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Japan Forward
3 days ago
- Business
- Japan Forward
Nintendo Switch 2 Sees Strong Demand but Lower Profit Margins
このページを 日本語 で読む Nintendo released its new gaming console, the Nintendo Switch 2, in Japan on June 5, marking its first new hardware in over eight years. The company expects to sell 15 million units globally in the first year, but demand has already far outpaced supply. Some estimates suggest it could take until next spring for stock to catch up. Experts believe the Switch 2 has strong potential to surpass the original Switch, which sold 150 million units. The new console features a larger 7.9-inch display with smoother graphics and supports 4K output when connected to a TV. It also introduces new features such as voice chat, along with an overall boost in performance. In Japan, the standard model is priced at ¥49,980 JPY (about $350 USD), while the multilingual version costs ¥69,980 (about $490). At a May earnings briefing, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa acknowledged that the higher price compared to the original Switch might slow initial sales. Even so, more than 2.2 million people in Japan applied for the first official lottery sale, with many unable to secure a unit. Major electronics retailers also experienced intense competition in their own lotteries. Despite the increased cost due to upgraded hardware and rising component prices, many consumers still considered the Switch 2 reasonably priced. Nintendo noted that its profit margin is lower than that of the original, suggesting the company deliberately kept prices down to promote early adoption. Reporters trying out Nintendo Switch 2 on April 3. (©Sankei by Naoki Aikawa) For the fiscal year ending March 2026, Nintendo projects a 63.1% increase in revenue to ¥1.9 trillion ($13.2 billion), though net profit is expected to rise only 7.6% to ¥300 billion ($2.1 billion). The company plans to improve profitability through high-margin software sales once the console becomes more widely adopted. On launch day, stores across Japan began handing out consoles to lottery winners. At the Joshin Nipponbashi store in Osaka, only pre-orders were available for pickup, but about 20 people still lined up before the 10 AM opening to collect their units. Some customers took paid leave to pick up their devices. Others were seen collecting them on behalf of grandchildren. Meanwhile, resale listings quickly flooded online marketplaces, with some multilingual models priced at around ¥200,000 — nearly four times the retail price. To combat scalping, Nintendo has implemented stricter lottery requirements and partnered with resale platforms. However, completely preventing reselling remains a challenge. Hideki Yasuda, senior analyst at Toyo Securities, who closely follows the gaming industry, said, "Although it would increase costs, using air freight could raise this fiscal year's sales to 20 million units. In the end, the Switch 2 could end up being even more successful than the original Switch." Author: Hiroto Kuwajima, The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
Japan Forward
4 days ago
- Japan Forward
Popular Hydrangea Spots to Brighten Up a Rainy Day
As Japan enters the rainy season, it's the perfect time to enjoy the soft, colorful blooms of hydrangeas. Travel site JARAN NEWS has released a list of the top five stunning hydrangea spots to lift your spirits on a rainy day. The ranking is based on a March survey of 1,027 people. Here are some highlights. Topping the list is the "Hydrangea Train" in Kanagawa Prefecture, operated by Odakyu Hakone. This seasonal nickname refers to the Hakone Tozan Railway, which takes passengers to the popular Hakone hot springs. During the rainy season, the route is lined with blooming hydrangeas, offering stunning views right from your seat. From June 13 to 30, the flowers are also illuminated at night, creating a dreamlike scene. For an even more special experience, try the "Night Hydrangea Train," a reserved service that runs after dark. The "Hydrangea Train" on the Hakone Tozan Railway. June 14, 2024, Hakone Town, Kanagawa Prefecture. (©Sankei by Naoki Aikawa) In second place is the Michinoku Hydrangea Garden in Iwate Prefecture. This expansive garden features around 400 varieties of hydrangeas in full bloom. Visitors can stroll along three trails to enjoy the dazzling display of colors. A highlight is the "Hydrangea Pond," where freshly cut flowers float across the water like a vivid floral carpet. The best viewing period is from July 4 to 21. "Hydrangea Pond" (Courtesy of Ichinoseki Tourism Association) Also making the list is Kyuanji Temple in Osaka Prefecture, ranked fifth. This temple is known for its rare Uzu Hydrangea, also called "Otafuku Hydrangea," with its distinctive curled petals. From June 20 to 30, visitors can enjoy the sight of these flowers floating in Gusoku Pond. Hydrangeas floating in a pond on the grounds of Kyuanji Temple. June 26, 2020, Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture. (©Sankei by Yasuaki Watanabe) Visitors taking photos of the hydrangeas. June 26, 2020. (©Sankei by Yasuaki Watanabe) Hydrangeas bloom from the rainy season through early summer. Even on cloudy days, their brilliant shades of blue, purple, and pink bring cheer. When their petals catch the rain, they take on a beautiful soft glow. ( Read the article in Japanese . ) Author: Mayuko Okada, Editor-in-Chief of JARAN NEWS
