycle. But like you said, it's probably not long stretch for the game considering it's also releasing on One and PS4
@Jeronan That’s true. We also have to think about who is porting are game, and it’s WB, and I’m not sure if they have a good history of porting things to the switch, if at all. But I would love to be proven wrong, because I would like to double dip.
@lolwhatno No problem, because I really did appreciate it.
@Snatcher WB has ported various Lego games to Switch and also MK11 to Switch (with some help).
MK11 on Switch turned out pretty well for the most part (despite the downgrade in graphical quality) and Lego games were ported pretty well to Switch
@Cyberbotv2 dying light 2 is cloud...
@anoyonmus I think that if it was the cloud version, the developer wouldn't dare to say on Twitter "...no, really, it's coming toSwitch!", as @Matty1988 posted.
Or do you mean my first comment?
Biggest problem here is people are stuck on Cloud this so far has indicate this isn't a Cloud game yet people are so hung up on Cloud. Why is that? I think those are Trolling this for Cloud and not reading and comprehending what is being said here. Nothing so far here or the other links it directs to mention Cloud. So why are people spreading misleading opinions about Cloud here.
@anoyonmus cloud games are fairly new though so it's not completely out of the question to think Nintendo might start selling them as codes in a case
Cool, this looks like the gamerst game ever made! Time to rise up!
@SwitchForce yeah I meant there are indications for no cloud so yeha.
Also they would have said it right off the bat or said it right now tbh.
And the fact you can find the physical copy on Amazon and Best Buy and you can pre-order it right now, indicates most likely it isn't a cloud version.
@Banjo- no I meant that.
Yeah if it was a cloud version, they wouldn’t say it’s coming to Switch.
Also they probably would have mentioned it right off the bat too
@Would_you_kindly then honestly, it should have happened a while ago then but it hasn’t. So far there isn't any indication of a cloud version of the game yet.
Also the official website said nothing about cloud version. It just said it’s coming to Switch.
Also dying light 2 got delayed on Switch and that’s a cloud game funnily enough
I want this game but I have my doubts it'll run properly on a launch PS4 let alone a Nintendo Switch. So I think I'll stick to just getting it on PS4 because even there I think it'll have some quality issues (I don't even have a Pro..it's just a launch console) and I have no faith a PS5 will become available for purchase before Holiday 2030. But maybe if Nintendo surprises us with a Switch Pro or something and it's backward compatible, maybe I'll get this game to play on that. HA.
I'm interested.
@anoyonmus I think so.
@eaglebob345 OK, I see how you mean. Personally, I don't really care if it comes out later, but I understand the issue.
@Would_you_kindly if it was a cloud release why would it have a physical cartridge? I understand it's still not 100% confirmed either way, but given the listing on Amazon I'm pretty sure it's a physical release.
are there cloud releases that have physical releases on switch?
@PSPMan3000 I don't think they've done it with any cloud games yet but I think they could end up selling them in cases with just a download code to redeem the cloud version I bought stern pinball for my switch & it was just a download code in a case
I’ll be getting this game for another console but I’m ecstatic it’s on the Switch for those of you that’ll enjoy it on the go. Other sites have the hardcore next gen players already ragging the expected poorer performance - But I’m sure Nintendo pays no mind considering the Game Boy outsold the competition in the 90’s!
Happy to support the creativity of JK and the devs!
Buying this just to cast spells on the weirdos in the game
Eh I don’t need every game to be portable, I’d rather get the full-def version of any major AAA title and play those at home.
A lot of people are complaining about the disclaimer, but this is one of the most civil and on-topic comment sections I’ve seen in a long time (especially for one that has over 100 comments). Nicely done, NL.
Looking forward to seeing how this runs on Switch compared to other consoles.
I'm going to be picking this up on PS5...or maybe even the steam deck if I can get my hands on that by the time this comes out.
It's gonna run poorly or look like absolute garbage. Not everything needs to be ported to Switch imo.
I somehow was very confused when I thought they were porting the Pokémon go clone that they are shutting down any day now! 😂
Game wise this sounds like how I felt playing the pc version of chambers as a teen! 😂❤️
Hope they won't use the same gating system where there's nothing to do besides going to the end and then exploring the castle.
(And also not picking up for pinned reason. )
And on the cloud /non cloud debate:
The Harry Potter games used to be a different experience on every other console you picked it up! (like adventure Platformer on pc, and a straight out RPG for Gameboy. )
If they can port Hyrule warriors to 3ds, they can do it for Harry! 😂
Day one purchase for me. Wanted a game like this for years. Will likely go with the PS5 version though purely for performance but it's awesome they're bringing it to Switch. Hope it's not a cloud version though...
I'm not sure why you guys put up the warning post when you yourself wrote this article. It's totally legitimate to have concerns about its performance on a mobile hardware platform. Like many have said, it may even be running over the internet, except I don't know why a retail release would be produced then. I even thought there's no way this is running on PS4 without a lot of shortcuts. I really can't believe it'll run on Switch. It makes me think of those horribly downgraded ports that are blurry and low-resolution. But yes, folks are rightly concerned about purchasing a full game that won't run as expected.
This looks superb and such a surprise for the Switch. Looking forward to seeing more footage and details when they become available.
@anoyonmus Fair enough, next step is to wait for more info then and a actual video that shows the performance and graphical downgrade.
It won't be the version you want to play.
Sad to see Nintendo allowing this on their platform for the reasons in the pinned comments. Will not be giving this any money, and I hope Nintendo stops allowing this.
@SuperToadie its not because of the performance or anything.
Its for.... different reasons
I´ll play on Steam Deck on the go. But only if the game is good.
@JaneBear I think I should haved missed something recently ? What's the problem with these devs ?
@westman98 "Cloud in box"
Even if the graphics look like Pokemon Legends Arceus, this game is day one for me!
We all know the complexity in fabric textures, creature fur, etc., will be heavily toned down, but even looking a lot more simply, I have immense nostalgia from playing Harry Potter on my DS. Playing once again on a handheld will be a dream!
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@KiddN7 Rowling isn't involved with the development of the game.
Please please PLEASE don’t be a cloud version. It really kills the point of being a portable system.
@Ploppy
Doesn't exist
@jcboyer515 yeah but it still gets added to your library like a digital game does
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@jcboyer515 you wouldn't download anything it would work the same way as digital games except instead of downloading it from your library you'd be streaming it
@jcboyer515 there's nothing to download but they could still use a code that redeems the cloud version of the game on the store
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@Jedge396 I plan on buying multiple copies myself. Kind of worried it might be over-hyped though. Guess we’ll see.
@anoyonmus I’ll be glad when we are out of the cross gen phase. I know that’s been difficult with supply shortages.
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