The Nintendo Switch 2 is currently in stock at some retailers like Argos in the UK and potentially Walmart in the US, but stock is limited and overpriced bundles are common. The console starts at $449, and shoppers are advised to avoid inflated bundles and stay tuned for genuine restocks. Amazon UK has stock, but the US Amazon does not. Retailers are expected to receive more stock soon, so monitoring updates is recommended.
The Nintendo Switch 2 has been difficult to find since its launch over two weeks ago, with limited stock at major retailers like Target, Best Buy, Walmart, and others. Online inventory quickly sold out, and most stores now have no available units, though some bundles and in-store stock may still be found locally. The console is only available via an invite system from Nintendo, and third-party online listings often feature inflated prices. Consumers are advised to check local stores frequently and consider bundles or in-store purchases for better chances of acquisition.
The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor, highly sought after for its superior gaming performance, is becoming more available after initial stock shortages. Retailers like Amazon and Mindfactory are replenishing their inventories, allowing consumers to purchase the CPU at its MSRP of $479. This comes as a relief to many who were concerned about availability before the holiday season. The 9800X3D, praised for its 20% better gaming performance compared to Intel's Core Ultra 285K, is expected to remain in high demand.
Nintendo is reportedly targeting a March 2025 release date at the earliest for its next Switch console, aiming to ensure sufficient stock and game titles at launch and prevent scalpers from affecting availability. This delay from previous rumors of a 2024 release is attributed to stock concerns and giving developers more time to create new game titles. The successor console is expected to have a similar handheld mode to the original Switch with a larger display, but further details are limited.
The PlayStation Portal, a remote device that allows PlayStation 5 owners to play games without a TV screen, has sold out in the UK and US shortly after its launch. Scalpers have already listed the device on eBay at inflated prices. The UK store is currently unavailable, while the US store expects more stock in early December. Sony hoped the introduction of the PlayStation Portal would boost hardware sales during the holiday season.
Data suggests that the more expensive 512GB model of the Quest 3 virtual reality headset from Meta may be more popular than expected, as delivery estimates for this model are longer compared to the 128GB model. Possible explanations include Meta underestimating demand, allocating more inventory to third-party retailers, or facing manufacturing constraints. The availability of Quest 3 in various stores will continue to be monitored.
Nintendo has confirmed that its next console is in development and has pledged to produce large quantities to ensure readily available stock, aiming to beat scalpers. The company wants to prioritize meeting customer demand and will consider additional measures to prevent reselling. While the nature of the next-gen console remains undisclosed, Nintendo's commitment to making it accessible to fans from launch is commendable. However, high demand may still result in waiting periods or preorders, given the immense popularity of Nintendo games and the company's track record of shipping over 125 million Nintendo Switch consoles since 2017.
