At least in the short term, it appears that the Nintendo Switch is doing exceedingly well. Naturally, there are teething issues that come with any console launch, but the console is on pace to clear two million units sold in the first month, owing no small part of that to the incredible critical success of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The future, however, is a bit more uncertain, but it seems that there is evidence to suggest that this pace could continue for quite some time.
GameStop senior director of merchandising—Eric Bright—recently talked with Game Rant as part of an interview and offered his two cents on the Switch's first couple weeks. While he didn't offer any hard numbers, he mentioned that its current pace could see it passing up the sales Wii, citing a surprisingly high software/hardware attach rate:
The Nintendo Switch is off to a start right now that it could possibly eclipse the Wii. Initial sales on this have been phenomenal. I can't give straight numbers, but I can say we're seeing one of the highest attach rates of software and accessories to a device that we've seen in a long time.
The Wii cleared over 100 million units when all was said and done, so this is quite the lofty goal, but perhaps the Switch will manage to recapture that audience which was lost with the Wii U.
What do you think? Will the Switch maintain its momentum long term? Do you think it could actually turn out better than the Wii? Drop us a comment in the section below.
[source gamerant.com]
Comments 112
I look forward to when we get real numbers from Nintendo. I sure hope it is doing as well or better than all these outside sources seem to be saying.
A pretty optimistic claim, but if Nintendo plays their cards right it could very well get up there. I imagine a Switch Pokemon game would help it get there. By no means unreasonable, but, I think, it's too soon to say how well the Switch will do in the long run.
@JHDK it's going to get a massive boost in November-december
I'm game
@Roam85 Probably, but it will have to compete with the Scorpio at that time.
@JHDK Scorpio with it's 6000 Gflop will make Switch looks like a Gameboy.
I don't know how they can think they know that already. Of course the console is going to sell like gangbusters during launch, they always do, and then once all of the Nintendo core audience has their switch, then we will see if it continues to sell. But it is way to soon to make such predictions.
In my opinion Switch's attach rate is because we have the best Nintendo game in years on the best Nintendo hardware in years.
@Nintendian That didn't stop the Wii vs PS3 and 360.
Nintendo Switch must give a reason so every month there is at least one or two new games that you really have to buy even if you cannot afford up to the X-Mas holidays.
Think about it: a lot of people remember the Wii and never knew about the Wii U. With all the Switch commercials coming on, those same fans/casuals probably think Nintendo is finally coming out with a new system.
Theoretically, yes it "could" but in all likelihood it probably won't come even close.
@JHDK That's right, Switch will go down the same path with all those dumb down games compared to PS4 Pro/Scorpio but this time they won't sell as much as Wii. Motion control is not a new thing anymore, only thing new is that Switch is portable.
@Nintendian Yes there was plenty of shovelware on the Wii but I would hardly call games like: Galaxy, Okami, Metroid, Twilight, Kart and Xenoblade "dumbed down". And those are just the games that come right to mind. I'm sure if I spent 3 minutes looking it up I could add 20 more games to that list.
@JHDK Of course Nintendo first party games are going to be good, it's the 3rd party games that will suffered. Multi-platform games will either be made dated or not release at all on Switch.
@Nintendian let me ask you this. now that the vita is beginning to die in Japan and the 3ds is on its way out where are all those developers going to go? Certainly not to the Scorpio.
I really doubt it.
Wii was in the right place, at the right time. Not doubting Switch might sell well, but Wii numbers are doubtful. Honestly, after the Wii U, I think Nintendo would be happy with N64-level sales.
@faint In Japan the biggest gaming platform is the smartphone. That's why Nintendo wants a piece of it too.
@Nintendian Ok, lets talk 3rd party then. The above mentioned Okami wasn't made by Nintendo, neither was No More Heroes or Red Steel 2 (yes I know the first one sucked but 2 was a great game) or any of the Rabbids games.
I will admit it is harder for me to come up with list of stellar Wii 3rd party games off the top of my head but it did have a good number of them.
@Nintendian the why do developers put games on the vita and 3ds is Japan if there was no point?
@faint You have to ask the developers, I really don't know why they bothered. I only play games made by Nintendo on 3ds.
@JHDK monster hunter, bit trip complete, cursed mountain, last story, trauma center, dead space extraction, mad world, and silent hill come to mind.
@Danpal65 That's quite true, if a full scale Pokemon shows up on Switch, it'll fly off shelves like we've never seen. Honestly, that's the only way I see the Switch actually hitting Wii-like numbers.
@Nintendian that means you don't like rpg's or dungeon crawlers, or strategy I'm guessing. My point is the switch will have 10 time the support the wiiu did.
@SwitchVogel we will get a monster hunter too I would think.
@faint just waiting for a FPS and MOBA
Which i'm wishing for........
@faint I like Mario and Luigi Dream Team, a great rpg. A link between worlds is a good dungeon crawler and FE: Awakening is also a great strategy game.
Getting Animal Crossing right will be key I think.
And main series Pokemon of course but I'm starting to feel like a broken record about that. 😁
As the 3DS starts to die down over the next few years, I imagine various slight upgrades to the switch specs would mean a range of different prices and generations available at the same time so casual people would pick up the original model for a fraction of its price while the more die hard fans will be picking up newer generations every couple of years so it could well overtake the Wiis lifetime figures but I don't think that would mean more unique owners just more owners with multiple switches over time.
They need more game system sellers, even anouncements would help boost sales.
-Pokemon switch
on the go and on the big screen system outseller.
-Pokken fighter
Is already a Hot item.
-Smashbros
Outseller for sure
-Metroid
Many fans screaming for the game to return and yeah the switch need solid FPS.
-Kid Icarus
Everyone loved it on the 3DS so yeah a Switch game would draw many on to the switch.
-Golden sun
This game had many fans when it came out, and isaac had many votes for smashbros appearance. And yeah the switch need these kind of RPG.
And for sellers (third party)
-Dragonball
-Naruto
-FF7 remake (that game looks beautiful)
-Shenmue (1,2,3)
-games like (Battlefield, COD etc)
If only Rare was still on board lol, Imagine Killer instinct back on the switch. Would be a system seller if they would go back to the roots (not gonna happen)
Switch needs a Nintendog, being able to pet the animals with your fingers is so much better than scratching the screen with a stylus.
Nintendog is what sold DS 10 years ago. Its a killer app.
It can't possibly sell close to Wii because some Nintendolife members said so.In fact according to one who I won't name,it will flop even harder than Wii U.Why should I take the word of a senior manager of the worlds largest gaming retailer over theirs?
@JHDK I think he was referring more to gimped versions of AAA titles like Ghostbusters and Call of Duty.
@OorWullie Because Trump became president when the media said it won't happened.
@Nintendian I wouldn't call a link between worlds a dungeon crawler. If you like these games you should expand your horizons. I recommend Stella Glow on the 3ds. You can find a glowing review on this site. It's very good.
I don't think it'll ever hit Wii numbers (Unless they don't release a 3DS successor and/or make a Pokemon game for it), but it will definitely do much better than the Wii U. I can't honestly believe people still think it will do worse than the Wii U. It has always had so much more going for it right from the start. With the Wii U, the writing was on the wall right out of the gate when people were confused about whether it was a new system or just a Wii accessory.
@Nintendian let's leave politics elsewhere shall we.
I think the argument that the Scorpio is going to have any great impact on any system is probably misguided. It's looking to be, basically, a pointlessly powerful console that is outclassed by PC and can't have any of its own personal exclusives for a premium price. The Switch will do fine during the holidays against it, and if anything it's the Scorpio that'll be in trouble as it doesn't really offer anything over the other systems, including the current Xbox.
@faint Yeah count on that. The series has really seen a jump since the move to 3DS, a Switch game is guaranteed. I didn't pick up Generations, but I'm hoping they'll be doing MH 5 next.
@Danpal65 Sony and Microsoft have done such a great job of making their consoles look like PCs that they've convinced me that my second system this generation should just be an actual PC. Unless you absolutely have to play the exclusives there's no reason to buy a PS4 or an X1, and I can't believe how many people Sony found who don't realize that. I can believe Microsoft hasn't found quite as many.
@KirbyTheVampire Im not sure they will release a 3DS Successor now because of how the switch has been accepted as this portable system so quickly. My friend has probably only had his Switch hooked up to the TV once and the rest of the time he has used it like a handheld. Im not saying they are going to abandon the 3DS anytime soon just like the GBA was out for ages while the original DS was doing the rounds. But over time I think Nintendo will goto a single hybrid model and then we could see wii numbers. I really hope the 3DS is kicking around for a couple more years yet though.
@Nintendian
Excuse me ??
I have Wii and my Wii games are NOT Stupid !
I play good Wii games such as Harvest Moon Tree of Tranquility, Wii Party, The Dog Island, Dance Dance Revolution II, Super Mario Galaxy, Chocobo's Dungeon Wii, etc.
Are my games Stupid ??
@Roam85 I'm sure there is going to be a lot of kids or even adults wanting a switch and Super Mario Odyssey for Christmas. I'm getting a switch asap and probably Mario odyssey for Christmas.
@Anti-Matter What about Mario Kart Wii? 😢
@PanurgeJr That's true. But even then, exclusives are becoming less of a reason since Microsofts can be bought for PC, I think, and you can get PS3 games on there now as well, which is setting an interesting precedent for the future. It'll be interesting to see how those two manage to survive with the direction they're taking.
Dude, i swear if a LameStop employee asks if i want disc skip protection on my Switch, I cant be liable for what might occur afterwards.
Can't see it somehow. Its a replacement for 3DS and Wii U but if it gets to 3DS numbers it's done well.
@Nintendian Nobody cares about your Xflop, shooting games are played out
@Nintendian So, the least-powerful system on the market, yet one of the best-selling systems of all time in spite of it? Nintendo should be so lucky.
Just anecdotal evidence here, but since the Switch came out, just about every time I've gone to the video game section of a Best Buy or a Target or a GameStop, I've seen a steady stream of people either hovering around the Switch display or asking staff about the system and when they'll have more in stock. In the four years of Wii U's life, I think I saw that happen twice, and one of those times it was me asking the guy at Target to unlock the case so I could get one out.
Switch has clearly captured the imagination of a fair amount of the people who know about it, which the Wii U never accomplished. That's a good start, at least.
Never going to happen. The wii sold amazing because of the casual appeal of the console. They all moved to their smartphones to play simple games everywhere. Sure, the switch is made to be carried with you, but I don't think that the casial audience wants to have a dedicated system to play with. To be honest, I think it would be more realistic to expect that the Switch will just outsell the gamecube.
I hope that I'm wrong though
It might initially get up to similar numbers, say until about the first two/three quarters, but if it'll reach the same lifetime sales numbers, definitely remains to be seen.
If Nintendo can pull off numbers like that in this day and age, and at such prices, then they've surely caught lighting in a bottle twice...
3 weeks in is way too soon. Let's not get ahead of ourselves here. The switch will do well but nah it's not reaching Wii numbers.
Wii was lighting in a bottle.
The Switch has a ways to go in terms of its library and services (such as the online infrastructure) before I jump on-board. But things seem to be going well thus far. I just hope Nintendo has learned some - keyword, I said some because they won't ever learn all - lessons and can keep it up...
@Nintendian Switch needs a SWITCH FIT Game - 32 million Wii fit boards were sold!
An instant appeal to Non-gamers to pick up a Switch
( I don't think Non-gamers would ever get an XBONE, PS4, or SCORPIO - but the SWITCH has a use for these people! )
It'll never do Wii numbers as I think that console was an aberration n the industry (IMO) but I think it will do good numbers. It is all about getting over the release high and providing exciting content to encourage users to get into it.
Also, officially license a cradle for passenger seats in the car so that kids can do multiplayer on a long journey. Never underestimate the spending potential of parents desperate for a car journey without nagging kids.
@cfgk24
Well, if Only Switch Fit have Boxing Cardio Workout like Gold Gym Cardio Workout Wii (We play with Avatar, chooseable instructors, customable both instructor and player) it would exciting.
@Nintendian and the price to match.
Let's see if it can get past Wii UK numbers first- that's the core 10-15 million Nintendo fans out there.
Then we'll see if they can attract the XB1/PS4 crowd, then the casuals.
The switch situation reminds me of the psvita. Don't get me wrong,it will more than outsell vita numbers,maybe even reach 3ds like figures. The psvita/switch likeness will be more in tune with developers. Just like vita the switch will get great support from Japanese developers and plenty western indie support,the difference though Switch will be supported better by Ninty than Vita was by Sony. With this triangular factor the switch will be a success. I didn't add AAA 3rd party because it just won't happen,the best switch could ask for on this is gimped ports,but if AAA games do happen then switch sales should be even higher than 3ds
I know Nintendo have a cunning plan with Switch. When Switch gets a nice catalogue of games; this takes time for every console. One of the biggest problems with Wii u was Nintendo couldn't cut the price. That problem will not exist with Switch. Right price some good games, it's going to fly. Fly baby fly.
@MrGawain
The ps4, Xb1 crowd will be invited to buy a Switch, but where I think Nintendo will focus, is on parents. They will be the big target in the future when the price is right. That's where the big sales could come from.
@Nintendian and its bigger surface will certainly gather more dust than a Gameboy's once the weekend/holiday/day off ends.
@JudgeMethos as well as an overdue new Mario Kart and a cool new and original MOBA with squid kids? XD "Wait, where's Splatoon 1, did it never leave Japan?"
I'll believe it when I see it. I'm sure the switch would do well, I',m expecting more of a 70-80 million sales range for its lifespan.
@Nintendian But can you play the 1.21 jigaflop Scorpio on the go seamlessly? Will it cost 325 euros? Don't think so. Especially after the VR unit they will reveal to go with it in order to compete with PS4 VR. Welcome to the era of 1000 euro/dollar console experiences.
Attach rate and console sales don't have much to do with each other, but maybe he is talking about sales of all Switch products. The Wii had a low attach rate, so that might be more likely.
It mostly depends on the exclusives and their quality imo
@Nintendian The Scorpio is not a brand new console though, it is supposed to be playing Xbox One content in native 4k resolutions.
I hope NS maintains its strong momentum. It is a fantastic little device. Can not wait until E3. I think Nintendo was on to something releasing in March like this. It keeps the hype levels high until E3..unless marketing goes to sleep...so far the cattle prods have been working.
I come on here and on many occasions I am reading comments where ppl are beating up on different hardware,it's pathetic to read really. In the blue corner we have switch owners beating up wii u owners and viceversa,then ps4 owners having digs at switch and Xbox and Wii u owners. Now in the other corner we have xbox owners shouting the odds at anybody that will listen to them,even PC owners screaming my machine is more powerful. This situation where my hardware is better than yours belongs in the school playground. True gamers wouldn't behave like this,it shouldn't matter what machine you have,the fact we all have something in common should be enough and that's we love gaming,this situation with tearing each other up over a console of your choice is bloody ridiculous
Being 8 bit and monochrome didn't hold the Game Boy back in the days of 16 bit home consoles. There won't be such a large gap between revisions either. The versatility of the system will likely see it through. It's a world beating handheld and Nintendo's best home console yet.
As well as third party support it also needs more first party IPs to make a welcome appearance. I personally hope to see F-Zero, Wave Race, 1080°, Excitebike, Punch Out and Pilotwings this time around.
It could, but then, has anyone been able to purchase one in the last 2.5 weeks anywhere?
@cfgk24 um, Wii fit U didn't help to sell the WiiU, I doubt a fit game will help the Switch.
@3MonthBeef Option C really should be the only one for real gamers. I will never understand some gamers fixation with technical specs.
While I doubt the Switch will have as vast a library as the Wii, the console itself certainly holds more appeal, and once it gets a steady flow of big name titles, I could definitely see it giving the Wii a run for it's money.
The sold over 100 mil by the end of its life that was fantastic... Switch? Hmm by the end of its life I would say 25-50 mil ... All we need is games!!!
@Nintendian "Scorpio with it's 6000 Gflop will make Switch looks like a Gameboy."
I don't think that is a bad thing at all.
@dizzy_boy no doubt.. the age of fitness games selling consoles is well and truly over.
People are happy to either still use there Wii consoles or are using tablets and smartphones for fitness apps.
Nintendo shouldn't even bother releasing a switch fitness game
the thing Nintendo need to do most is build up the games database. its worrying theres seemingly not much coming out
@Nintendian It will look like a Gameboy? Thats good then. The Gameboy proved time and again that games make the console. The Gameboy was lower powered than the competitors Game Gear, Lynx etc but in the end, the Gameboy reigned supreme.
BoTW is phenomenal and MK8 and Splatoon2 will continue it's trend but, when iterations of Monster Hunter, Pokemon, Smash and Animal Crossing are announced/released; the numbers will begin to soar. Mario Odyssey and FE Warriors and Skyrim are just the icing on the cake.
@Anti-Matter Cringe.
@NintySnesMan
I actually said in the past, this site should be called"The school yard". 🙂
@BustedUpBiker I like your thinking as my avatar would suggest!! im thinking we may get Waverace, Excitebike or Pilotwings announced at E3 as we have Steep and Fast RMX covering 1080/F-zero genres. I'd take any of those games though. They are all perfect for local multiplayer! Imagine 4-8 switches hooked up for 8 player F-zero/1080/Waverace/excitebike. How am I gonna be able to do any work now when I'm thinking about that instead!!
"Could", but 99% likely to not.
@OorWullie Can you name that member please? If you're referring to me, I've NEVER said it would flop harder than Wii U, show me even 1 reference where I said that, it doesn't exist. I've said on numerous occasions that I think it'll sell 30 million units. It could be higher if they sort out the price, get proper 3rd party support and it gets a revamped version with better specs. Nothing's set in stone yet.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE I think he meant like Yasume or someone else. But I'm just guessing so don't take my word for it.
@Som64 OK, cheers.
Haters gonna hate
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Not you pal, your comments are fine. Yasume and Jimi on the other hand.
@ZurapiiYohane Why two franchises that have generally sold quite poorly and are my no means system sellers.
Next you're going to tell me F-Zero could sell 10 million copies on the Switch.
Pokémon + Mario Kart + Animal Crossing + Monster Hunter + Call of Duty = 100 million sells
@dizzy_boy
Ooh...Wii Fit U.
That will be my 8th Wii U games, the last Wii U games that I will collect so far.
Still too hard for me to find decent 9th and 10th Wii U games.
It's certainly possible, but a bit too early to tell in my opinion. Wait to see how well it does once they restock and then when MK8 releases.
Please can some one tell me how the PS4 & XboxOne are PC's, that's just like saying the Switch is a water down mobile phone.
You cannot go off launch sales to predict how well a device will sell, and i doubt the Switch will sell anything like the Wii. Especially considering Nintendo most popular hardware doesn't even come close to them numbers 3DS, also all the top selling hardware has something in common 3rd party support.
I could see it out selling the Wii U and Gamecube but the Wii?
That's a bit too early to say, though I could see it passing 50 million units/
@beazlen1 Kindred spirit! Nice avatar Mine is the great Valentino Rossi at Laguna Seca, in 2010 I think. Fans could send in a photo and they chose a bunch to adorn his bike that weekend. I was under his left knee on the petrol tank
This is marketing.
Translation: Please come buy a Switch when we re-stock.
Goal: "Oh snap! I better buy mine quick!"
@BustedUpBiker nice! that's pretty cool. Maybe I'll race you on excitebike in the near future. Come on BigN make it happen!!
@Anti-Matter Damn! I don't know this game!
@dizzy_boy Because Wii U was misunderstood.... However - SWITCH FIT will be FULLY portable so you can go and work out on the Beach, work out on holiday, and move it away from the TV - plus - those Joycons with HD rumble will provide a much much better experience over the heavier wiimotes. . . . I can't wait to se what Nintendo come up with. .
@Nintendian
Victory!
And so we have finally snatched back our lovely country from the NWO!
(This is what happens when you start political stuff up, because then you're asking for it.)
Speaking of the Switch doing well, Ctrl+Alt+Del author Tim Buckley just released his latest "Console Wars" strip with the Switch's awaited (by CAD fans anyway) debut in the battlefield. Needless to say, it's quite refreshing to see Nintendo consoles treated with respect on the comic for a change.
That seems almost unreasonably optimistic this early in the game, but I suppose Nintendo could sell 100 million units IF (in no particular order) they keep a strong flow of first party games coming that everyone wants, third parties are adequately drawn to the system, and if they keep up their stellar advertising.
@ATZW1980 ReviewTechUSA was saying that if Overwatch came to the Switch, it would almost literally print money. And with 27M copies sold, he not wrong.
@beazlen1 See you on the grid! Can't wait for Mario Kart as well
If it does 3DS numbers and they come up with the "New" Switch in about 4 years then maybe it approaches the 100 m mark. I think they will do well with this. I think despite the home console marketing......most people consider it a handheld and that has been Nintendo's bread and butter for quite some time. Get a proper Pokemon, Monster Hunter, and the plethora of 1st party Nintendo games that are sure to come with a sprinkling of AAA 3rd party titles I think you have the makings for a success.
Just got back from my local game stop,they were saving 3 for the people already waiting when I got there,and the rest were bundles.
Wanna know how they can do it in three words? Pokemon on Switch. If Nintendo puts a mainline Pokemon game on Switch Nintendo will be the market leader once again, plain and simple.
One of the reasons why the original Gameboy family managed to sell over 100 million units (118 million to be precise) is because it was Nintendo's flagship handheld for nearly 12 years. The Gameboy was first released in 1989, and it wasn't until 2001 that it was finally replaced by the GBA.
If the Switch (or the Switch "family of devices") is Nintendo flagship gaming platform for a whopping 9-12 years, then it could absolutely sell well over 100 million units, not necessarily because of a record shattering sales pace like with the Wii, but because of a moderately good sales pace within a very long sales period like with the original Gameboy.
If the Switch only lasts 5-7 years on the market like most platforms, then no, I don't believe for a second that it will outsell the Wii. I'd love to be proven wrong, but I can't see it.
@JHDK how will it compete with Scorpio? Will it have better games than the Xbox One all of a sudden? Nintendo competes with great games, not specs.
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