Nintendo Switch Could Face The Same Xbox Series X, PS5 Problem This Year

Nintendo Switch fans could face the same trouble Xbox Series XIS and PS5 fans face this year--a potential supply shortage that could lead to finding the hybrid console a tricky task.

In a recent interview with Nikkei via VGC, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa warns fans that the Nintendo Switch could have the same semiconductor supply shortages, which next-generation gaming consoles' Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and the PS5 now go through. The executive admits that while the gaming system is not having any production issues as of yet, the shortage of parts and the ongoing demand could be substantial factors that could lead to such a scenario.

Unfortunately, it appears that there is no viable solution on the horizon. If the trend continues, it won't be long until fans have a hard time getting their hands on the hybrid gaming console. According to Nintendo President, the company has "been able to secure the necessary materials for the immediate production of semiconductors for switches.”

However, he notes that "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." The executive admits that the company might not be able to prepare enough for orders. He adds that at the moment, "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."

The global health crisis caused by the COVID-19 changed a lot of things in just a snap. At the start of the pandemic, most countries declared border closures, cancellation of flights, imposed travel restrictions, and in worst cases, shut down factories and facilities to prevent the spread of infection. This caused many issues in terms of development, production and distribution of a lot of essential products, which later translated to a lot of industries, particularly the gaming industry.

At the start of the pandemic, the industry saw a global shortage of semiconductors, which led gaming console manufacturers to struggle with stock shortages. Meanwhile, while some fans plan to purchase a Nintendo Switch console this year, others are delaying their gratification and are on the lookout for a possible announcement of the rumored Nintendo Switch Pro.