Prepare to Wait if You’re Looking For a New Console
I don’t need to rehash the trouble many people have had – and continue to have – getting their hands on a PS5 or Xbox Series X. Ever since pre-orders open we’ve been beset by stock shortages of both consoles, and scalpers using bots to get their hands on hundreds of the consoles – and acting bemused that people are upset with the “valuable service” they’re providing.
The Switch, meanwhile, has seen fewer issues. With so many people in lockdown, demand for the console has been high, with the lower price-point and large catalogue making it an attractive option, whether for families looking for a way to keep their children occupied or for people living alone and looking for a way to keep themselves entertained. Demand is still high, and there have been issues with scalpers and stock shortages, but the console has benefitted from the fact that it’s older, whereas the Xbox and PS5 were among last years most wanted items.
Unfortunately, it looks like 2021 could see the Switch face similar shortages, as Nintendo are having trouble sourcing the required materials to produce the console’s superconductors.
While they’ve managed to source enough for the current batch of Switches, Nintendo boss Shuntaro Furukawa is expecting possible delays in production later on if shortages continue.
“We have been able to secure the necessary materials for the immediate production of semiconductors for switches,” he stated. “However, in Japan and other countries, demand has been very strong since the beginning of the year, and there is a possibility of shortages at some retailers in the future.”
“It is difficult to say how we will deal with this, but in some cases we may not be able to prepare enough for orders.”
Supply issues may have plagued gamers in 2020, but the problem is far from over – so if you’re looking for a new console, be prepared to wait.
Let us know what you think in the comments, on Twitter, or on Facebook.