Looks Like Nintendo Switch Might See Coronavirus Shortages After All

Nintendo says the prolonged coronavirus outbreak could actually impact Nintendo Switch supply in the West.
Nintendo says the prolonged coronavirus outbreak could actually impact Nintendo Switch supply in the West.

Nintendo recently claimed the coronavirus outbreak in China would have no effect on Nintendo Switch production for overseas markets. However, according to a new Bloomberg report, that might not be entirely true.

Recommended Videos

The new report comes from insiders with information on the supply chain and production. Nintendo’s main console production facility, they told Bloomberg, is in Vietnam — which tallies with what we reported last year — but a number of factors have slowed the flow of necessary components from China.

However, these sources stressed to Bloomberg that any delays wouldn’t be seen until April, after the release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Shipments for March won’t be affected.

The virus outbreak is naturally one of those components causing the delay. Technology manufacturers are remaining closed until all danger of the virus spread has passed. The biggest fear is re-opening too soon, only to have another outbreak begin and spread across the factory.

The other issue is supply scarcity in general. We reported on it last week, but essentially, there is high demand for DRAM and NAND flash drive parts because they’re also used in smartphones. Smartphone manufacturers are ramping up production for their own next generation of devices, which worsens the shortage.

Bloomberg’s sources say once manufacturing starts up again, the problem might still persist. Supply was tight before the outbreak, Bloomberg said, and orders might have to be delayed or turned away if demand starts pouring in all at once.

It’s bad news for anyone hoping for a Nintendo Switch in April, but whether it still affects next-gen console production as analysts predict, we’ll have to wait and see.

Stay tuned to GameSkinny for more Nintendo Switch shortage and delay news as it develops.


GameSkinny is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
related content
Read Article Predator: Hunting Grounds Will Get New Content With IllFonic Takeover
Predator watching prey from the treetops.
Read Article Overwatch 2 Introduces Its First Free Hero in Season 10
Venture holding her drill and Baptise, Zarya, Pharah, and Lifeweaver standing behind her
Read Article Horror Becomes Educational by Teaching Morse Code in SOS: Forgotten Planet
A monster behind a door marked M
Read Article Pocketpair Announced the 10 Most Popular Pals in Palworld
Player looks up to Quivern in Palworld
Read Article Elder Scrolls 6 Gets an Update on the Series’ 30th Anniversary
Eleder Scrolls wizard casting green magic
Related Content
Read Article Predator: Hunting Grounds Will Get New Content With IllFonic Takeover
Predator watching prey from the treetops.
Read Article Overwatch 2 Introduces Its First Free Hero in Season 10
Venture holding her drill and Baptise, Zarya, Pharah, and Lifeweaver standing behind her
Read Article Horror Becomes Educational by Teaching Morse Code in SOS: Forgotten Planet
A monster behind a door marked M
Read Article Pocketpair Announced the 10 Most Popular Pals in Palworld
Player looks up to Quivern in Palworld
Read Article Elder Scrolls 6 Gets an Update on the Series’ 30th Anniversary
Eleder Scrolls wizard casting green magic
Author
Josh Broadwell
Josh Broadwell started gaming in the early '90s. But it wasn't until 2017 he started writing about them, after finishing two history degrees and deciding a career in academia just wasn't the best way forward. You'll usually find him playing RPGs, strategy games, or platformers, but he's up for almost anything that seems interesting.