Topic: *Switch 2: Nintendo’s Biggest launch ever?!*

I think part of the problem of people expecting Switch 2 sales to be a huge disappointment is that a lot of people don't actually buy a lot of brand new AAA games. I remember like a decade ago I saw a statistic that 90% of games are bought by 10% of gamers, and while I don't know how valid that is, that sounds about right.

A lot of people are buying the next Nintendo system because of the most obvious, most popular games that will be on it from Nintendo, and they don't even need their B-tier popular games, because they either play games an hour a day and no more between their time spent on sports or whatever current popular thing they found on Netflix or they're happy putting 300+ hours into Mario Kart World for the next 6+ months until the next big Nintendo game. (which will be true for the people who buy it every year going forward until the next Mario Kart on the next system).

Also beyond that, Nintendo had a historic, all time run on top, and one of their competition in Xbox is seemingly collapsing, the actual Switch 2 direct was awesome. Literally the only major issue people had going into it was the price and if you have the money, like I imagine most people who buy a console early on would, its a non-issue.

If there's a single major issue with Switch 2 sales at all, I don't think we will know until at least next year.

@skywake
lol…some comments did not age well on here indeed! It’s interesting looking back at the speculating. Some were bang on…others were out to lunch! The writing was on the wall…all indications Switch 2 was set to be a historical launch and here we are! It’s impressive to watch unfold, the Nintendo brand has some inflationary proofing for sure.

I never expected Switch 1 price increases post Switch 2 launch! It’s pretty wild to see an almost 9 year old console getting an increase at this stage..I’m not sure that’s ever happened this late in any console life cycle.

Regarding Switch 1 catching the PS2? I’m not sure it even matters. The fact the Switch 1 was able to reach the numbers it has without EVER being discounted (actually going up in price now!), the fact it is purely a video games system and not just a DVD peripheral signifies its true position as best selling video game console. I don’t necessarily see as many multi Switch 2’s in homes this generation therefore not selling as much as the OG Switch. Switch 2 will still be a massive follow up success for Nintendo

I assumed pricing going up for older consoles was the effect of Trump's tariffs as it applied to all 3 companies. As for Switch 2 sales figures maybe they will go up nicely with Switch 1 pricing being much closer?

This is far too early to tell if the Switch 2 will continue to sell at high levels, all the signs are it will but we are still in the 3 month launch window of the console where demand is typically high. As I previously stated there are different customers for different time periods. Launch will be dominated by huge fans of Nintendo consoles who must have the console but as we move into a later period you have to get more casual gamers on board and these are more sensitive to pricing. Also for it to have a huge Christmas it has to be affordable to parents and real disposable income has reduced in many countries. However the statistics are confusing as many seem to confuse disposable income with real disposable income . As ever it will be interesting to see how it turns out.

@BonzoBanana
I kinda had the same feeling lol

Like... now that an OLED is gonna be, what, 350 or 400 bucks - why not just get a Switch 2 for only 50 bucks more instead?

@BonzoBanana
The tariffs are definitely doing their thing, I do hope ppl don’t think this is simply Nintendo trying to be greedy and understanding these increases are the cost of tariffs being passed on to us the consumers. With that said it is an interesting take on Switch 2 sales, as u mentioned. Is it a savvy business move to sway or convert new/existing owners to purchase the brand new Switch 2 by increases cost of it’s predecessor ? Or will it simply stall sales of Switch 1 altogether? Launching in June means they still have Black Friday and the Holiday rush to boosts sales which bodes well for a system which has already sold 6 Million in 7 weeks 😵. Even more interesting is what is THE 1st party holiday game? Is it Metroid Prime 4? (technically 2nd party) Kirby’s Air Ride? DK Bananza or Drag and Drive?..or is MK World the holiday seller? Unless there’s still a game we still don’t know about yet in 2025

@rallydefault
It’s a viable question and could be a really smart business move in the end. What happens when Switch 1 sales come to a crawl …how long can they rely on that to offset the tariffs before they have to raise Switch 2 prices? Never in my life did I ever associate Trump with gaming 😂

@Rainz Yes the original Switch is still a very viable platform for a few years yet but making the price so close to Switch 2 really puts pressure on it sales wise. Maybe this is a stroke of genius by Nintendo to increase prices of Switch 1. I wonder if they are using some of the original production lines for Switch 1 console for Switch 2 so are looking to reduce numbers of Switch 1 being sold as they want to push much more for Switch 2 sales and have reduced capacity for Switch 1 production. Perhaps we will get to a point where there is a shortage of Switch 1 stock to sell. If there is a shortage of Switch 1 stock then Nintendo can enjoy a much higher more profitable price point as well as seeing more people switch over to Switch 2. Maybe it was cheaper at the factory to re-use an existing production line for Switch 2 rather than have a brand new Switch 2 production facility? They don't have to employ more staff, train more staff etc. They already have an existing skilled workforce who can come in day one and produce a higher quality Switch 2 unit rather than new staff who may make more mistakes.

Nintendo's decision could be ideal for product quality and also maximum profits for their shareholders with reduced setup costs and higher margins. I wonder if Nintendo went full speed on Switch 1 production before Switch 2 production started to build up stock too before the switchover....cough.