Nintendo Claims Switch Scarcity “Not Intentional”

Nintendo has a history of understocking its products. Shipments of the Wii, Amiibos, and NES Classic all failed, at one point or another, to satisfy demand. Impressively, Nintendo even managed to “sell out” of a digital game once. With its newest console, the Switch, being out of stock in many stores – both physical and online – Nintendo has again been accused of manufacturing scarcity. The company has hit back, though, claiming that it is manufacturing new units “as fast as we can.”

Nintendo – “We’re Not Shorting the Market”

Nintendo Senior Director of Corporate Communications Charlie Scibetta told Ars Technica:

“It’s definitely not intentional in terms of shorting the market. We’re making it as fast as we can. We want to get as many units out as we can to support all the software that’s coming out right now. Our job really is to get it out as quick as we can, especially for this holiday because we want to have units on shelves to support Super Mario Odyssey.”

Given its history, though, is Nintendo to be believed?

Nintendo’s History of Manufactured Scarcity

Nintendo loves failing to meet customer demand and hates money:

• In 2007, stores struggled to stock enough Wii consoles, a year after launch. Gamestop COO Dan DeMatteo accused Nintendo of manipulating its financial year figures. He said: “I think they intentionally dried up supply.”
• The digital version of EarthBound “Sold Out” on Club Nintendo in 2015. Remarkable.
• Many Amiibo figures became so rare, even at release, that they sold for five-to-ten times their retail value on eBay.
• Nintendo launched the NES Classic Edition in November 2016. By April this year, the company had ceased production of the retro console. During its short lifespan, the NES Classic was frequently out-of-stock. Its scarcity triggered a secondary market on eBay. The £60 console regularly sold for up to 200% its RRP.
• March this year, the Nintendo Switch launched in “limited quantities,” leaving many fans frustrated. Why? Because Nintendo is Nintendo.

A limited quantity of pre-orders for the #NintendoSwitch will begin on 1/13 at 9AM while supplies last at #NintendoNYC.

— Nintendo NY (@NintendoNYC) January 11, 2017