Since last year, there were reports that Nintendo might release a new version of Switch this year. While Nintendo has not yet confirmed the existence of the Nintendo Switch Pro, a new report could be bad news to fans. It appears that the Japanese console maker might soon run short of supply of its Switch and joy-con.
Nintendo Switch Supply
A recent report from Bloomberg reveals that Nintendo might struggle to meet the demand of Switch in western markets, particularly in the US and the UK. The supply crunch could be caused by the limited amount of supply coming from China. The problem in China is reportedly causing a problem at Nintendo's factory in Vietnam that primarily manufactures the hybrid gaming console for the US market.
According to the report, at present, Nintendo Switch is still widely available because the company already shipped the number of units it anticipates to sell until March. The issue is with the current constraints in terms of components, which could lead to a worldwide shortage as early as Apr. 2020. At present, Nintendo admitted that the COVID-19 had affected the production of its hybrid gaming console in Japan until the end of Jan. 2020.
Earlier, Nintendo was a bit optimistic and even said that the recent health issue in China would not substantially affect its global supply chain for both accessories and systems. It also noted that product sales and pre-orders both in the UK and the US are not affected. But, with the recent development, it appears that other companies with interests in China, including Nintendo, have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Joy-Con Supply
Fast Company earlier reported on the possibility that the Nintendo Switch Joy Controller could be affected by the COVID-19 outbreak in China. According to the site, the Japanese hybrid gaming console maker warned that possible delays could have an impact on the supplies of Joy Controllers, including the accessory used in Ring Fit adventure. Nintendo said that it is now closely monitoring the effect of the COVID-19 and will work hard to provide the products as soon as possible.
In the past, Nintendo manufactures all Switch consoles in China through various manufacturers, including Foxconn. It started producing the hybrid gaming console in Vietnam last summer to minimize its exposure amid the US-China trade war. However, the company's reliance on China remains significant.
Supply chain disruption in the production capacity of tech companies is anticipated to ripple all over the world. As long as China could not resolve the issue with COVID-19, tech companies have to act fast to prevent supply chain disruptions.
