The Nintendo Switch 2 proves to be a huge success
There’s no escaping it: the Nintendo Switch 2, released earlier this year, is a massive sales success. Nintendo has shared recent sales figures, and it’s clear that the popularity of the first Switch is continuing unabated.
The Nintendo Switch 2 was released last June, eight years after the original Switch. Not everyone was convinced Nintendo could replicate the original Switch’s success with a successor. The company has struggled to follow up a successful console—think of the transition from the Wii to the Wii U. But any concerns about a misstep proved unfounded: the Switch 2 is selling like hotcakes.
There’s no doubt about it: the Nintendo Switch 2 is a success story just like its predecessor, and Nintendo will undoubtedly reap the benefits in the coming years. Although the Switch 2 has only been available since June, because the console is already selling so well, games will also sell faster and in larger numbers, which, of course, brings more money into the coffers of Nintendo and other game developers.
That’s already noticeable: Mario Kart World, which was released upon Switch 22’srelease, has already sold 9.57 million copies. This is partly due to the console’s bundle, but it’s still impressive that almost all Switch 2 owners also own this kart racer. A month later, Donkey Kong Bananza was released, and it has also sold 3.49 million copies.
Enough on the schedule
There’s no indication that this sales success will slow down in the coming months or years. Nintendo has a slew of games planned that can only increase its success. For example, Pokémon Legends: ZA was recently released – the number of consoles sold from that game release hasn’t even been added to the number mentioned above. The Legend of Zelda: Age of Imprisonment is also scheduled for release next Thursday, the racing game Kirby Air Riders will follow on 20 November, and on 4 December, avid players can get started with the action-packed adventure Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
Other publishers are also finding their way to the Switch 2. With games like Star Wars Outlaws, Cyberpunk 2077, and Split Fiction, there’s already plenty to choose from. This December, one of the most popular franchises of the past few decades will be coming to the Switch 2 as Assassin’s Creed: Shadows. Final Fantasy 7 Remake will also follow early in the new year.
While Nintendo deliberately doesn’t look too far ahead regarding game releases, we already know that several big names are on the horizon next year. For example, Mario will hit the ball in Mario Tennis Fever this February. Pokémon Pokopia will combine the wildly popular Pokémon series with an Animal Crossing-like concept this spring.
And speaking of Animal Crossing: that game, in which you build your own village with animal inhabitants on an island, was a massive hit during the coronavirus pandemic. Tens of millions of copies have since been sold. It’s no wonder Nintendo is releasing a Switch 2 upgrade for that game early next year, hoping to revive that success. An accompanying free update allows avid players to experience new adventures on their island.
All doubts removed
As mentioned, there was some doubt beforehand whether Nintendo should continue their concept for a hybrid console—a game console that could be played on both a TV and a portable game console—with the Switch 2. Would consumers be interested in a device resembling the Switch, including the almost identical name?
With these sales figures, Nintendo knows exactly what it’s doing. A prosperous future for the Switch 2 seems all but assured, and people with a Switch 2 at home are reaping the benefits. The console’s strong sales ensure it will have a long life and be packed with exciting games to play.