Nintendo Switch Rumors: COVID-19 Lockdowns Haywire Game Console Availability

Game consoles are all the rave these days, especially with lots of people forced to stay indoors. Some may have while others have gone as far as to try and get one via online means. But as far as folks who plan to get a Nintendo Switch, don't be surprised if you are unable to get one.

As early as February, Bloomberg had already warned of a possible shortage in supply due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With most businesses in China operating on low manpower, production is likely to be low. And linked to that is Vietnam, a place where the assembly is made on the popular game console. Being in the early stages, Nintendo would have done well to look for other places to temporarily use as game console assemblies.

No update on that was given but it appears something similar is happening now. In a most recent report from Bloomberg, lockdowns over in Malaysia and the Philippines have crippled production of the Nintendo Switch due to lack of key parts. It turns out that Nintendo's supplier in Malaysia creates the printed circuit boards (PCBs) and these PCBs would then be shipped to the Philippines for assembly.

Malaysia is reportedly unable to print these PCBs and such would lead to non-assembly over in the Philippines. And even if there were boards made, finding ways to transport it in the Philippines will not be easy given that the country is under heavy lockdown. Also, most Filipinos (and likely Malaysians) have been ordered to stay at home to avoid getting infected by the coronavirus.

What remains unclear for now is how serious will these obstacles affect the availability of the Nintendo Switch. It has now become harder to produce and the worst part is that this problem may take some time to remedy.

The latest issue concerning the Nintendo Switch adds to the woes of the Japanese company. In a previous post, it was mentioned how Nintendo was already struggling with the current setup of having employees work from home. This led to speculations that new game development may be delayed. Now, it appears even the game console availability itself will take a big hit.