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With the Switch's success seemingly rolling on and on at the moment, it is interesting to take a step back and think about the long term, pondering over how the console might continue this fortune in the future. We've already learned that Nintendo believes the system can outlive the usual five-to-six year console cycle, but the company's dreams seemingly go way beyond that.

In the same investor Q&A that revealed that nugget of information, Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto shared his thoughts on the potential risks to the console's future that may not have been thought about before launch. Rather than dwelling on potential shortcomings he seemed to show optimism surrounding future goals for the system, including the idea of everyone having their own Switch, rather than one per family.

"In terms of corporate activity, there are a variety of risk factors, but if we can popularise Nintendo Switch among a broader consumer base I think most of the problems will be resolved. The marketing strategy going forward is to instil a desire to purchase Nintendo Switch among a wide consumer base in all the regions of Japan, the US, and Europe. Our ultimate ambition is for a Nintendo Switch to be owned not just by every family, but by every single person."

This, of course, sounds like an incredibly bold statement, and one that almost sounds rather naive. Miyamoto-san explains his point further, though, talking about the Switch in a similar way to how we currently view mobile phones - a device that is now seen to be taken for granted amongst consumers.

"The biggest attraction of Nintendo Switch is that the console can be carried around and used easily for competitive gameplay via local wireless connection. If consumers come to take it for granted that everybody has a Nintendo Switch, then we can create new and very Nintendo genres of play, and Nintendo Switch can have a life apart from smart devices and other video game systems. Expanding the Nintendo Switch world this way is a means of eliminating risk."

While most of this should definitely be regarded as ultimate, almost fantasy-like dreams, rather than very realistic possibilities that are likely to happen, the overall tone of the statement is abundantly clear: Nintendo means business and the goals couldn't be set any higher. 

[source nintendo.co.jp]