Consumer passion for Apple products could be making it hard for Nintendo to increase production of the Switch console.

Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch

Although the two firms are not in direct competition, technology companies are facing a shortage of the components that are required for a broad range of products, including smartphones and computer servers, according to the Wall Street Journal newspaper.

The situation means that Apple and Nintendo, two of the biggest technology firms in the world, are set to see their ambitions clash.

A Toshiba spokesperson explained the overarching problem, saying: "Demand for our NAND flash memory has been overwhelmingly greater than supply, and the situation is likely to stay for the rest of this year."

Earlier this month, meanwhile, Nintendo president Tatsumi Kimishima said the new Switch console could outsell the Wii.

The games company's Wii console became one of their best-selling of all time and Kimishima is convinced the Switch console could reach "relative parity" with the Wii.

He said: "The truth is we want to raise the installed base of Nintendo Switch up to the same level as Wii. As we mentioned during our presentation, Nintendo Switch in America had the fastest start of any Nintendo hardware, despite launching in March.

"If our sales go according to our plan this fiscal year, we will be able to see Nintendo Switch gaining the momentum in which it can approach relative parity with Wii afterwards."