The Nintendo Switch has achieved a significant sales milestone, surpassing the PlayStation 2’s lifetime sales in the United States. With 46.6 million units sold, the Switch now holds the second-place position for best-selling hardware platform in the US, trailing only the Nintendo DS. This data, provided by Circana’s Mat Piscatella, highlights the Switch’s remarkable success in the region. Globally, however, the PS2 maintains its lead with an impressive 160 million units sold. Whether the Switch can ever reach that global figure remains to be seen.
mario-kart-8-deluxe-wave-3.jpgThe enduring popularity of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe contributes to the Nintendo Switch’s sales success.
The Switch’s triumph defied early predictions of failure following the Wii U’s underwhelming performance. Concerns about Nintendo’s future and the possibility of its games appearing on rival consoles proved unfounded. The Switch not only exceeded expectations but also boasted remarkable software sales. Titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Animal Crossing: New Horizons have ascended to the ranks of the best-selling video games of all time.
Nintendo Switch’s Future and the Successor Console
While the Switch’s US sales victory over the PS2 is impressive, the console’s momentum is slowing as anticipation builds for its successor. Often referred to as the “Nintendo Switch 2,” the new console is expected to be revealed before the end of Nintendo’s fiscal year on March 31st. Nintendo has remained tight-lipped about the details, offering only glimpses of what’s to come. Confirmed features include backward compatibility with existing Switch games and continued support for the current Nintendo Account system. Despite recent leaks, their veracity remains uncertain.
Nintendo’s Strategy for the Next Generation
Replicating the Switch’s success will be challenging, but the new console is likely to receive strong initial support. Learning from past mistakes of neglecting older consoles in favor of new hardware development, Nintendo has employed a different strategy this time. While internal development teams likely focus on the new console, third-party studios like Grezzo, Aquire, and Tantalus Media have filled the gap with titles like The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, Mario & Luigi: Brothership, and Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD. This approach ensures a steady stream of releases for the current Switch.
Upcoming Releases and Potential Sales Boost
With 2025 approaching, Nintendo’s future plans will soon be unveiled. The Switch still has highly anticipated games slated for release, including Metroid Prime 4 and Pokemon Legends: Z-A. Special edition consoles bundled with these games could potentially provide a late-stage boost to Switch hardware sales.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch’s surpassing of the PlayStation 2 in US sales marks a significant achievement in the console’s history. While the future of Nintendo’s next console remains shrouded in secrecy, the company’s strategic approach to game development and potential special edition releases suggest a promising future. The gaming world eagerly awaits further details about the “Nintendo Switch 2” and the impact it will have on the industry.
