Nintendo Switch Supply Issues Likely To Continue Throughout 2017 Due To Parts Shortages

Still haven't managed to get your hands on the in-demand Nintendo Switch? Well, unfortunately, your luck is unlikely to improve for the rest of 2017. We've heard numerous reports that Nintendo hopes to boost Switch production to as many as 18 million units for the 2018 fiscal year (which ends next March), but it turns out those numbers are only a best-case scenario. Just because Nintendo wants to build a whole bunch of Switches, doesn't mean it will actually happen, and based on the lack of supply on shelves, it seems production hasn't ramped up yet.

According to video game industry analyst and insider Daniel Ahmad, this is due to an industry-wide shortage of components, with Nintendo Switch production still being strictly capped:

Expect Nintendo Switch shortages to continue through the rest of the year.

Production is still capped right now due to component shortages.

— Daniel Ahmad (@ZhugeEX) June 20, 2017

Back in May we heard rumblings that Nintendo and Apple were in a heated competition for scarce mobile electronic parts. It all seemed a bit fantastical, but it turns out the story may actually be true. Unfortunately, this is a battle Nintendo is likely to lose:

"Analysts say rivals for the sought-after parts [like Apple] can often offer better terms than Nintendo. Makers of data-center servers tend to use newer and higher-margin components, while smartphone makers issue larger orders than Nintendo."

So, there you are. Want to know why you can't buy a Nintendo Switch? That new iPhone in your pocket is to blame. Hopefully Nintendo figures out something soon, because Black Friday is going to be insane otherwise.

You can check out WWG's latest Nintendo Switch coverage, right here.