Nintendo Switch 2 demand is so high in Japan that major retailers are limiting pre-orders to top spenders, with lotteries and strict entry rules in place.
With the Nintendo Switch 2 set to launch in June 2025, excitement is already through the roof, and Japan is feeling it the most. The next-gen console, which promises major upgrades and a strong first-year lineup, is in such high demand that pre-orders are quickly turning into a members-only affair.
Retailers across Japan are now limiting access to Switch 2 pre-orders, making it nearly impossible for casual buyers to grab a unit without a long history of spending. Reports say that the company may have underestimated just how many people want the new console.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders Turn Into Lotteries for Big Spenders
According to a new report from IGN, Japan’s top electronics retailers like Bic Camera and Joshin have rolled out strict pre-order requirements due to overwhelming demand and extremely limited stock. It’s gotten to the point where stores are only letting customers who have spent a significant amount of money over the past year or two even apply for a chance to buy the console.
Bic Camera, for example, is only allowing entries into its in-store lottery to people who have a store credit card and have spent over ¥30,000 (about $207) since April 2023. Their online lottery is even stricter, requiring at least ¥50,000 (~$345) in spending.
Joshin takes it even further by limiting entries to customers who’ve hit Platinum status, which reportedly means you’ve either made a purchase over ¥150,000 ($1,030) or shopped there multiple times recently. Retailers are also putting in extra measures like ID checks and one-entry-per-person limits to stop scalpers from taking advantage. The goal seems clear: get consoles into the hands of actual players and not resellers.
Industry analyst Hideki Yasuda believes that Nintendo may only have around 800,000 to 1 million units ready for Japan at launch, while local demand could be over five times that. That shortage isn’t expected to get better anytime soon either, with global availability likely staying tight through 2025.
In other related news, reports suggest that Switch 2 will have a staggered launch strategy, starting with first-party titles mid-year and ramping up to more third-party support in the holiday season. There are also strong rumors that the console will support new UI customization features like paid and free themes through a future update.
So if you’re hoping to grab a Switch 2 when it launches, especially in Japan, it might take more than luck; you might need receipts.
What do you think about these pre-order restrictions? Should retailers be doing more to stop scalpers, or is this going too far? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
