Released in 2017, the Nintendo Switch stands out among its competitors by being a hybrid system capable of both portable gaming and docked gaming on an external screen. The unique design was a risk, but it has proven to be a stellar success for Nintendo. It has sold 84.59 million units after just 49 months on the market, making it one of the fastest-selling consoles of all time. Games on the system have enjoyed massive sales numbers too. In August 2021, for two consecutive weeks, Nintendo Switch games filled every spot in Japan's Top 30 charts.
The success of the Nintendo Switch can be attributed to several factors that have come together in favor of the console. Its hybrid capabilities allow it to appeal to a wide customer base, and it receives plenty of support from both first-party and third-party developers. This, along with a few events outside of Nintendo's control, created the perfect conditions for the console to flourish.
Half-Handheld, Half-Home Console
The main appeal of the Nintendo Switch is its ability to change form. It can be used as a traditional home console, where it is connected to a monitor or television, or it can be used as a portable handheld system. This allows the Switch to target two markets simultaneously. Furthermore, the console's versatility makes it an easy device to travel with.
In 2019, Nintendo released the Switch Lite, which gives players even more options. Unlike the original Switch, the Switch Lite is strictly a portable device and cannot be connected to an external monitor. The benefit of the Switch Lite is that it costs less than the base model Switch, so for players who do not intend to use their device as a home console, it is a perfect choice.
The console comes with two Joy-Con controllers that allow for some innovative gameplay. In Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, a Joy-Con is used to throw Poke Balls and catch Pokemon. This feels much more realistic than merely pressing a button. Similarly, in Splatoon 2, players can use a Joy-Con controller to aim their weapon using motion controls.
This is not the first time Nintendo has experimented with a hybrid device. The Switch borrows many ideas from the Wii U, which was a commercial failure for Nintendo, partly because the company struggled to properly advertise the benefits of the console's functions. However, Nintendo learned from its mistakes with the Wii U, and it took care to lucidly communicate what the Switch is and what its purpose is. Explaining this, Reggie Fils-Aimé, former president of Nintendo of America, has stated that with the Switch, Nintendo has "been incredibly clear with the positioning of the product," but with the Wii U it was not "as incredibly clear.”
Presenting game consoles with unique features is something Nintendo has been doing for decades, with varying levels of success. The Nintendo 3DS is capable of producing 3D images without the need for glasses, the Nintendo DS features a dual-screen, and the Wii is centered around motion control. Nintendo decided to bet on hybridity with the Switch and, fortunately, it worked.
The Nintendo Switch Has an Irresistible Library
Throughout its lifespan, the Switch has received plenty of impressive first-party games that have consistently had gamers coming back to the console. Pokemon, one of the most successful gaming franchises of all time, has had several releases on the Switch. In addition to Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, the Switch also received Pokemon Sword and Shield which sold over 22 million copies. Players can look forward to Pokemon Legends: Arceus in 2022.
Link and Zelda have been iconic figures in Nintendo's history, and they have been partially responsible for the Switch's astronomic sales. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild presents a picturesque world that allows for creative ways to explore and interact with the environment. The game has sold over 24 million copies, and an untitled sequel has been announced.
The Nintendo Switch also has a couple of truly unique games. The best example of this is Ring Fit Adventure, a game that comes with a special accessory called the Ring-Con. On top of being a game, Ring Fit Adventure helps players stay healthy by taking them through a fun exercise routine. The game is one of the bestselling titles on the Switch, at over 11 million copies sold.
The Nintendo Switch has been able to share a significant portion of its library with the PS4 and the Xbox One. Large, open-world games have, impressively, been ported to the Switch. Examples of this include Witcher 3, The Outer Worlds, and Gand Theft Auto: San Andreas. The massive third-party support has ensured that the Switch has a library with a wide variety of games. Players can play games like Luigi's Mansion 3 and Animal Crossing: New Horizons before jumping to third-party games like Skyrim and The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles. A console is nothing without its game, and the Switch has delivered a fantastic array of games.
Timing Is Everything
Just a few years after the launch of the Switch, a global event would occur that would cause the console's sales to skyrocket. From late 2019, the world found itself dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, and not long after, many people adopted a life of isolation and working from home. The increased time spent indoors led to people needing home entertainment, causing many to turn to video games.
For many, the Switch was a source of comfort during uncertain times. For others, it was a way to still interact with friends even if it could not be done physically. For some, it was an opportunity to pick up a new hobby. The Switch was an attractive option to novice gamers thanks to casual games like Super Mario Odyssey and Pokemon. Animal Crossing: New Horizons, a cheery game that has players micromanaging an island, was released during the pandemic, managing to sell over 34 million copies. The Switch also found popularity amongst people looking to stay fit indoors by using Ring Fit Adventure, which sold over 4 million copies From September 2020 to March 2021 alone.
Nintendo has struck gold with the Switch and, should current trends continue, it could be one of the bestselling consoles of all time. Despite being the weakest console performance-wise on the market, the Switch has enjoyed the strongest sales. The console demonstrates that sometimes it is worthwhile to take big risks, and that state-of-the-art graphics are not the only way to dominate the gaming market. With a good library of games and a little serendipitous timing, the smallest gadgets can have the biggest impact.
The Nintendo Switch is available now.
