NintendoSwitch Hardware Boxart 04
Image: Nintendo

As the gaming industry's increasing popularity drives up the demand for consoles, manufacturers have struggled to keep up and are subsequently experiencing worldwide distribution issues due to a number of factors. We have been reporting on the semiconductor shortage for some time now, detailing Switch assembly issues and the company's uncertainty concerning future Switch production numbers. Now, it seems like Nintendo is trying another tactic to reduce costs and keep up the shipment of consoles as best it can.

As reported by Nikkei (thanks, Next News Report), Nintendo will be reducing the size of its Switch packaging by 20% in order to increase the efficiency of its console transportation services. The reduction in packaging will allow Nintendo to make more of the available space when shipping and transporting Switch consoles worldwide, with retailers theoretically being able to fit more items on the shelves subject to supply.

NintendoSwitchOLEDmodel PackageArt Neon
The Switch OLED box for comparison — Image: Nintendo

Such an approach is a logical step for Nintendo. Considering the Switch OLED's already reduced packaging size (coming in a taller, thinner, box), the move to do the same with the original Switch console makes a lot of sense in terms of uniformity as well as improving efficiency in its shipping pipeline.

The company used a similar approach with the distribution of the 3DS when it removed the bulky power supplies in later editions of the console to create a smaller box (and obviously also saved on the modest production costs of new AC adapters).

Of course, a reduction in packaging does not solve the shortage of semiconductors and assembly issues overshadowing the electronics industry right now; but such a move should mean that Nintendo can maximise efficiency and shift the maximum number of Switch consoles globally for the time being while waiting for the supply situation to improve.

Switch & Lite
Image: Nintendo Life

Do you like the idea of a new dinkier box? Let us know in the comments!

Further reading:

[source nikkei.com, via nextnewssource.com]