Switch 2 sales boost Nintendo profits, but chip shortage looms

But a global memory chip shortage, created by massive demand for artificial intelligence hardware, threatens to push up manufacturing costs for the "Super Mario" maker. The Switch 2 became the world's fastest-selling games console after launching to a fan frenzy last summer. It is the successor to the original Switch, which soared in popularity during the pandemic when games such as "Animal Crossing" struck a chord during long lockdowns. Both are hybrid devices that can be connected to a TV or used on-the-go.