Topic: Confused about the success of the Switch

Okay, so something seems a bit off to me, and I'm trying to make sense of it:

So, the Switch is certainly proving to be a sales success, no question. Games are selling, developers are lining up (finally), but---if the system is so successful, why am I seeing them everywhere I go? I went on eBay AND OfferUp today (Black Friday) and there were people selling them for LESS than $300! That's unheard of, for something that is as in-demand as Switch is! I remember the Wii being impossible to find for nearly a year, back in 2007. Is demand tapering off already, or is there something that I'm missing? It'd be a shame if demand is already slowing, because I think the console is proving to be something special.

Well, as I'm sure you'll understand, demand will differ within municipalities, regions, countries and/or continents. So even if, on average, demand is high, that doesn't mean demand is high everywhere. Some areas could demand a lot, some less, and some can even have zero interest in the product.

All in all, you walking into a store and seeing any product on store shelves in your region is an extremely poor estimation of worldwide demand.

@BanjoPickles I really doubt that demand is dropping off. And yesterday was actually the first time since launch day that I personally saw people buying Switches. I ventured into Wal-Mart in the afternoon and could barely get through the video game aisle because of two families by the Nintendo cabinet, one of them already clutching a new Switch and two games for it while the other one waited there talking about it.

And this is the Internet, so you know my single anecdote is conclusive proof that the Switch is doing well. 😉

There are many groups of consumers for the Switch. The hardcore Nintendo fans will buy it at launch and pay the full price. Other consumer groups won't pay full price and will wait to buy it. Nintendo has done a great job of capturing all groups. The launch date of the console with Zelda, and then a "second" console launch with Mario was a Brilliant strategy.

Supply and demand isn't as simple as you make it out to be. For example, the SNES Classic Mini costed 200 usd in Sweden, which was too much for most people, but it still sold out because there was so few of them. One of then think, with a demand greater than the supply the console would be sold by scalpers for even more. However, it didn't happen, because a low supply doesn't mean people will just pay any amount, it still needs to be an objectively good deal, which over 200 usd isn't.

Can't find the system everywhere: "artificial scarcity!"

Can find the system everywhere: "nobody is buying!"

Sigh

Assuming you're not a troll, I have no idea what you're seeing or where you're seeing it, but rest assured, the system is still selling well.

http://www.businessinsider.com/nintendo-switch-popular-on-bla...

You're seeing them in stores because Nintendo massively increased production once it saw how popular the system is.

You beat me to it! ..yeah, it's no bad thing if they're in stock! All it shows is that Nintendo have clearly upped production enough to satisfy demand - nothing 'off' about it!

Well, anecdotally I was in one of the biggest malls on the East Coast in the U.S. yesterday (I think... three Gamestops in the same mall... that's how big it is lol). They were having the Nintendo Experience going on and all that. I heard an employee at Gamestop say that every one of their stores was sold out of the Odyssey bundle, at least.

Just an anecdote from on the ground in the U.S., take it as you wish.

@Ralizah

Dude, it was a sincere question. I own a Switch, along with Zelda, Odyssey, Splatoon 2, Rocket League, etc. I'm sorry that it seemed strange to me that I was seeing them for such a cheap price on eBay! I just thought I'd ask.

The Wii became a pop phenomena among casuals and even non-gamers. The switch are a phenomena first and foremost among core/hardcore gamers. I do not expect the switch to sell as insanely as the Wii did during its 2 first years. But i expect the switch to sell more steadily for its entire lifespan, while the Wii sales dropped off radically after 3 years.

It's supply and demand. It Switches are still available in shops despite lots of people buying them, then it means there's a good supply of them.

I'm guessing it's about reaching out to more consumers. Quite a lot of people would buy a Switch, but not at full price. I hope that the suggested retail price will be lowered to 249 usd in December. That way it will be a Christmas present for more people, which is a must if it is to be a success.

@BanjoPickles Didn't mean to seem accusatory. It's just a common tactic of concern trolls at the moment.

Anyway, no idea about OfferUp, but I went to ebay, and the only Switches listed for under $300 are either missing the dock (probably to justify selling the dock and Switch separately - if you sell a Switch tablet for $280 and a dock for $50 or so, you're making a roughly $30 profit, setting aside seller fees and whatnot), or people are in the process of bidding on them. About what I'd expect for a system that isn't being under-manufactured.

There are a few refurbished Switch tablets being listed in the lowish $200 range, but that's without the dock, power cord, or joycons. Again, it wouldn't surprise me if people are taking advantage of the modular nature of the Switch to make a profit by selling parts piecemeal.