Nintendo is facing unprecedented demand for its upcoming Switch 2 console, with over 2.2 million lottery pre-order applications submitted through the My Nintendo Store in Japan alone, according to Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa.

“This number significantly exceeded our expectations, and even further exceeds the amount of Nintendo Switch 2 units we will be able to deliver via My Nintendo Store on June 5,” Furukawa announced in a tweet. He warned that “a considerable number of customers will not be chosen” when lottery winners are announced on April 24.

古川です。みなさまのお手元に「Nintendo Switch 2」をお届けすべく、事前に多くの部材を調達し、生産を進めてきました。4月2日には「Nintendo Switch…

— 任天堂株式会社 (@Nintendo) April 23, 2025

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Unsuccessful applicants from the first lottery will automatically be entered into a second drawing, though Furukawa acknowledged that even with this additional opportunity, Nintendo cannot accommodate all applications. The company plans to strengthen its production system to address the unexpected level of demand. The My Nintendo Store represents just one retail channel. Additional pre-orders and lottery sales will open at other Japanese retailers on April 24, potentially adding to the supply challenges.

The market has responded positively to the news, with Nintendo shares jumping 5% in Tokyo trading on Thursday.

“The number is way beyond expectations,” said Serkan Toto, founder of Kantan Games consultancy. “It not only indicates Switch 2 will be sold out at launch but also the device is likely going to be hard to get for months after.”

In Japan, where Nintendo enjoys a strong family-friendly reputation and generates approximately one-fifth of its annual sales, the new device is priced at 49,980 yen ($349.19) for a Japanese-language system or 69,980 yen for a multi-language version. The console offers improved features including a larger screen and enhanced graphics capabilities.