Coming off of the Wii U, it was fair to be skeptical that the Nintendo Switch would be a largescale mainstream hit. Sure, the console launched with a roaring start due to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, but then again, the Wii U started out bright, too. Still, as time has passed, the Switch has been consistently hitting strong sales numbers and the latest NPD results only further confirm that.
In the latest report, it was revealed that Switch was the best-selling console of 2017, outselling both the PS4 and the Xbox One. Over the six months that the Switch has been on the market, it’s led in sales for four of them, which certainly goes to show why stock shortages have been so common. The report went on to explain that sales are up seventeen percent since last year during the same period; plug ‘n’ play consoles—like the NES Classic—were cited as reasons for the new growth.
What do you think? How long will the Switch keep its hot streak going? What’s your favorite Switch game? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
[source venturebeat.com]
Comments 73
Let's hope they've got some left for the holidays.
It will only continue to grow from here. I'm optimistic for the future!
Strong sales numbers make me happy!
If Sony reveals a Switch competitor on the 19th it will be interesting to see it compete against Nintendo. With Sony's portable history (PSP was murdered by DS and Vita has been a sales flop) and the Switch now well established and getting current 3rd party games, I hope Nintendo has enough of a head start to prevail once again.
My town's been surprisingly well stocked for how small it is
Before Mario, Pokemon, Animal Crossing, Metroid geeeeezzzzz
Shipments to stores are getting bigger and more frequent from what I see.
The Switch undoubtedly has its flaws, but I'm so happy to see it off to a strong start.
That being said, it's not that amazing to beat two consoles that have been out for years already. Still promising news!
Well, I'll be Switched! More good news is welcome!
It's so nice to see positive headlines after five years of disappointing news about the Wii U.
Mario + Rabbids' late August release means it's launch will be accounted for in the September NPD.
That means the Switch topped the August hardware sales charts despite being a relatively slow month for the platform in terms of new retail game releases.
@JubilifeRival it is not impressive to be the Xbox one. It is impressive even now to beat the PS4. So far the PS4 has been this generations wii.
The Big N is on a roll!
Go, Go Switch!
There were no reliable NPD hardware sales leaks for August, but if we assume the Switch sold as much in August as it did in June or July (well over 200,000 units), that means the Switch has crossed 2 million units sold in the US.
This means it took the Switch 6 non-holiday months to cross 2 million units sold in the US. By comparison, it took the Wii U 13 months to cross the 2 million units sold in the US, and that included two holiday periods.
Lol, Madden was the best selling game... We be crazy.
Put Animal Crossing for Switch + New color of Switch body and it will be a Madness !
I see Switch has been in stock for almost 24 hours now. The Mario Odyssey bundle is up at BestBuy. Also saw the grey model on Walmart, and they still have single game bundles on GameStop, along with the new Mario Odyssey bundle.
Seems like the system is finally available.
They better have stock for the Holiday season. And on a side note wait till Pokemon releases for the Switch. Then see the sales break bigger records.
@JHDK I very much doubt Sony are concerned with the handheld market right now, they are likely focusing their efforts on the PS4 and PSVR for the time being. They would need to have a constant stream of first party titles for the new device along which would be a huge strain for their studios. And I imagine R&D is being focused on the PS5 and PSVR 2.
Imagine if Nintendo actually made any instead purposely not making any.
Can't believe some people are speculating about Sony releasing a new handheld console.
It's never gonna happen.
@JHDK
Sony's TGS is in four days. If they were actually going to release some new handheld hardware or a portable PS4 (as un-credible rumormongers on Twitter claim), I can assure you that hardware would have been leaked by some big gaming outlet(s) by now.
@westman98 Indeed plus Sony would have made a tease themselves via social media to hype up their fanbase/media.
I find it kinda weird that some people still aren't convinced that the Switch is a success. How long do these numbers need to continue before it becomes obvious?
@Obito_Sigma
Me too! Started off my time with the Switch getting my socks knocked off by Breath of the Wild (the first Zelda I have ever played), then was pleasantly surprised with ARMS. Now, my addiction to Splatoon 2 is starting to concern my wife, I think lol. Just had an awesome time fighting alongside my brother in some Turf Wars for the last couple of hours. I was lucky enough to have the TV, while he was on his Switch playing in handheld mode. Really was a great example of the flexibility of the system. We could have 'switched' at any time if we wanted to!
Now Switch just need six more months to prove to the nay-sayers that it could sell many millions in a year.
@FragRed
Exactly. It's not like Sony is in a tough spot or anything. The PS4 is selling phenomenally well; sales are up YoY despite the Switch's release. Sony has absolutely nothing to worry about when it comes to the Switch being a threat to PlayStation.
@westman98 I see these rumours as nothing more than either fans of Sony or haters of Nintendo wanting PlayStation to dominate in both home and handheld markets.
That's because I bought mine in August & everyone wants to be as cool as me!
Christmas period will see a boom and then 2018 will hit the ground running. (But is anyone else wondering how on Earth they can best this year!? I mean, I am not doubting they can, just excited at the thought of it.)
Dead. On. Arrival.
Surely this is expected rather than anything amazing. Any other result would be a disaster, what with the XB1 and PS4 having been out years already. The real test is if it continues to sell at this pace or greater for the next couple of years, which hopefully it will. It would be nice for it to surpass GC and N64 sales, maybe even SNES sales if it gets that price drop many of us are waiting for before we buy one.
@Ichiban that's exactly it lol, I can tell you I picked mine up once I heard you were on board!
@GravyThief OMG if they ever drop the price to sub-£200 then it'll virtually become a human right for everyone to own one, they'll be everywhere (provided they can make enough).
Glad to hear Nintendo is doing great with sales. Even though I have a Switch, Nintendo seriously needs to get more Switches in stock.
I'd like to see the figures.
@GravyThief Not necessarily - the PS4 and XBox One are mature platforms at their peak. It might seem to you like everyone who really wants one already has one and that surely sales of the consoles themselves should be slowing down but that's perhaps just because you're in a bit of a bubble.
In theory both PS4 and XBox One should be quietly selling more just now than at any other point in their life cycles for the following reasons:
1 - They are much cheaper now than they were at launch. Which makes them more attractive to a broader audience. In particular kids and families.
2 - They have very diverse game libraries built up over many years. Whatever genre you prefer (however ultra niche it may be) the odds are that there are now at least half a dozen solid options for you on PS4/XBox One. That wouldn't have been true in year 1 or year 2 so a lot of people would have seen no reason to invest at that point but may now.
3 - Discounted software is now available. The best of the first 2 years of PS4 software can be picked up today for next to nothing. This also makes it an attractive buy for families and others on a budget.
4 - The marketing message has had years to reach everyone. Crazy as it sounds a big console launch isn't news to everyone - they pass the majority of the population by. Over time however every big campaign for a new game raises the profile, reaching more people who've never heard of the console before.
5 - There's no announced successor as yet. They're still both very vibrant formats (although the One X confuses that a little with XBox).
@GravyThief I agree. The other platforms are 4 years old and the big games there aren't coming out until the run-up to Christmas. Nintendo have had their launch and the last 6 months largely to themselves. So yes they can top the hardware charts but they're not topping the software charts in America and that's not realistic given the difference in base hardware units sold. Super Mario Odyssey is their big Christmas game but unlike the rest of the year, they won't be alone. Nintendo, I think have come out all guns blazing in an effort to make sure Switch didn't sink but what comes after Super Mario Odyssey?
They've released nearly all the big guns Zelda, Mario Kart, Splatoon and soon Super Mario. Pokemon is a while away yet. I think a port of Wii U Smash Bros. is lurking unbeknownst to us behind the scenes and could release in February or somewhere around there. That would sell very well. I also think Pikmin 4(which was nearly finished on Wii U and then pulled) might be almost an emergency backup for when there's a large gap in the release schedule, they can plug the hole with that. It's strange that they haven't even mentioned it in a long time and we've seen absolutely nothing of it at all.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE @StuTwo @gcunit
That's some good points about the relative cheapness of the XB1 and PS4 being a factor. I also agree that if the Switch hit that sweet spot of sub £200 (£179 like the Wii released would be amazing), along with a game like Pokemon, then that thing would just fly off the shelves.
There are lots of games I want now for the Switch (even the ports like DOOM and Skyrim), but I will still not buy one whilst it costs approx. £350 to get the console with a proper pad and an SD Card.
And yes, where is Pikmin 4?
It's great to see Nintendo back in the game. I think Switch will continue to go from strength to strength tbh...
@GravyThief Dude, a 'proper pad' is absolutely non-essential. Have you spent much time with the joy-con?
Let's be frank, the console is great. It speaks to people and is clear what it is. It is the best handheld made (in my opinion) and works great as a home console. It had a system seller launch title that everyone knew about, even if they didn't buy a Switch.
Titles have been spaced, and after a very slow start, are picking up. I think this is very very positive for Nintendo. Who knows if momentum can be kept up, supply issues and a good but not huge list of major titles might affect it but I would be surprised if the Switch doesn't make headlines this Christmas as the must have electical gift.
It selling more than competitors doesn't mean too much to me - the XB1X will sell a load as well. The PS4 and XB1 have had the same hardware out for over a year after the Pro, Slim and S refresh. However it would have meant more if it didnt outsell these consoles.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE I'd agree that Smash is definitely coming at some point and it's probably going to be another Wii U port. They obviously can't mention it before Poken launches.
My guess is that if it is a Wii U port then it'll come in May. It's a nice launch spot where Nintendo have successfully released big "long tail" games in the past (like Mario Kart 8 - twice).
If it comes in May then I'd also take that as an indication that they are confident that Pokemon will arrive before the end of 2018. They need something big for Christmas 2018 and if Pokemon isn't going to make it then Smash Bros. is the next most obvious candidate.
@GravyThief I think it'll get there eventually. Unlike the Wii U the underlying hardware should become much cheaper over time and there are things that can be easily jettisoned in later SKUs. Like a dockless "handheld only" Switch or a Screen-less and battery-less "home only" Switch. Either could be sub £150 today if Nintendo wanted.
At the moment though that would be a mistake. It would confuse the market, put pressure on supply for components and when the Switch is selling out as a genuine premium product it's probably too soon to offer a cheaper alternative.
When they do though... a home or handheld only Switch at less than £150 with a digital version of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe bundled in would sell very well.
@GravyThief You say £350 with D-pad and SD card. I say £255 (It was £255 at Tesco last week) with 2 controllers out of the box.
@aesc screw higher resolution, how about L2/R2 triggers? Even just so Remote Play doesn't end up so compromised in many games. A literal Vita Pro, maybe with a spec bump to accommodate more cross-platform with PS4 (oh, and maybe with actual MicroSDs this time? Different storage format won't be a big issue with PSN anyway), could actually suffice; the console is packed with features otherwise.
Granted, Sony seems to be sitting on AMD these days and some people claim AMD doesn't quite cut it among mobile chips. Would they have to go for Tegra to beef up the hardware, too?
@GravyThief the JoyCons in the grip are actually really good so I haven't invested in a proper pad yet. Will do in future though for sure if I see a good discount.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE good use of unbeknownst sir. With Ninty's experience now of HD development I think Prime4 may be another big release next Xmas along side Pokemon. I'm not saying it will, but I think there might be a chance. Also Pikmin 4 I need you
@gcunit I haven't held the Joy Cons, but I've seen them in their grip behind glass in CEX and they looked really small and cramped. It didn't scream comfort to me anyway. Even my wife's first comment upon seeing it was how small and cramped the controller looked.
Obviously I can't know 100% without trying it for a prolonged period of time, but ultimately I want a 2nd controller long term regardless, and I just feel the whole Switch pricing at the moment is one big rip-off. Everyone has their own views on that of course, but that's mine. I'm happy waiting for a price drop anyway, with a child on the way I'll be kept busy!
@faint the PS4 is also 4 years old and not even the latest offering of the PlayStation brand.
News can be spun to sound good or bad for anything.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE 😂
@GravyThief anyone who complains of handcramps from joycons in a joycon grip is doing it wrong. I have huge hands and arthritis: the joycon grip is one of the comfiest controllers I've ever used. Perfect for BoTW. I do have a pro controller for side scrolling games though.
@gatorboi352 it is literally the wii of this generation. To sum this up to "it's four years old" devalues Sony impressive accomplishment this gen.
Very good news, just hope they keep up with the stock demand
@westman98 Microsoft has more to lose from the Switch's success given they have struggled to sell the Xbox One over the last few years.
And while I love my Xbox One, I don't see things getting better. It seems like Microsoft's gameplan is to throw the hail mary into the Endzone as time runs out with the Xbox One X rather than build up a steady stream of exclusives that you can't find anywhere else.
Sony, on the other hand, has built up their exclusives to the point where they are viable system sellers like Nintendo's are. And of course, Nintendo's first-party titles are the top of their class.
But Microsoft is not only relying on their old franchises, every attempt to launch a new IP this gen has been a dud.
Sony has a 60 million unit lead with the PS4. Even with the Switch selling in huge numbers, it will take awhile for it to even approach those sales, and PS4s are still selling.
The Xbox? At this point the best Microsoft can hope for is to finish in a decent spot and start the next gen with their mistakes hopefully fixed.
@GravyThief
It's not expected, no e.g. the UK. Selling more than XB1 is probably easy enough (even allowing for Xbox being much bigger in the States than anywhere else) but PS4 is still a juggernaut. It's at that 'critical mass' point going truly mainstream. Getting ahead of that, even if it doesn't last, is very impressive.
@Caryslan
I've come round to the idea of XB1X not even being expected to sell that well. Rather, it's MS wanting to combat the perception that Sony have the most powerful Consoles before next gen. I like it because it means there will be a next gen from MS which wasn't always certain. Though if they want to properly compete they need to reverse the recent retrenchment and get some more exclusives.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE What comes out after Mario Odyssey? Xenoblade 2!!! A game that I'm incredibly excited for!
@Fred13 Yes, I think it's great too. Loved the other 2 on Nintendo Wii and Wii U. But they're a bit niche and won't drive the sales like SMO will.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE I really wish you were wrong about Xenoblade being niche, but you're not. Xenoblade Chronicles is my all time favorite game, and I loved Xenoblade X so I'm very much looking forward to Xenoblade 2, but unfortunately you're right. I don't know how Nintendo is still making these as I'm sure the first 2 they lost money on, but I'm glad they're still making them.
@Fred13 Spending some money on advertising could possibly help.
*golf clap
Can't really argue with this. I see PS4s in every store, while not a Switch to be found. I guess they do exist, but are just selling out.
(What's that? There's a third console that should be in stores too? lol, go on)
@faint "So far the PS4 has been this generations wii."
A bit of an overstatement, but I understand what you're getting at.
@CircuitWrangler3 it's already sold over sixty million units.
I still haven't seen a Switch anywhere in my city. I don live in a small town either. It's been rather disappointing.
I would buy one online but mail theft has been insane in my area and knowing my luck it's get delivered and snatched while I'm at work (something that's happened before to me) and I don't want to take that risk
@faint I understand, but it's coming up on 4 years since its launch; it will have to sell over 30 million by November next year in order to be in the same level as the Wii sales wise. The Wii took roughly 5 years to sale 101 million units.
And besides, the PS4 brand hasn't really offered what allowed the Wii to sell as well as it did: unparalleled accessibility and universal ease-of-use. It packs in nothing more than a standard controller, and launched at a price of $400, $150 more than the Wii, to an established audience of gaming enthusiasts. And now the PS4 Pro, it's definitive configuration, brings its price tag back to $400, ironically after numerous price cuts to the original model. It has garnered well earned success in the particular area of the market that it's aiming at though, but seeing as how it has no real blue ocean value, its success is potentially limited.
Basically, what we're looking at, as far as the success of the PS4, is a standard console that has properly appealed to a wide number of established console gaming enthusiasts. That's not to say that the PS4 can't sell as well as the Wii overtime, I just don't think that it's likely to happen by next year, considering the circumstances.
@JHDK Are you referring to the Saltymetaldave announcement? I swear he is actually working for Sony pretending to be a disgruntled Nintendo fan. His perspective is just weird and whether intentional or not, I can't help read whatever he says with a derogatory tone even when he is praising Nintendo.
I think that Switch sells on its own merits, but probably mini console helped Nintendo to reach a bigger audience and gain interested from some people that lately lost interested in their console (I love the first Wii - not the Wii U - but I know that many people were unhappy with the first one and its features too and probably mini consoles had some impact on those people)
The Switch to me feels like everything the Wii U should have been. I could barely go into another room with the Wii U gamepad and now the Switch can be taken anywhere.
I am still a big fan of Wii U for it's games and I did love the interface and Miiverse. Switch has great games out already and many more in the pipeline I can just see it getting better and better.
@Fred13 I've just been getting into XCX recently. Took a while to get into it but am really enjoying it. Can't believe XC2 is coming out this year!
I can't see why the previous games didn't sell better but maybe XC2 on Switch will get more attention since Xenoblade Chronicles and XCX were released late into their consoles life span. Hopefully XC2 will have better sales.
@JHDK With the greatest of respect, saying the DS "murdered" the PSP is not 100% accurate: yes it was more than double in overall sales figures, but 76 million in a portable hardware market that hit 226 million isn't a bad effort - especially when you consider that historically, nobody has come close to taking the crown from Nintendo in the handheld space.
even in this topic i see rumblings of a new ps portable being announced at the 19th.
highly doubt it for a few reasons.
1). sony doesnt have the sheer amount of studio's nintendo has, nintendo couldnt even support 2 consoles decently last generation, how is sony going to support 3?
2). stepping up from my previous point, if sony did reveal a ps4 go or w/e, they would hurt their own sales aswell, which is kinda counterproductive for any company overall.
3). if the rumours are true, why isnt eurogamer reporting on it? they have been spot on with the switch, ps4 pro and xbox one x, so why arnt they reporting on the supposedly ps4 go?
but if they do reveal their ps4 go, in the end it would only help nintendo, if both ps4 go and switch would use a similair architecture, porting games over from the ps4 go to switch and vice versa would be super easy, so third party wise nintendo and sony would be equal, which isnt that bad at all
@GrailUK IDK where I heard it but I know I saw that Sony tweet with something on a pedestal covered by a cloth that was promoting a presser on the 19th. I also heard a few youtubers talk about the possibility of a new portable.
@Karth123 Man...believe!
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