Per Japanese Nintendo, Nintendo has announced that the My Nintendo Store in Japan will no longer be taking preorders for the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch model. Preorders were scheduled to open on March 7, but now Nintendo has backtracked on this. This is a strategic move on the company’s part to help them prioritize their current retail orders.

Out of luck

The My Nintendo Store won’t be taking preorders because Nintendo wants to ensure there is enough stock for retail sales. There are still plenty of retailers around the world selling the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch and offering preorders (albeit currently unavailable for preorder at places like GameStop and Amazon), but it seems as though retailers in Japan need a bit of help. Last month, Nintendo Switch sold out in the My Nintendo Store due to the coronavirus scare. Nintendo has made it clear that some shipments will be delayed as factories making Switch consoles have been closed.

While it might appear that Nintendo is trying to slow the number of sales they need to fulfill, they’re actually trying to ensure that enough stock is available to cover all retailers in Japan. A shortage in stock will mean that sales of this limited edition Switch model will be massively hindered. On the other hand, the shortage will also make this a collector’s item that is well worth owning.

[Source/Via]