Nintendo’s Switch console-handheld hybrid has been a great success so far, with the system selling at a record pace since its worldwide release on March 3rd. However, the Japanese game giant has had difficulty in meeting consumer demand for the device, and now, a reason for that might have been revealed.
According to The Wall Street Journal, components that Nintendo uses to manufacture the Switch are in short supply. These include the NAND flash-memory chips used for data storage, liquid-crystal displays and tiny motors called Linear Resonant Actuators that power the rumble of the Switch’s Joy-Con controllers. The reason for these shortages is that these parts are also found in many other common electronics, including smartphones, computer servers and other devices.
Specifically, The WSJ says that the NAND chips are always in high demand from smartphone makers, making them somewhat difficult to obtain. Apple, in particular, was noted as another company that’s vying for these chips, especially since it reportedly has plans to release three different iPhones this year. The WSJ notes that because the Cupertino-based tech company will place larger orders for the chips, manufacturers will likely favour it over Nintendo.
This follows reports earlier this week that Nintendo will increase production of Switch consoles. Given The WSJ report, however, it’s currently unclear how Apple (and other companies) might affect these Switch manufacturing plans going forward.
Source: The Wall Street Journal
Via: Gadgets 360
