Production problems dash dreams of a Nintendo Switch Pro
It seems unlikely that Nintendo will release a new console this year, as ongoing supply issues are disrupting production of the current hardware.
After the launch of the Nintendo Switch and its follow-up Nintendo Switch OLED, fans were eager to see an upgraded version of the console hit the shelves. But the chances of the speculated Nintendo Switch Pro appearing in the coming months seem slim as Nintendo continues to grapple with the ongoing global chip shortage.
As outlined by Nikkei (opens in new tab) in a new report, the video game giant is struggling to purchase the necessary components and semiconductors needed to manufacture its consoles. “Normally we stock up in the summer to prepare for the peak season at the end of the year,” said Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa (translated by Google). He added that he is not sure whether the company can currently obtain the necessary production components.
Nikkei suggests that Nintendo is unlikely to announce a new model by the end of the fiscal year (March 2023), given the insufficient quantities of Switches produced. It will instead try to do what it can with its current hardware to meet its aggressive sales targets.
Not enough semiconductors to go around
Furukawa doesn’t sound very confident about that. “I’m not optimistic when asked if I can sell them all, even if I can produce the amount I expected,” he said. Don’t expect the Switch Pro to arrive anytime soon, and prepare to wait even longer as global semiconductor supply issues continue to disrupt the industry.
Regardless of the production issues, Nintendo may not be in a rush to replace current Switch models. According to GamesIndustry.biz (opens in new tab), the Nintendo Switch is the best-selling home console Nintendo has ever produced. It will be keen to wring as much value out of the hardware as possible and not let the console disappear before its time.
That’s disappointing news for fans desperate for an upgrade, although there are plenty of upcoming games to get the system excited about. When the Nintendo Switch Pro or Nintendo Switch 2 finally rears its head, some fans think it only takes a few changes to be brilliant.