Nintendo is experiencing global shortages of its popular Switch and Switch Lite. To alleviate shortages elsewhere, the company is temporarily halting shipments of the system to Japan.
The shortages come as a result of the closure of production facilities in China during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nintendo confirmed the console shortages to CNN Business.
“Nintendo Switch hardware is selling out at various retail locations in the U.S., but more systems are on the way. We apologize for any inconvenience,” Nintendo of America said in a statement.
As a result, the system is out of stock on Amazon with the exception of the Switch Lite Zacian and Zamazenta Limited Edition.
Meanwhile, the Switch Lite is going for an $80 premium on eBay. The original model is being marked up even more on the second-hand market. It is listed for almost $500.
The shortages come as a growing percentage of the world’s population remains under lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Video games have proven to be an outlet for people required to stay home.
One recent Switch games, in particular, has proven quite popular. Animal Crossing: New Horizons launched last month. Our own Jason Macor called it a much-needed, pleasant distraction.
