Nintendo may be continually playing catch-up with consumer demand at present, but the evidence continues to stack up to suggest that the Switch could be a notable success for the company. From investor confidence to general buzz on social media, the system is enjoying superior publicity and positivity in comparison to its predecessor, the Wii U.
Best Buy is the latest to pitch in to praise the Nintendo Switch effect on the retail scene - the retailer recently revealed its first quarter financial results that defied analyst expectations. It delivered 'comparable-store sales' up 1.6% on the previous year, when analysts had expected a decline. The Switch and broader electronics have been key to the turnaround, with the 'entertainment' sector in particular (which includes gaming) showing 11% growth; that's the highest it's been since the same period in 2014, a time when PS4 and Xbox One were still quite new on the scene.
Target reportedly also cited the Switch as a particularly positive factor in its recent results, saying its electronics sales had 'leapt forward'; not long ago Target ran a major Mario Kart 8 Deluxe takeover initiative in its stores.
It's certainly pleasing, once again, to see retailers praising the impact of the Switch. The more interest the retail sector has in the system the better, as it'll help continually boost awareness and 'presence' for the system.
Our thanks to all that sent this in.
[source bloomberg.com]
Comments 30
Nintendo benefits all! Really hope this early success continues on for years.
This is good, for Nintendo and Best Buy alike
The Walmart I work at gets 5+ a day and sells every one one each day.
The switch's impending release, the generally better (or less insulting) customer service, the far better rewards program, and insert fourth criteria are what finally made me stop going to gamestop and exclusively buy from
Bestbuy. Doesn't help that GameStop was prettt insulting with the switch bundles.
Wow !
A Really Busy year for Nintendo.
Nintendo should maintain this momentum carefully.
We're certainly getting there.
Nintendo saving companies left and right
I have to say, after the non-stop negativity pre-launch, I'm really relishing all of these ridiculous success stories.
You know it going well when retailers are praising you.
On a some what related note how do you go about doing video gaming business with Best buy? I don't want to shop at game stop any more.
@Rafx
Step 1: Sign up for the Best Buy Gamer's Club, it has an up-front cost for a 2-year membership (usually $30) but pays for itself almost immediately (possibly the same day, depending on what you buy). Gives 20% off ALL new physical game titles (unlike Amazon Prime's competing 20% deal, which only applies for the first two weeks of release). The 20% off also applies to select gaming accessories (includes amiibo).
Step 2: Enjoy the savings!
@TrixieSparkle
Awesome! Thank you.
I don't like the $$$$$$$ of all the add-ons like pro controller etc. I don't like paid online. I don't like half-hearted ports that we keep seeing from Wii and on. And there's more.
But I'll still buy one of BG&E2 is exclusive. Haha. It's all about games and so far their strategy seems to have worked of porting Wii U games others missed (Zelda, Mario Kart, basically Splatoon). Later this year when it starts getting truly exclusive new games it will be more interesting to me despite some of the drawbacks. Hope it has legs to go the distance.
@TrixieSparkle Amazon changed their policy with regard to discounts for Prime members. Now you save 20% off the MSRP indefinitely.
EDIT: I think I was mistaken. Sorry about that. For some reason I thought they changed their policy, but it seems to be the same as it always was.
it's so annoying that people complain about the prices of the Switch pro controller - yes it's 70.00 - we pay 5-10 less for the ps4 and x1 controllers - neither of which have a 40+ hour battery , motion controls and nfc support. Yes you can find the controllers on sale at this point and I sure hope you could 5 years after the systems release and eventually we will see sales prices on the pro controller too (maybe lol) but even if not the value you get from it greatly exceeds it's competitors.
A Nintendo bump? Dang, haven't been seeing those much these days.
@thesilverbrick
I was not aware. Thanks for the heads-up!
Always good to have more options of where to shop.
@Rafx they're my primary shop for games, I despise lame stop!!
I went in to best buy Tuesday to get disgaea 5 complete. I looked all over the video game section (back right corner of my best buy) and couldn't find it. I went to the help desk to ask about it... It was on a display in the front of the store!!! I've never had a Nintendo game up front before! I asked if they ever get switch stock they said yes but it sells out the same day!! Nintendo FTW!!
Nintnedo Switch helped Gamestop too, though apparently not enough as it's stock still got crushed this morning, so goes the world of the stock market.
http://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/26/gamestop-shares-tank-despite-earnings-beat.html
@rjejr Poor, misguided Gamestop. Every time they try to dig out they dig in the wrong direction. "We need less stores because we have online!" (The physical stores everywhere was the only asset GameStop had in game sales. Why would anyone buy games online from GameStop instead of Amazon, Walmart, target, or Best Buy?) "We're aggressively moving into collectibles and telecommunications!" Collectibles, ok. My Gamestop has converted the front of the store to all clothing, where Switch was in March. Ok, cool enough, where else can you easily get video game related merch and clothing? That makes sense for them. Telecomm? Why would anyone go to GameStop to buy the heavily market-saturated telecom category when even RADIO SHACK is a more established name in that business?!?
@Rontanamo_Bay I stand corrected. For some reason I erroneously believed they modified the policy but is seems that the old policy is still in place. Sorry about that.
At least Switch is still selling...
I'm happy that some companies are relishing this success alongside Nintendo
Good, maybe they'll put some extra money and effort into their website so the next time they announce they're getting systems, we don't waste hours trying to go from cart to checkout only to have nothing.
The Switch is literally flying off the shelves.
Must have some serious frequent flyer points up.
@Rafx @TrixieSparkle
You forgot step 3: File for bankruptcy. The amount of money Best Buy and Amazon have talked me out of since the they implemented their programs is almost embarrassing.
And to think so much people though we would see the Wii U 2.... Let's hope Nintendo continues as it is!
@Ryu_Niiyama
Do you say that in jest or do you mean they have ripped you off?
@Rafx I am being facetious. I just have spent a lot of money on games in the past two years (amiibo, seriously is an addiction). Pushing close to 10 grand or so already. I'd feel bad but I love the hobby and I'm not in debt so hey.
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