Nintendo Will Reportedly "Boost" Switch Production In 2023

Trying to remember where the Switch started 2022 in terms of sales. I think it hit 100 million with the Q4 2021 update. Once we get the Q4 2022 update from Nintendo in the next two weeks or so, Switch sales should be at 120 million. That's 20 million in a year, and if we have another year like that, Switch will be at 140 million by the end of the year. It's not crazy to think the Switch has a real shot of overtaking the PS2 as the best selling games system of all time.

„To date, the Switch has now shifted more than 114 million units worldwide.“ This statement is correct, but a massive understatement. According to https://www.vgchartz.com/article/456044/global-hardware-week-51-2022/, sales numbers where above 120 million units before Christmas, so in the meantime we could be at more than 122 million units.

Increase production in what will be its 7th year? Ok, I'm calling it. A new model will be added to the Switch family. My bet is a Switch Light OLED. Would add another couple of million, especially in Japan.

@Tober And my bet is a price cut on the existing Switch lite to 130 bucks/quids. I think the hardware engineers at Nintendo now totally focus on the design for the Switch successor.

How bout a $100 price dropped on all the models? Switch OLED for $250, regular Switch for $200, and Switch Lite for $100. That would not only boost sales but it will quickly sell units too.

Well talks like this only supports the next console is still a ways off.

@Ade117 That might be an understatement if the demand remains. The Switch could outsell the original Nintendo DS.

Yeah sounds like 2024 at the earliest for more capable hardware from Nintendo. Oh well.

I still love Nintendo games but I don’t love waiting for the ones that could benefit most from new hardware. Pikmin, for instance is really heightened by hyper realistic environments and fine detail.

@Max_the_German With solid sales expected for another year, they have absolutely no incentive to cut the price.

@Dev9417 I’m also happy to wait a year or two for new hardware. My backlog of games is so huge, I need time to play them all. I haven’t even started Breath of the Wild!

Hahaha

Really blows up that whole talking about how much Nintendo needs new hardware, doesn't it? The Switch is still the hottest device on the market. Nintendo would be stupid not to keep riding it as long as it has this much juice in the tank.

@Ade117 At this point, unless demands falls off a cliff (and, to be clear, while sales are down from pandemic-era highs, it's still selling as well as the PS4 did at its peak), Switch overtaking the PS2 seems like an inevitablity at this point. They'll probably be at 120 million by March. If they add another 20 million by March 2024... well, it's hard to imagine they couldn't squeeze out another 16 million units before demand dies off completely. And if they cut prices and keep this iteration of the hardware as a budget alternative to the successor, the sky is the limit in terms of how many units they could possibly sell.

This is just Nintendo preparing to release the switch pro. I’m not sure how, but I’m sure some clickbait YouTuber will find out why.

@Max_the_German
Why would they cut the price of the switch lite? They didn’t do it for the normal switch when the OLED came out.

I bought two so far. OLED rules...there is NO need for a new console -this one is made for GAME PLAYERS, not tech chasers. We have time to get new tech in a couple years so we have time to really enjoy these massive amount of games. I can not keep up as it is.

Userbase in place = now sell some games! The sale prices are great and keeping me on the hook. I am always a sucker for deep discounts and my Switch is LOADED with tons of games I have not even clicked start on, yet!

No this year they are releasing the Switch Ultra Pro i just know it! 😉
I know a guy who knows a guy who's uncle worked for Nintendo and he confirmed it.

My Switch is really due for an update as I have the OG V1 model. It’s showing it’s age and battery life seems to be getting worse. Might be time to finally give up on the hopes of a hardware revision and look to snag a TOTK OLED, if rumors pan out that it’s real.

It’s fantastic news, I really do hope the Switch surpasses the DS sales, I don’t believe it will but regardless, the Switch has been a monumental success.
If we are to have the Switch for another year or two then I’d love a new 3D Mario title and definitely Donkey Kong, or both in the same game, that would be interesting

Nintendo has lowered projected sales...hardware sales are decreasing...the market is becoming saturated and game announcements from both 1st and 3rd parties have dried up...yet "boost production"?

Something doesn't sound right here.

@Ralizah It's all based on sales, demand and if either are decreasing. Also it depends on software support. If hardware sales are decreasing then it makes no sense to delay new hardware. If exciting new software dries up then it makes no sense to delay new hardware.

Switch sales have in fact been decreasing year over year for the last year. Sales in January =/= sales in July.

I'm still rocking my original Switch model. Still hanging in there. I got no idea why people would buy the exact same console over and over again but I gotta give Nintendo credit. For some reason or another they got people to do just that.

@Korgon when an article came out saying that was Nintendos plan years ago my wife laughed hard and said it’ll never happen. Here we are 6 Switch purchases later……

Like I've said before, no new hardware announcement until 2024, at least.

@Korgon I bought a second Switch, because my launch model was huffing and puffing for dear life, and the battery didn't last quite as long as when it was brand new (after literal thousands of hours of use). So there's that.

I wonder if there will be new revision model in year 2023.

We are never getting a new Nintendo system.

Good, a direct article I can link to people when they go on about how bad there needs to be a Switch 2 and soon. I'm still happy with mine still Nintendo seems to agree. If you need 4k 120fps ultra high detail to enjoy games, you can gladly look elsewhere.

@Korgon Because people just like to say they have the newest or best tier of things. It's how Apple makes billions upon billions by releasing the same phone with slight yet smartly paced improvements every year to milk their loyal schmucks.

Hope Nintendo hold out till 2025 earliest before a new console announcement. They need power this time with no cross gen to save their butt, decent affordable power should be achievable by then.

At this point, anyone not thinking it's going to go on to be the best selling console of all time is deluded.

But will they be able to overtake PS2 which has a record of 158 million sales? Metroid Prime 4 and Tears of the Kingdom may help boost sales. Though we are talking about 38 million more.

@Little_Squee I reckon so. It's been the best selling console for the last 5 years all over the world. The thing hasn't even had a price drop yet! You can tell the internet is full of PC heads because they talk about specs instead of games / fun.

They haven’t even lowered the MSRP yet. I’ve bought so many Nintendo consoles over the decades, and the MSRP always drops down to bargain levels as the systems begins to sunset. That point hasn’t even happened yet for the Switch. It seems Nintendo will continue to sell the Switch for at least another 2-3 years.

Nintendo could drop the price of the OLED to $199 at some point in the future and probably sell another 50 million units in a year.

they have to be really careful, the wii back then was also selling excellent but then over night just stopped selling. Nintendo just waited too long with a successor and ruined everything

@Serpenterror With current inflation the way it is in some of the major markets, if they hold the line, the Switch has had a price cut. At present they have no need to drop the price.

The only realistic move I can see is a push on the premium model of the OLED. They may at some point drop the original SKU in favour of the OLED only. Parts availability, stock etc dependant.

@Little_Squee If they can get another 20 million in 2023/24 I think it is possible. There will likely be an overlap of Switch and it's successor for a couple of years. This overlap period would still have the possibility of 5 million plus per year. It's going to be close.

I think this year will be a repeat of 2017. Zelda and Mario. I can't believe that Nintendo will not capitalise on the Mario Movie release. Odyssey 2 or Galaxy 3 at the holidays inline with the films home/streaming release would be huge.

Well I still think they’ll release the 4DS within the next two months.

@CharlieGirl Hardware sales are decreasing. If they wait until Hardware sales fall off a cliff they will lose momentum and mindshare. Mindshare was one of the reasons people left PS and went to 360 and eventually left MS and went back to Sony (before their software lineup was cemented)

I’m calling it - if Nintendo releases a new Zelda and Mario game this year, and special switch Zelda and Mario models - that would certainly make sense to boost production!

I’m good with this I just think we need more than just Zelda and Pikmin 4 from Nintendo in house teams this year 2023.
It will be 6 years this year since the amazing Mario Odyssey, my body and mind are well overdue and ready for a NEW Mario platform game for Switch.
We have only had one really this Switch generation.
Come on Nintendo, do it.

@Duncanballs
Totally been saying this not to capitalise on the Mario Movie With Odyssey 2 or SMG3 would be such a shame, especially for us platform nuts.

It would probably sell and bring money in like never before they just feed of each other in the PR commercial world, even self advertising each other.

Why stop, best selling console I think everywhere for 2022. USA for the last five years and Europe and UK for 2022 and probably before I’m not sure.

I would love to see a Switch Lite OLED. Honestly, I thought it would've been released by now.

This question is off topic, but I have no idea where to put it.

How do you post a guide or feature to the site?

I cannot find a button anywhere that says "Create Guide" or "Create Feature"

@Dezzy70 yes and whilst the "New" 2d Mario platformers are good, I'm sure they will go for a bigger hitter. I would place my bets on Odyssey 2 due to the lack of DLC it got. They could have massively expanded on Odyssey but think they held back the ideas for Odyssey 2.

@Duncanballs
So hope you are right with Zelda and Pikmin 4 and Odyssey 2 and maybe if not Metriod 4 then a remake of 1. That would make my Nintendo dream year for 2023.

Wonder how long the demand is gonna last.

Get those Switch sales up before announcing a new one 😏 the more people with a Switch, the more people likely to trade up for a newer model.

The Switch’s power is becoming an issue but it remains an excellent low cost alternative to the other consoles, especially in a cost of living crisis. Xbox Series S comes close but the Switch rules the roost.

Havent heard any new patent for the new gimmick for switch 2 or that companies have got the new machine and then they will make new games that take some years so i say early 2025 for switch 2.

Until then i enjoy my switch

I find this news odd, perhaps something is missing.Sales were reduced in the last fiscal year, and regarding production, Shuntaro Furukawa was widely quoted as having said in August last year, that "even if Nintendo could manufacture more Switches, they wouldn't be able to sell them".
A new Zelda and Mario don't seem to be a good reason to increase production either. One has to imagine that a special edition console would shift more units to the hardcore, but both those game series have already appeared on the hardware already, likely meaning most fans of those series who would be attracted by those games would already have purchased a system. Hmm ....

@msvt I could not writte bette than this comment man... clap clap clap!

I think they are boosting the production so they can later on start the production of the new generation. That way they don't need to manufacture as many of the regular switch later on since they will have many left in storage. The semiconductor problems are in the past. The demand for semiconductors have decreased because of the inflation and is easier to get.

I think we can see the new generation in 2024 or early in 2025.

While the demand is there, why upgrade a system that is still selling? Ah well, no new generation for another year or two, just like Mario Kart, why create the next one when 8 is still selling...

YOU GOT BOOST POWER!!!

There wil not be a new model (and surely not a announcement) while there are things planned for this console. That puts the Mario Kart DLC over the table and it ends in December, announcing a new console before that would affect the current sales. I'm pretty sure there will be Mario content in the way due to the film and Zelda TotK is coming soon, so the boost makes sense.

@Bizzyb I disagree about the games front, the currently announced 2023 is very strong for this time of the year. Naturally a general Direct happens around February which fills out the lineup more.

@Olrun Splatoon 3 is being supported with content updates until September 2024.

Neat. I'm interested to see the final sales numbers once it's all said and done.

Good to hear this. Good news for the fans. Go Switch.

If this report is even remotely true, a Switch 2 launch in 2023 is completely off the table. Early 2024 may even be off the table too.

Nintendo's next fiscal report comes out in less than 3 weeks, so we won't have to wait too long for confirmation.

The Switch is Nintendo's forever console.

They must of sold bucket loads of Switch over Christmas UK.
I can’t get an official pro controller black standard edition for love or money from a standard no scalping store.

They need make more of these first 😂😂😂

im still predicting next generation next year

It looks like Nintendo will really push the OLED as the default model, and reduce the price to that of the original Switch, if not a little less.

A lot of comments here about price cuts, as if others in the game space haven’t been raising prices due to inflation.

They have one of the most anticipated games releasing this year. They won’t be cutting the price unless sales fall off a cliff.

... and Im just over here hoping it means a new 3D mario for holiday season

Nintendo must have a lot of high profile games if they plan to increase Switch production this fiscal year.

I still hope there is a new 3D Mario this year, it's still possible at the moment. It might be one of their surprises as they must still have surprises of some kind not shown yet, unless all of that is planned to go into Zelda TotK and Pikmin 4.

Would be strange if there isn't one by next year though.

if Nintendo plan to increase the production of Nintendo Switch to 20 milions consoles this fiscal year, and Nintendo Switch that is currenty at 114.08 milions consoles sold, at the end of this year, Nintendo Switch would have sold 134 milions consoles sold, making it close to surpass DS/PS2 lifetime sales.

Yes, but Steam Deck!
STEAM DEEEEECCCCKKK!

Getting ready for Tears of the Kingdom probably. Maybe they have another big game planned as well like a new Mario game? That would make sense considering the new theme park and Mario movie.

@awaltzforvenus 6 years after the ps2 came out the ps3 came out so the 13 years is irrelevant only 6 plus years before a new more powerful ps console came out

@Serpenterror I doubt that they will make it that low- I mean I’m not against it but yeah 😂

@IronMan30 they can’t take their eyes off the Steeeeem Deck! Has the Steam Deck crushed Wii U numbers yet?

@WiltonRoots yes, it did that in 3 minutes. Switch is also practically dead. Literally 3 people bought one last week whereas 10 billion people just got a Steam Deck, this second!

Nintendo should keep the Switch going. I just feel like we're past the era of "gens" you know? Everything from this point forward is minor upgrades. We're past the era where a new system would come out and the whole world stopped, it was a huge deal because everyone was legitimately blown away by what it could do. That doesn't really happen anymore and we need to stop pretending it does.

@awaltzforvenus Right Now DS is the only console ahead of Switch in sales if you put them together, PS2 is not that close, but had so strong legs and steady sales.

This Year it's gonna be the year Switch takes some millions from DS leadership because DS started to lose momentum this far in it's lifecycle.

I would put a graphic but NINTENDO LIFE comment section is SO primitive and thrash, I hate you can't follow a reply properly as in other sites. Here you mix comments because everyone share the same nomenclature. (Sorry I changed the subject a little bit haha)

Not sure how to interpret this. Will there be a new model which obviously would boost sales, or does this mean they are increasing production for the existing Switch systems, mainly OLED as that's the one selling the most? Either way you cut it, this is really impressive. Switch has a chance to become the best selling system of all time at this rate. I suspect it will at least surpass the DS, making it the best selling Nintendo system of all time. It's easily my favourite console ever, with some of the strongest instalments in several Nintendo IP, so we've been eating well.

This statement to me sounds like they're gonna say something about a new console next year. Boosting consoles for at least another year... yeah they expect a surge with the release of Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and rightly so. I think that what some predicted a while back that something like Metroid Prime 4 with be a joint release like Breath of the Wild. The final big release on Switch and also the launch game on Switch 2 or whatever then next console is.
Only my opinion though, none of us truly know do we.

There will be a price drop, only explainable reason

@IronMan30 nothing can stop the Deckbeard juggernaut…nothing.

A couple of limited editions then a Switch Pro. The Switch will overtake the PS2.

Probably too late now for a Switch Pro.

Personally I don't think Zelda will shift many hardware out of the ordinary as most Zelda fans would already have a Switch but some might jump straight into the sequel or re-buy a switch. And others will buy the limited edition (if there is one). Pikmin might sell more if they aim it towards new younger gamers.

Personally I think the boost is to get as many Switches made now before they slow down and go full power with the production on the next hardware and not having to worry about the current Switch running out or taking up much time and effort later on.

For the price drops, I'd say we already had one without an announcement. As we know Sony put the price up on PS5 and I'd say it won't be long MS doing the same. Perhaps Nintendo did it differently, instead of dropping the price and then putting it back up, they just left it be.

@Grumblevolcano What's your definition of "Very strong"?? 🤨

A Fire Emblem that the fans are split on
A Kirby Wii remake
A Bayonetta spin off that has almost no hype

The only thing exciting announced thus far is TotK and Nintendo has been unusually highly secretive about the game (especially this close to release)

Without Tears of the Kingdom 2023 is a weird joke...not very strong.

@Bizzyb So far we know:

• January - Fire Emblem Engage
• February - Kirby Return to Dream Land Deluxe
• March - Bayonetta Origins
• May - TotK
• 2023 - Pikmin 4

Along with a load of DLC and updates.

The point I was getting across is that this is very strong considering the fact we haven’t even had the first Direct of the year yet. In February, Nintendo will likely do their usual first Direct of the year and announce a load more games.

Nintendo is going to try their damn hardest to surpass the Nintendo DS sales. After that, they're right at the PS2's doorstep.

Switch was around 106 million as of March 2022. Despite lowering projections to 19 mil from 21 mil, it seems they'll hit 21 mil after all, which will put them at 127 million sold by end of March 2023.

By increasing units above 21m for the following FY, we could feasibly see 23m for FY7, which would land Switch at 150 million units sold by March 2024.

At which point, surpassing the PS2/DS is inevitable.

This is the turning point at which all those people who said Switch could never do it (much less the ones who said it could never match Wii) begin to realize it can't be stopped. This is happening.

@Bizzyb
Fans aren't "split" on Engage. Go on any forum or the subreddit and you'll see universal praise for the game. There might be a divergent opinion here or there, but that's the case with any game, even Zelda BotW.

And there's a LOT of exciting games this year, especially for being in January and not even having a Direct yet. Fire Emblem Engage hype is through the roof- preorders surpassed Three Houses preorders by 50% or more. Could be first game to top 5 million sold. Certainly top Three Houses 4 million.

Bayonetta spinoff looks good, Pikmin 4 looks incredible, Zelda Tears of the Kingdom is one of the biggest games of the generation, Kirby is finally getting a good 2D entry on Switch after the massive success of Forgotten Lands, we're getting quality ports and 3rd party from Persona 4 Golden to Octopath Traveler 2 to Tales of Symphonia (which is particularly popular among Nintendo gamers), not one but two Trails games, two Ys games and Atelier Ryza 3, we'll see how Hogwarts Legacy pans out too, and we haven't even scratched the surface. Advance Wars is likely coming this year, Metroid Prime Remastered is likely, and handful of other 1st party titles in the back half of the year yet to be announced.

There's a reason people are saying 2023 could be the best year yet.

Why stop, best selling console for 2022 ?

Best Nintendo console ever I want a one a 2nd one for my bedroom Pokemon oled. I love my switch. Never had a wii u. As not strong game list

@ModdedInkling PlayStation were at their high point with ps2 I own ps3 ps4 (which I barely use as one I regretted I bought ) ps4 good games Sims 4 and farming simulator multiplatform. play switch more. wonder if ps2 sales high cos played dvds but think game list was strong gta 3d? Granturismo 3 ( that Dec not been the same since

@milanm I don't see switch replacement not being a hybrid . Old saying if it not broken don't fix it.

@eltomo some nice limited edition release in Japan shame did 'my t come here
Snes
Golden eye edition

Makes sense with Zelda coming up. Also the Switch prices have to fall by at least $100, before the Switch 2 can come out (unless they want to try to sell a 400 or 500$ system), so that lower priced Switch is going to get a lot more sales.

So, I'm making my peace with Nintendo stretching this out at least another year. I'll just mix it up with non-Nintendo stuff.

I can live with that if Nintendo gets that Metroid Prime remaster out this year. Nintendo could especially make it up to me (haha) by launching in 2024 with some crazy console+handheld things instead of just an upgraded hybrid. ( I threw it into the ring of ideas in that other article: https://www.nintendolife.com/features/talking-point-does-nintendos-next-console-have-to-be-another-switch#comment7393681 )

@Bluesaxo
The DVD aspect of the PS2 is largely the reason for its success, because it just so happened to be the cheapest DVD player on the market, AND it saved the hassle for parents to have to buy something entirely separate for their children to play.

The PS2 games are certainly great, but that just came with the large number of players introduced by the console. That was also the era where we had iconic Sega games, iconic Microsoft games, and iconic Nintendo games, and all of the consoles generally had a similar range in hardware for games to be ported easily.

Unfortunately, the Nintendo DS's massive success is also reflective of a casual userbase finding a cheap option to bring games around, many of which have moved over to mobile devices instead of continuing on the path that Nintendo had laid out. Why purchase an entirely dedicated and expensive device when you can just use something that can work with your day-to-day needs AND handle games?