Suffice to say that for those that didn't happen to snatch up a Nintendo Switch on launch day (or even a little before) it's exceedingly difficult, if not outright impossible to secure one now. As it stands, it'll probably be like this for the foreseeable near future, but it seems like the early response has spurred Nintendo on to pick up production significantly.
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Nintendo will be ramping up production of Switch units from 8 million to 16 million from the period of 1st April, 2017 to 31st March, 2018. That's quite the significant jump, and assuming Nintendo actually sells that many units, the Switch will surpass the Wii U's life sales by the end of its first year. This bodes well for both widespread appeal and third party interest, but we'll just have to see if Nintendo can maintain the strong start its received; the goal is to hit 2 million units by the end of March, and current projections put it as comfortably clearing that.
What do you think? Is Nintendo being overly ambitious here? Will the Switch actually sell that many? Drop us a comment in the section below.
[source wsj.com]
Comments 169
'the Switch will surpass the Wii U's life sales by the end of its first year' 😯
Think you mixed up some dates here
"from the period of 1st April, 2018 to 31st March, 2018."
Nintendo'd be wise to double on their game production, too.
2018 ?!
Huh ?!
Typo !
If Nintendo actually managed to ship 16 million Switches in the upcoming fiscal year, then that would be amazing. The Wii shipped just under 18 million units during the same period in its life span.
The Wall Street Journal?! This article could be fake news!
That'd be amazing. Let's hope for the best. Enjoying my Switch myself.
The incredibly strong start is down to one amazing game! They can't and won't sustain anywhere near those numbers. Mario kart 8 couldn't move the Wii u and splatoon isn't a system selling game either. Can't imagine they'll be big demand again until Mario is released at Christmas tbh
Told you, 10 million in about a year.
That is very optimistic...
If only third parties would ramp up production likewise.
More consoles sold means more games! If things turn out well then I could see the future being so bright that I... uh... couldn't see anymore!
Hoping for a Kirby game this E3 considering Wii U never got a true game!
I just got a Switch as a bonus from work and they managed to snatch the last one from Argos. Purely from talking to friends and co-workers, the Switch has got a lot of people talking and interested. I think it helps that people can take it with them to show. The only drawback for most purchasers is the library. When Mario Kart and Splatoon 2 are out and if there are some big E3 announcements, I can see sales being sustained and it being a big holiday seller, particularly if any bundles are released.
I think they've got a strong first year of first party software lined up and if they can just use those (plus some indie/third party padding) to keep interest high enough till the holiday season when Mario releases, I think it's achievable.
Just gotta keep the momentum going from there.
I keep saying it's extremely easy to buy a Switch here because it is. I don't think anybody will have a problem buying a Switch fairly soon. I understand and appreciate it's difficult in some places to buy at this moment. I doubt it'll sell 16 million in its first year, I'd love to be wrong but not with that price tag will that happen.
They need new games, not mostly old ports. Sure, there'll be some games like a new Pokemon that's likely to shift big numbers but the 3DS wasn't a great success for 3rd parties outside a handful of franchises and they were largely from Japanese developers. And Japan I feel is where this "console" will have its greatest success because it's really a portable, the Japanese love that and they'll buy the various Monster Hunter, Yokai Watch, Dragon Quest, etc games more than the West will.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE - we are very fortunate to have you here as an invaluable resource on the subject of the status of availability for purchase of Nintendo hardware in your locality.
@Action51 I'd say you're welcome but you're not. And get your facts straight. I said it's available NATIONWIDE. There was a fool on here who said it was sold out in Ireland. I proved him wrong and he admitted that he only checked in "his" locality.
@Niinbendo @CharlieSmile Ya, that's far more important. There's no reason to buy a Switch right now(if you own a Wii U).
So when will it be available at a normal price again?
@G-Boy
I legitimately agree with this.
I'm a guy on the Internet, and I approve this message.
@Boxmonkey Actually, Splatoon is the definition of a system selling game. Mario Kart is too. That is why they are both releasing within the first few months.
Cumulative shipments in 13 months:
PS4: 20 million
3DS: 17 million
XBO: ~ 10-12 million
Wii U: 6 million
PS Vita: ~ 6 million
Wii: 20 million
DS: 14 million
PS3: 12 million
PSP: ~11-12 million
X360: 8 million
That's quite a jump. It's going to be very interesting to see what they have planned if they think they need a futher 16 million consoles to meet the demand for the next 12 months.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE
I own Wii U but wanna buy Switch. But not right now until Nintendo officially White or Blue color for Switch while I built up my money to buy Switch in the future.
They can make 16 or even 30 million,but all said and done they still have to shift them and that's the difficult part. Can't see 16 mill sold in its first year,but good luck to them.. 16 mill with probably 1 million whining about joy-con issues,it's gonna be a headache on here.
I am not too sure if Nintendo will have enough must have games for them to ship that 16 million mark. They will need to really surprise us at E3 with big games we don't know about already to have that kind of impact.
BTW I don't think Nintendo will ship that many Switch's in the upcoming fiscal year. Maybe 12-13 million, which would put it at a similar range to what the DS/3DS sold in the same time period of their lifecycles.
Also, Nintendo is the same company that projected to ship 9 million Wii Us during the 2013-2014 fiscal year. They ended up shipping 2.7 million instead. I doubt the Switch (or any future Nintendo platform) will ever underperform forecasts to that degree, but I don't think it will ship 16 million.
@roboshort neither game managed to sell the Wii u! So neither can be classed as system sellers imo
Aaaaand NES Mini still gets the shaft.
@Anti-Matter : I strongly doubt that there will be any colour variations of the Switch itself, but different coloured Joy-Cons are an inevitability (which can be used to customise the appearance of your console).
I would expect themed grips to be released to complement any themed Joy-Cons (though the grips are currently only available in Grey and Red).
Good, now let's hope they fix the left Joy-Con problem. Yesterday was impossible to play Snipperclips and I was less than one meter (6 bananas for the unitedstadians) and there was no aquarium in the house.
I sold my switch yesterday to cex because I've finished Zelda and they are paying £280 for the console. I'll buy again if they bring out a real metroid game
@Boxmonkey
Mario Kart and Splatoon did sell Wii Us.
The problem was, Wii U sales prior to the release of those two games were so low that, when those two games were released, Wii U sales increased...from "absolutely terrible" to "better but still pretty bad." It was a sales boost, but only relatively speaking.
That's a very optimistic number. I don't see them selling very many units in the UK - despite having some pretty good adverts on TV people still don't seem to know what it is. I'm baffled to be honest.
I hope they're saving their big guns for some announcements at E3. The Switch can't carry on selling on Zelda alone. Mario Kart is great, but we've already played that. Splatoon 2 should be good but I doubt I'll pick it up because my Switch won't even connect to the WiFi. (Could be an isolated issue, hopefully it creates some buzz for the system)
So far the weekly download updates haven't been filling me with much confidence either.
Please get your act together Nintendo. You've made some awesome hardware, now invest in the games. Lots of games.
I think that's numbers (shipping numbers) are real. But you need games Nintendo. Zelda is great but SWITCH needs "power ups".
I want one badly... I'll be on the Switch train by Christmas, in the meantime Zelda on Wii U is glorious
THere's no way I would buy a Single Switch....
It's a local Multiplayer Uber Machine - I bought 3 !
(built by Unicorns and Elves, from Rainbows and Stardust)
The price in my local store is 329 EUR or 350 EUR. Way too much, in my opinion, so I skipped buying a Switch at Launch. Zelda got me excited but of course my WiiU is handling it very well.
The other console manufacturers don't need an install base to get games made for their systems! That's a Nintendo only excuse
why in the world Mario kart was not ready for launch... but more game would help. I find the lack of games hurting it the most.
Zelda and fast RMX seem to be the winners. the rest of the games seem to be a pile of mah!
@Boxmonkey Actually, it was Mario Kart 8 that put the WiiU back on the map for a while and caused a spurt in console sales.
The WiiU + Mario Kart 8 bundle package was one of the most popular and was continuously sold out for a period of time.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Nope no reason at all, I can't think of any USPs the Switch has that the Wii U doesn't... practically the same console. Just pack your Wii U, TV and generator in that backpack and you're good to go!
@Boxmonkey the Wii U was toxic. Nothing was gonna save it.
The switch is the total opposite. Splatoon and Mario kart will do very well and will definitely sell machines
Also, Nintendo always go gung-ho with initial predictions and production estimates. They did the same for Wii U and 3DS but quickly rowed back. Nintendo have their end of year profits coming up and investor's meeting so they've got to throw out some good news. I'd take this as Nintendo can produce 16 million Switch consoles, not that it will necessarily happen.
Once summer hits and these bigger releases come out, the Switch will be even more desirable and then there's Breath of the Wild sitting proudly on that game shelf which I'm sure every gamer wants to play at some point. Maybe?
Hopefully this time without faulty joycons and scratching docks?
Remember that this article doesn't have to be true, guys.
@teamshortcut I don't care about portable.
@Boxmonkey That's also because of Nintendo's more... checkered record with consoles, Sony consoles (The home consoles anyway) have consistently sold like hotcakes from the PSX on in, even before the console comes out, good console sales are pretty much a given.
Nintendo on the other hand... NES and SNES did great, N64 played second fiddle, Gamecube lagged behind, Wii was a smash hit (but not really with the people most publishers tend to cater to), and then WiiU was (Dare i say it?) an outright dud commercially, so getting in early with Nintendo hardware is a much less surefire thing, so publishers are understandably hesitant...
@Action51 very amusing 👍🏻
I hope I can buy one of those 16 mil : (
There may be a few reasons why the Switch is not totally sold out in the UK and this could be that the UK is in a state of austerity. People are unsure of brexit. Also the school holidays are in April and a lot of families will be saving their hard earned cash for going on holiday. The Switch launch date may have not been a good one for the UK.
@Action51
Mate. You can probably get a Switch in Ireland but they're not readily available to the extent that poor unfortunate beggar is trying to make out.
@Mart1ndo "they're not readily available"
http://checksmyths.com/StockCheckPage.php?productId=157334
Don't you just hate it when you're constantly wrong, how much more readily available can they be? And that's only Smyths. Argos have them too. And here's Littlewoods.
http://www.littlewoodsireland.ie/e/q/nintendo-switch.end?_requestid=42074
There's loads of stock. Well done by the way, you've also been reported for abuse. Try to be respectful please.
This is obviously reason to stay cautiously optimistic about the console. Plus, I see SLIGEACH_EIRE has become the go-to negative nancy again, and that other guy who was spamming articles a couple weeks ago is nowhere to be seen.
Good news all around.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE
"And here's Littlewoods" lol
Rabble! Rabble! Rabble!!
@SLIGEACH_EIRE
Gosh...
Being portable (Switch) is really Huge Deal.
Don't you want to take your Beloved video games on the go, show off to public rather than locking yourself at home , playing alone, isolated from neighbors ?
You will not lose any single of your Pride of True Gamer Feeling by playing portable games.
It do same thing with Static consoles.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Right!
http://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/video-games-tablets/nintendo-switch/c-1004/nintendo-switch-consoles/p-22494/nintendo-switch/
http://www.littlewoodsireland.ie/e/q/nintendo-switch.end?_requestid=42074
Smyth is "expecting" New Stock next week and Littlewood doesn't expect any until April!
Nice try.
@Jeronan Nice try yourself. I'm talking about Ireland but yes I see what Littlewood's say when you click in to the link. Their ad is deceptive, says it's in stock. Argos and Smyths definitely have them.
@G-Boy Do we really need that crap in here too?
@Boxmonkey Don't doubt Splatoon.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Littlewoods is out of stock.
Did you actually call these stores if they actually have it on the shelf?
When I had to look for a replacement Switch (after returning my faulty one last week) I had to call all over the Place, as a lot of stores that showed they had stock actually didn't and only had one at most that was already reserved for pickup.
I was Lucky to find one at the next day, since one person didn't show up in time to pick up his reserved Switch.
The Switch really is sold out everywhere and if some Lucky stores receive New stock, it's one single unit at most and gone within a couple hours if not sooner.
A lot of these Retail stores have a crap stock system that doesn't update frequent enough and not actually reflecting correct stock availability. Seen this time and again.
@Jeronan
Dude. There is hardly any stock in Ireland. A few Smyth's stores have limited stock. Switch is doing really well in Ireland. Hats off to Nintendo. I think they have a winner on their hands.
@Pahvi @SLIGEACH_EIRE you know what they say, if you can't sell out a console in Ireland and Finland, you might as well give up. /S
Fact is, the console isn't readily available in the biggest markets for the consoles. Acting like the availability in your immediate vicinity is indicative of the entire country or region is pretty short sighted. I know plenty of people going nuts trying to buy one and can't find it. People who never owned a Wii U either. It's definitely inspiring a lot more interest at the start than the Wii U had.
@Jeronan Smyths store checker is very accurate. Many of us can attest to this. When the NES Classic Mini is in stock, it updates immediately when stock is gone.
@ballistic90 "Acting like the availability in your immediate vicinity is indicative of the entire country or region is pretty short sighted."
Did you click on the Smyths link? It's available nationwide.
http://checksmyths.com/StockCheckPage.php?productId=157334
Here's the link to the Neon Switch.
http://checksmyths.com/StockCheckPage.php?productId=157569
Granted they're selling better but then it's not available in the same quantity as the grey Switch.
@Boxmonkey Mario kart 8 couldn't move the Wii u and splatoon isn't a system selling game either.??? This must be a joke. A bad one too.
Cool, might snag one sooner than expected now. Was going to hold out until whenever Super Mario Odyssey hits but if I can get one late this spring/early summer, might go that route.
@Mart1ndo Please stop lying.
@Mart1ndo We don't talk to fellow users like that around here, thanks.
Good news. Very bold though. Accurately forecasting demand has been a problem for Nintendo in the past.
Hopefully it means they've plenty more big unannounced games coming soon. They'll need that to sell so many.
Wowsers. I've never seen people arguing about whether stock exists or not before. Whatever keeps you smiling peeps!
@gcunit
He referred to me as a "fool" in a comment he made to Action51. Thanks
Nintendo have obviously got the best knowledge of demand in all regions so doubling production is a great sign. I know people say the uk isn't generally a big Nintendo nation but the fact that CEX are paying £280 for second hand switches is indicative of how desperate some people are on getting there hands on a great system.
Seems logical. The hype for the NES Mini flatlined when it became apparent that it wasn't actually possible to purchase one.
Without reading through the comments I'm going to take a wild guess that SLIGEACH_EIRE is painting this news in an entirely negative light.
@setezerocinco why don't you go to the place you bought it from and ask for a replacement???? I would do that in a heartbeat if I detected an issue with my console.
@8itmap_k1d Not entirely but more giving a reality check. Remember predictions like this?
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-01-17-nintendo-slashes-wii-u-forecast-from-9m-to-2-8m
It's great to be optimistic but you've got to remain grounded in reality also. Crazy console price, crazy accessory prices, lack of games, lack of online details, lack of VC, reported hardware issues, lack of major Western 3rd party support, lack of AAA games in general, what happened with Wii U, etc say 16 million sold in a year is a crazy prediction.
But some people would rather live in Cuckoo Land. It's a Nintendo fan site, I get that, but I've seen it all and I am a major fan despite what some may think. I criticise them because I want them to succeed. I don't care for Sony or Microsoft. I'm playing Zelda: BOTW at the moment and it's games like this that remind me why I love Nintendo so much. It may well be the greatest game ever. I didn't think Super Metroid could ever be toppled but we have a genuine contender for that crown.
@Boxmonkey
"Mario kart 8 couldn't move the Wii u and splatoon isn't a system selling game either."
Even though the Wii U ultimately failed, this is a massive understatement. Mario Kart 8 had an attach rate of around 50%, which is absolutely ridiculous, and Splatoon is around 4 million sold if I recall correctly, and that's even for a new IP on a floundering system. Splatoon is a solid swing on the Switch, it will sell mountains everywhere (particularly in Japan).
@8itmap_k1d of course he is, as well as picking fights with everyone
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Of course, it's pretty meaningless, although at least Nintendo are acknowledging the problem of stock shortages. Now they just need to shift them.
@Amsterdamsters What are you talking about?
@Ballzilla Gamestop online. The physical store has nothing to do with the online shop, unfortunately... =P
If I had to send for trading, I have to send the whole console and my 60+ hours in Breath of the Wild worth more than that. By Nintendo support, as far as I see here, I can send only the Joy-Con, but I will call then first.
Yeah ok, so where's the NES Classic Edition meeting demand as they promised? Still haven't seen one in store at all.
This is exactly what I wanted to hear. Maybe I can finally get one now...
Shame that I won't be able to play the Global Testfire though.
@SanderEvers I didn't buy a ps4 because my friends had one..... I did buy a switch... All my friends are now getting them.! We are going traveling and on holiday with each other and our Switches!
That is great! Hopefully everyone that wants one can get one. It is a fantastic system. I've had five cowokers ask me about mine in the past two days.
@toaf I suspect Mario Kart could have been ready for launch, but they're just staggering their big releases to prevent any long game droughts.
And it seems to be selling well just off the back of Zelda. They're probably hoping that supply will meet demand over the next month or so and then bang... there's Mario Kart to drive sales again.
@Mart1ndo Please use the contact form if you have feedback about our moderating.
I think they'll sell a lot. I hope they sell all 16 million, or at least rid this world of the evil scalpers. I'd be playing with friends right now if they could find a Switch.
All I know is if demand is so high for Switch when the only well-known game on it is Zelda, it's going to get quite a lot higher soon. The average Jane doesn't care that Mario Kart is an upgraded WiiU game, because the WiiU did not exist for the average Jane. It was a ghost console that nobody bought because Nintendo did a horrible job marketing it AND it failed to provide enough of a compelling upgrade from the Wii and/or compete with the big dogs in the console yard.
Regardless of how we Nintendo fans feel about the WiiU itself, Nintendo totally failed with it. This is exactly why there aren't a dozen AAA third-party games coming for Switch in the next couple of months.
But the Switch is not the WiiU. Nintendo have pretty much done everything right this time. The product is boldly different, the feeling that there is something new here is palpable, and Nintendo are promoting it to the moon and back. Look at the sales for this thing, look at the buzz around it with only one "household name" game in its arsenal.
Now imagine how much that buzz will increase when a "new" MK arrives. Splatoon, Skyrim, Minecraft. Street Fighter! Games that people know and want to play. The Switch goes from "that neat machine that plays Zelda great" to a neat machine with a whole bunch of fun, well-known games.
Further down the road, Pokemon WILL jump to Switch. We all know this. Fire Emblem and Xenoblade WILL get there sooner or later, and by the time they arrive there will also be known third-party games coming out. Third party publishers won't ignore the buzz for long. They didn't jump on the Switch bandwagon early because they were burned by the WiiU, but they can't ignore the sales that they're seeing now.
In the end, Nintendo might be overreacting to an unsustainable early buzz, but all the signs are pointing to a system that's going to sell a lot more than the WiiU ever did. Will it bring Nintendo back to the top of the console game? Highly doubtful. But it's going to do pretty darn well. Except maybe in Ireland, I hear Nintendo is doomed there.
Catches breath
Okay, back to Zelda...
@SLIGEACH_EIRE bro you have know idea, the only way for me to get a switch is to buy one for 500 to 600$
I think Nintendo themselves have enough upcoming games for this year it is all about third Party now. When I think about my Xbox one the only worthwile games are forza, gears and halo and it still sells because of third party support.
I'm not saying they will hit the 16 million mark. However, the idea they are not going to have enough titles leaves me scratching my head.
I don't think Mario Kart will have a huge impact. A lot of the people who swear by Nintendo purchased 8, and listening to some of them, they aren't going to buy it again just for the battle mode. It will still move systems because of so few of Wii U's sold.
That said. Splatoon 2 will go over huge. If nothing else, Japan will move a ton of this title. This should help sustain sales until November until Odyssey comes out.
As great as Breath of the Wild has been tought to be (don't own the Switch yet), Zelda is not necessarily for everyone. Mario. Appeals to the masses. The promise of an open world Mario game should really push holiday demand.
If the Switch can manage to keep the indies and a few third parties releasing titles in between big releases. It has a shot. Not to mention, Nintendo usually has some sort of surprise game around E3 that will ship prior to the end of the year.
Here in the States, I had my Wal-Mart order cancelled because they could not fulfill it and then I had my Kohls order cancelled for the same reason.
There are no Switches available in the States for MSRP. Any retailer I have talked to have no clue when they will be getting any more.
USA is completely sold out, every single major retailer across the nation.
Which is good.
Glad to see demand is high enough to increase production. Judging by how so many people at my work are constantly talking about it or amazed by mine, I've got a feeling Switch is gonna do just fine
@Boxmonkey how do you know?Did you go to the future and back? When it happens I'll be sitting back laughing at all the trolls with a big middle finger to all the haters faces
@cfgk24 I'm jealous! My idea setup would include 3 as well, 1 for me and 1 for each of my sons. Kart and Splatoon 2, SOLD on that setup......all I need is $1000+ the availability of the systems.
@fortius54 I honestly think its troll just trolling Nintendo.like alot of people trying to troll the switch till Nintendo took care of that with debunking there switch issues.i have to agree with Nintendo I havent had no issues with mine
I really don't think the only first party game coming this year after summer is Mario Odyssey, i think Nintendo still have quite a few surprises to announce, least of all Pikmin 4 but it wouldn't surprise me if Luigi's Mansion 3 is also announced to be released towards the end of the year, maybe also Retro's new game (for the love of god i just want to know what it is lol). If you add in Fire Emblem Warriors, a few Wii U ports and maybe even that rumoured Rabbids RPG they would fill in the schedule quite nicely, i just refuse to believe Mario Odyssey is the only first party game for the Switch after Splatoon 2 for the rest of the year, that would be madness.
I don't include Xenoblade 2 in my post as i honestly don't think that will be released this year, which means they need more than just Mario even more for the xmas run.
Nintendo should open up it's entire library of games and emulate them on the Switch. I mean every game from the NES to Wii U.
How many games would that be?
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Okay. Doesn't change the fact that for most people, there's a very large reason to buy a Switch if you already own a Wii U.
@Anti-Matter Why would you want to "show off" your console to the public? Do you think it's a good idea to flash something around that's hard to come by so some random thief can walk by and either attack or rob you, since they know you're not paying attention to your surroundings?
It's a great start, but whether or not it'll have long term success is a different matter. Still, things are looking optimistic for now.
@Switch81tch I wouldn't doubt they're working on it. As it stands they only have one confirmed game for the Switch, so there may be licensing to clear between disney/capcom/nintendo that they just haven't taken care of yet that was easier on the other platforms.
Can I Say yes to both? It is optimistic and it is ambitious to double production, but that's what they need to do. I'm as new to Nintendo as you can be and I already feel that part of the problem is not going all in. They are still behind the 3ds, they haven't really pushed any games yet(I'm giving them until E3 to unleash), and they came out with a small number of units.
I get that you don't want to overplay your hand in business, but the consumers want to see confidence right now. If big N isn't all in on their baby, why should anyone want to go all in to the time of $400 approximately. The Switch is a great concept that has ha d a very good start. History remembers the daring.
Guys, don't feed the Irish.
@dkxcalibur I sold my redundant PS4 Slim and XBone S. . .. plus my soul and a couple of limbs - thank god for motion control once somebody velcro this Joycons to your stumps!
This article never should have had to happen. Nintendo has been ridiculously gun-shy about physical stock forever it's a miracle they're not an industry wide joke. Amiibo should've been prevalent, instead we got articles about the struggles to find them. Their NES boxes should've been an easy win, instead we got articles about how stores only got low single digits to sell at a time. This scarcity crap may get people foaming at the mouth in the short term, but pull it for too long and it boomerangs and interest drops off as they find other things to worry about.
@Toadie Correct - We must assume that Nintendo has been planning this for so long - including announcements of surprises at strategically planned timings to maintain public visibility of Nintendo and hype in the market. . . Make everyone want a Switch so their friend's also want a Switch as much and as often as possible!
I think more stock is a good thing. Many of us have complained for a long time about stock issues with various Nintendo product, so it is not a bad thing at all that production is being ramped up.
I am glad that they didn't say they are expecting to sell 16 million units, however, although I'm afraid some people may interpret them as saying it. That would be extremely over optimistic on their part. Merely having more product on the shelves for people to buy is a good thing!
But it does make me hopeful that they have a few big announcements to make at E3 for the rest of the year and 2018.
@cfgk24 We just got a PS4 Slim back in December!
You guys are freaking out about Nintendo ramping up production. They are just increasing the rate. If they see the Switch not selling as well, they just need to halt production. No big deal.
In my opinion, the only way to draw in third party games is to put more consoles into people's hands so this production is needed. (Even if they have to lower the price)
Great great news. Make Nintendo Great Again.
@RedMageLanakyn you could say the same about smart phones. Most cost more than a switch
@teamshortcut I'm a Wii U owner and I disagree with you. I feel for a Wii - U owner you are making two steps backwards if you get a switch. Lets see most first party games are Wii - U ports that I already own on Wii - U or can buy for Wii - U if I really want. MK8 deluxe the only thing really different is a proper battle mode that should have been done right the first time. splatoon if I ever wanted to get that game I could just buy it for Wii - U. Performance and graphic wise the Switch runs only modestly better but not enough to justify a pricey new piece of hardware and by the time you buy it with peripherals and accessories you could easily spend 500 to 600 dollars on a machine that runs only slightly better to me that is a waste of money and I will happily stick with my Wii - U. Switch not backwards compatible which is a big deal to me. I never got around to getting a Wii, I always wanted one but just didn't get one so when I bought a Wii - U it was like getting two consoles in one. Streaming is a big deal to me like Netflix , Hulu, and even a web browser and I never had lag or issues like others try to say to defend why its not included with the switch. I have a night hawk router which was top of the line two years ago and used for online gaming. Switch charging for online gaming and you can still play for free on Wii - u. Wii - U never had mainstream problems like disconnecting left joy - cons and the pixels of death. Not saying everyone has had that issue but the fact that it does happen to some when for Wii - u never had mainstream reported issues. You can't even replace your own battery and have to ship it to Nintendo to pay both ways shipping and then still buy the battery. I had battery issues on my Wii - u and bought a new battery and replaced myself. Sure Switch is portable is the excuse I hear when you give comparisons between Wii - U and switch but I don't care about portability. I also don't care about Wii - U ports and last gen ports. The only new first party experience is Mario Odyssey. I personally think Nintendo marketed this to everyone but Wii - U owners and didn't give us a reason to bother upgrading. I can play whatever I want and interested in still on Wii - u.
Seem like the foxconn workers are going to be working more overtime on their 12 hour shifts. The sacrifice they make for the world, especially America will be forgotten.
@faint Everyone has a cell phone though, and they all look relatively similar. If you're on a park bench or a subway with a giant neon colored handheld that is hard to find, people will notice. Plus, since the Switch is a pure gaming device, you'll be drawn into whatever game you're playing, not just browsing the Internet. Just saying, taking it out in public just to show off, with any coveted piece of tech, is generally not a good idea. Bad people are everywhere and opportunistic.
I love arguing about Ireland every day. As if it proves or disproves something about the system.
Whether Ireland has them or not, I want to know: if they ramp up production, is that with a re-designed Joycon and scratch-free dock? If not I'll prob keep waiting. Have mario kart. not into splatoon. can get zelda on wii u.
Now if BG&E2 actually showed up... or another year of Luigi... then i'd get on board.
So the Switch has seemingly sold out across the United States. But Nintendoomed because they didn't sell out in a country with 12% the population of California. In terms of which market they prioritised, I think they caught the bigger fish.
That said, it'll be interesting to see how the coming months play out globally. People say that Mario Kart 8 didn't sell Wii Us, but I believe it sold more consoles that almost any other game. That still wasn't a huge number of console in total, but it came some way into the life of an already struggling system, and was tasked with singlehandedly reviving an unpopular propuct. Deluxe comes early in the life of a much slicker bit of tech, with bigger games on either side, that also doubles as a portable. Comparing it to not only MK8, but also 7 therefore serves some purpose. And did Mario Kart 7 sell 3DSs? I don't have the figures, but I think the answer is "yes".
I'm not entirely bullish; it is a long way to Christmas after all, with the games being drip-fed in that period. But when it comes, the console should have a good mix of fantastic single player, local, and online multiplayer games. Zelda is one of the most critically acclaimed single player games ever. If Nintendo pull off a Galaxy with Odyssey, that'll be another. Mario Kart is the ultimate party racer (and boasts two player on a single device, which is amazing). And Splatoon is a fantastic online game (although admittedly, I think most of it's selling appeal is in Japan).
That's a really solid lineup to come into your first Christmas with. If it fails to make an impact, then we get the Nintendoomed banners out again.
@dkxcalibur There's your answer to getting another SWITCH lol
@RedMageLanakyn people get hit by cars all the time walking while texting. Not sure that argument holds up.
@RedMageLanakyn
Oh, I still set my awareness when I carry something expensive. I keep my eyes on people who has strange behaviour when I carry my video games. If people can show off their smartphone, use it while walking why don't video games on the go ?
@Action51 He seems to be an authority on anything that trolls the Switch in every single article I've read for weeks, maybe months now as I've forgotten how far back that SLIGEACH_EIRE's baseless whining has soiled the Switch news posts on this site.
Clearly given the tight position the WiiU put the company into, if they feel that strongly confident they can double production for the incoming year they know something we all don't know as of yet about the sales of the system to come. That is not a conservative move by a company that was hurting due to their final console flop the WiiU.
@Pahvi Your local supermarket carries game consoles?
Are they kept next to the eggs?
What was that about frame choppiness?
@SLIGEACH_EIRE There appear to be many GameStops in Ireland that have Switch units (and a lot that do not). So you are right that you can find one if you look — which is different than much of the rest of the world.
But as for it being easy-to-find in all places — that is another matter. According to these store's respective websites: It is not available on-line from Gamestop in Ireland. Amazon UK, which serves Ireland, is showing a 31 March ship date. Littlewoods Ireland is showing a 28 April delivery date. Player 1 Gaming does not show any Switch consoles (or any Nintendo consoles for that matter).
So the situation appears
@faint .....What argument? I didn't say people aren't distracted at all using phones, i said they'll be more drawn into a game than they will be browsing the Internet. Also I was referring to being stationary, on a subway/bench/Park setting, not walking and playing/texting. Anyone who does that while crossing a road isn't very smart, period.
@Anti-Matter I don't know anyone who "shows off" their cell phone, and I've never seen someone do it in a public place either. You can use it, sure, but the way you're wording by saying "show it off" makes it sound like you want to draw attention to yourself just for the sake of saying you have it. I don't really see that as a good thing to do while out and about.
As long as the advertising keeps up with the production, I'll just leave it at the generic opinion that good things will happen for Nintendo... More good than bad, I'll put it that way. The main investors that need to be impressed (save us gamers) are 3rd parties. As long as they are impressed, I will up my comments to GREAT things for Nintendo's future. Good luck big N, get through those 16 mil
@SLIGEACH_EIRE nah bro, see it's also a portable so none of that stuff matters. It's destined for success. Because, you know, it's also a portable.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Of course Nintendo Switch is readliy available in Ireland, because the only game worth buying it for at the moment is sold out.
http://checksmyths.com/StockCheckPage.php?productId=157560
No one is going to buy it if they can't get their hands on Zelda too. I agree with you on your second point though. Hopefully the Switch gets more support, because at the moment it looks just okay.
@Rman12 That's all fair enough (long, but fair enough), so let me clarify what I meant before; while I understand that not every Wii U owner wants to upgrade, and I understand that on an individual basis not every Wii U owner has a reason to upgrade. However, there IS a general reason to upgrade from the Wii U to the Switch: the portability. That may not be an important factor for some (even many) people, but it is an important difference between the two consoles, and-generally speaking-is a reason to upgrade to the Switch. The Wii U is not portable; the Switch is.
@RedMageLanakyn
Ah, sorry for my poor English. I am Not native speaker consider I am from Indonesia, still have to learn English language. Btw, "show off" that I meant it wasn't I did something crazy with my things, just only take on the go, people will see me if I am playing video games on the go.
@Switch81tch
Um, I will look at situation first before I draw my portable video games. If the situation is okay, I will draw out, play it on the go while keep my eyes on surrounding. Of course I will not playing video games on the go when I across the street when there are a lot of vehicles moving. Peoples in my place don't hesitate to use their smartphone while walking in the mall or almost everywhere. So I was thinking why not for portable video games, still looks similar with smartphone or whatever gadget.
@Anti-Matter No problem, it's all good.
@Pahvi
I like the sound of a hypermarket.
This sounds like a store that takes things to the next level.
@faint Practically anyone can get hit by a car if their not paying attention or distracted in someway.
@Boxmonkey Splatoon 2 is a sequel, also both of those games moved systems but w/e
It'd be nice to finally be able to get my hands on one.
@setezerocinco You should do that. You paid for a working console and if it has a defect you're entitled to a replacement or a repair
Welp, I see everybody is arguing about Ireland again. At least it's St. Patrick's Day, so it's topical. I'm sure an island with a population of four and a half million people is completely relevant and a predictor of future success for all of Nintendo. That's almost as many people as live in Louisiana. How is the Switch doing there? It's just as relevant.
Meanwhile the whole point of the article, that Nintendo thinks it can ship 16 million units in a year, is totally ignored. Well, I say good for Nintendo. You think that. Maybe you can even sell that. I would guess 10 million but what do I know? I don't live in either Ireland or Louisiana.
@Boxmonkey High attach rates typically mean the games is a system seller. Both had high attach rates. Weekly sales for the wiiu doubled in Japan after Splatoon came out. Games with a strong cult following like Xenoblade also sell systems.
@Rect_Pola The original planned 8 million between April 2017 and 31st of March 2018 isn't exactly low though. That's roughly what the Xbox1 is selling each year.
16 million produced ontop of the initial 2 million is the kind of rate for what would be for one of the best selling systems of all time...like they may be expecting it to sell better than the 3DS at that kind of rate.
@AlwaysGreener that's actually the point I was making. The poster above me was stating that mobile switch users have a higher chance of being robbed due to game immersion and not paying attention.
@Boxmonkey
Why did you sold your Switch after you finish your Zelda games ?
Better you keep it as your belongings. You can replay again whenever you want. Your efforts for playing Switch games will not wasted.
I'm holding you to your words Ninty. A few of my pals still hadn't gotten a Switch yet due to the shortage that kept happening.
@setezerocinco Lol, no aquarium in the house... I'd like to see people try to play the NS in front of the dolphin tanks at Sea World.
@faint Well it's the user's responsibility not Nintendo's.
Good maybe someday I would be able to own a Nintendo Switch.
@cfgk24 lol totally agree. I'm 1 behind you only because I don't trust the kids to "not" drop it 😬
the switch may be less powerful but it lives up to the hype! its a great little system and fully deserves to sell that many it its first year!
@Anti-Matter I only sold it because I could get all my money back that I paid for it. I'll repurchase when the price drops at Christmas! There is nothing else that I would buy releasing this year anyway
The same people who complain about the third party droughts, never even buy games from third parties. And the reason for this? Third party games are almost universally mediocre crap. I have no idea why people require games just to exist on a console, if no one's even gonna buy them.
@Cia
"Third party games are almost universally mediocre crap."
Ha ha ha good one.
@CharlieSmile
All my local supermarkets sell consoles (Scotland). I've bought games in Walmart in the states. Is that an unusual thing where you are?
@tanookisuit
I agree it's a good sign of confidence. The sooner Switch overtakes the Wii U and they port over the worthwhile games the better.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE
Was just going to log on just to say why are you so negative on everything on this site, then I read this and I have to say, fair play and I agree with most of this.
Will those new units have the switch problems fixed?
I'm talking about the left joy-con and the dock issues. I also heard the wifi weakness is a hardware problem.
@H_Hunter I now have 12 friends with a switch, none have had dock issues and only one has had joycon issues. I don't think they're as widespread a problem as the internet makes out. And they guy who has the joycon issues has contacted his retailer who are replacing them.
I don't know about wifi, I only get 2/3 bars and it's not hindered anything yet. I expect later models will improve things that's the nature of hardware development. If it's a worry I'd wait for MK8D and see if people are having issues there once online gets a real test.
Thanks @Ogbert that's good to hear!
I'll probably get one right after E3
Switch = wii u version 2.0... same fate...
I think it's safe to say it'll surpass the Wii U within 2 years!
The Switch also doesn't have the problem of being confused as a peripheral for the Wii, so there's that.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE I have doubts about that you're "grounded" since you tend complain even about good things and always seem to argue against successes you don't like. I recall you wished the WiiU version of botw would sell better than the Switch version.
If Switch really does sell through most of the stock and is at 12-18 million sold by this time next year "at a crazy console price" and the accessories also sell great. I have a feeling you'd be here trying to argue it shouldn't have sold so much.
@ruinez
No.
Switch is different with Wii U.
Will not has same fate with Wii U.
Switch gonna Shaking the World.
@Cia
3rd party mostly crap ?
Really ?
There are some great 3rd party games, even became a Viral.
Let's say DDR from Konami, The Sims series from Maxis + EA, Bokujou Monogatari (previously Harvest Moon series) from Marvelous, Final Fantasy series + Spin off from SquateEnix, etc.
What kind of 3rd party games did you think is Crappy ?
1st party games from Nintendo itself are not always good. There are some Crappy Nintendo games also like Animal Crossing Amiibo Festival, Mario Tennis Wii U, Mario Party 10 Wii U, etc.
@Boxmonkey actual Splatoon did sell systems. Especially in Japan.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE
If it's so easy to buy a Switch, how come I haven't been able to find one all month long? How come none of my friends have one? How come stock for it runs out insanely fast? How come I see "Not in stock" for every website I check?
Yeah. I obviously wouldn't take this person too seriously. If a large number of people are saying they can't find a Switch console and major media outlets are saying it's sold out, IT'S PROBABLY SOLD OUT! There's some stock in some places but it sells out ridiculously fast and every major media outlet is saying it's sold out. The fact you can find some in a store in Ireland somewhere in an online search doesn't prove that isn't sold out, it only proves you managed to find some that weren't. I could just as easily argue that Amiibo aren't out of stock just because I can find a bunch of them in Germany, too. No wonder people on this site laugh at you. Your logic is laughable at best and your trolling skills aren't even up to par. Protip: when trolling, you're not supposed to make it so painfully obvious.
Anyway, I think it definitely needs to double production, as well as iron out any problems while they're at it. I don't know anyone who could find a Switch right now due to limited stock, so I welcome the increase.
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