Nintendo Plans to Double Switch Production

Like most consoles Nintendo releases, the Switch is having a hard time keeping its spot on the store shelves, with eager fans quick to grab any copies they can find. Good news for Nintendo, of course, who had the opposite problem with the Wii U, but for fans who are excited to give this new Zelda game a try (since there’s very little reason to want the console this early at this point). This was to be expected: just about every console can’t meet demand when first launched, but looking at Nintendo’s history, you see that when they have that problem, it’s usually not quick to go away.

This time, however, might be different: while we don’t have any word from the Big N officially, the Wall Street Journal has reported that Nintendo is planning on make some changes to the console’s manufacturing schedule come April: doubling their earlier plan for 8 million consoles to 16 million. This is, presumably, in response to the fact that Nintendo has sold over 1.5 million Switches in the first week alone, and its popularity is showing no signs of slowing. In fact, Nintendo is apparently expecting to sell 10 million before the end of the fiscal year.

They have reason to be optimistic, as well, with their stocks rising 13% following the launch of their new console.

It seems things have taken a decided upturn for the once downtrodden Nintendo. Which is great news for both them and fans, but it does beg the question if Nintendo can follow up on this massive success (which, don’t question, is almost entirely because of the Legend of Zelda) with equally appealing offers with Super Mario Odyssey, Splatoon 2, and Arms.

If they’re going to make this console last, they can’t lean on a one-hit wonder forever.