Real shame - I don't get that way too often so can't drop in but there is something about retro game stores that are almost a validation of the hobby. I also think that cheaper second hand game stores, like CEX are eating into profits. I'm planning a trip to the one in York soon though where I am hoping to pick up a few bits and bobs.
I think the game releases are going to keep coming which is great but by the time the Switch turns 1, it really needs to announce its online plan and services. I think this is pretty crucial to long term success and a way to open more revenue for Nintendo.
I think there is a good point here overall which is that what the Switch is trying to do doesnt need 4k or VR. It is its own thing.
If they were going for a pure home console and they weren't future proofing it then it might be another matter. VR is genuinely great but this first iteration is really a niche product, just like HD tv's and 4k tv's were at launch. 4k gaming is also great but, again, really in its infancy for adoption.
Gimme BOTW world and mechanics, refine the combat and change some of the weapon degredation elements. Turn the world on its head and populate it with more characters and dungeons and voila.
I think a direct sequel would work and then could save a new 'reboot' for a future installment or console.
@Kisame83 I get entirely that publishers want to get full price on their games to pay for the port but after some time they should try and drop prices to match versions on other consoles if they can. As I said, I don't necessarily want every game dropping to nothing a week after launch but after a good few months, I think that the cost has to come down. At the end of the day, if you have two games of the same age on PS4 and Switch but one is $20 more on another system, the Switch will lose. It's a launch year so things might change, but unlike most launch years, a lot of these titles are already out on other consoles.
Personally I don't see it selling more than the Wii though I am more than happy to be proved wrong. I agree with the analyst that so far, this has resonated really well with dedicated gamers who love the versatility and software. I am not sure about massive crossover success which is what propelled the Wii. My parents had a Wii but can't see them getting a Switch.
That said, the industry changes a lot and I could be wrong. Even if it doesn't sell that well, I could see it being their second biggest home console.
@1UP_MARIO I agree. I think that a lot of games on PS4 and XB1 drop in price way too quickly (looking at Bethesda here who are particularly guilty) but at the same time, never dropping prices on any title is equally as bad. I know this is a deliberate policy but I do wonder if it holds titles back from more casual gamers.
I think another 'Selects' promotion after one year or so on market would be a good idea for Switch games as the library starts to exapnd.
I have no problem with Nintendo employing some sort of curation to make sure that their brand is used in appropriate videos. There has been controversy with personalities being innappropriate on playthroughs and Nintendo protects their brand quite fastidiously.
However, I think demanding so much in monetisation is really a misunderstanding of how this works really. People watch the people they like play games. These personalities earn money from this and the games themselves can see a sales lift from this type of promotion. Why would you, as a content producer, be bothered with doing Nintendo vids if you make less?
Not that I understand all of this - I'm of the old man generation who would rather play the game.
Buying any console or new technology is always a massive risk that the adoption will not be high and that it will be dropped relatively soon after launch. If you can't take the risk, don't buy until it is clear it is being supported (and hey, I've been burned before as well). Getting annoyed constantly seems like a waste of a life.
The Wii U was a pretty interesting console but it failed for lots of reasons, and Reggie is correct that they have NOT made the same mistakes with the Switch. I think the Switch is a stronger system - its message is clear, consumers understand what it is and it will reap the benefit of that clear and unique selling point.
Am getting this at some point this month because the idea of playing Doom on the go blows my tiny little mind. I could get it on Ps4 for cheaper but this is offering something new. To heck with the naysayers I say, to heck.
I would say Gameboy classic is more likely than a N64. Firstly, it is more iconic/nostalgic then the N64. Secondly, games will be cheaper to license and require less power.
I think N64, if coming, is a couple of years away.
I think it will do well but I am not sure about it exceeding the Wii. I guess the real test will be if, at about yeah to 18 months anniversary of the launch if mainstream gamers or non gamers are showing an interest and know the branding. That is what will make it a Wii smash. The tech is good enough though so best of luck. I think it will do really well.
I think there will be a holiday ready ND before that important Christmas window to show off some 2018 content. As for me, I can't afford everything so probably Rime and Skyrim, possibly Doom for a Christmas pressie.
Meh, way too early to say. For me, this is the first home console Mario I have played since Sunshine and it has really brought me a lot of joy, and I think that this game is appealing to people like me. Time will tell. Personally, I wanted to vote Dr. Mario...
I got a cheap first gen 3DS and liked it but the 3d didn't do anything for me (and I like 3d in tv's etc). I swapped to a 2DS Xl at launch, primarily for Snes support, and haven't missed the 3d. However, I think it is sad that this last hurrah of releases aren't all supporting it.
If this was a timed exclusive, you can bet Activition will port this everywhere they can. It was a huge sales hit and the cost of the ports will easily be covered by the sales for each.
I agree - I loved my GB and have fond memories (I still have the original in fill working order) but to be honest, not sure I have an angling to get back into the games in the same way I did with the SNES and NES.
I see triangles everywhere. If I fold up a ten pound note I see the illuminati triangle, if I take my council tax bill and fold it I see a triangle, if I buy a child sized sandwhich it is a triangle... they're everywhere and now the illuminati have invaded Hyrule. Good thing I wore my tin foil hat and closed both my eyes when playing so they couldn't scan my mind or retina.
The game looks great and I have been meaning to get it for the Vita for some time so may get on the Switch. But, to me, 10 means perfect, as in one one of the best of this generation. I haven't played but does everyone else agree? I wasn't sure that Samus Returns deserved a 10, even though I agree it is great.
Indiana Jones' Greatest Adventures Super Star Wars Trilogy Pilotwings Turtles in Time Alien 3 Batman Returns Parodius Wing Commander (not exclusive but I spent a lot of time on this one!).
I get it but don't get it. Protecting brand image, sure understood and Nintendo do a good job of it. Then again, they want to build brand awareness and appearl to more gamers. They need to get their games out there and talked about. Nowadays, a big part of that is on platforms like Youtube. While I get that this particular ruling may not affect too many content creators, I am sure this won't be the last move.
To be honest, I haven't played a footie game since the PS2 era but I think a pretty good Fifa version on the Switch is quite appealing as you can game on the go. If I had more cash, I'd probably pick this up.
@ClassSonicSatAm Well, I suppose my response would be they are close to a different generation. To be honest, not fussed by the arcades.
Not sure when Nintendo have said there will be NES and SNES classics when it goes online? Must have missed something. Online has been pushed into a blanket 2018 so I would still say there is no road plan. They would be crazy not to launch it though..
Wrll they said they would release half their catalogue on Vita and then discreetly buried it. To be honest, apart from the Wolf Among Us sequel, I have not been bothered by their recent output.
I still have my beloved SNES but there are some games I don't own and want to play, and yes, I would buy for Starfox 2. I am hoping I can also use this to get my daughter interested in gaming!.
I was Nintendo through and through until I could afford more than one system as I got a job etc though I had a Nintendo console almost all the time. Will always have a soft spot for the Snes though.
But dude, there is an amazing amount of awesome games out there of all shapes and sizes, different platforms and peripherals. Everyone likes their own thing and that is cool. Some things become popular and some don't. I don't think there is much to things I don't like but they may have an intrinsic worth to some people. I mean some people are still developing Atari Jaguar games!! So live and let live bro, enjoy what you enjoy and realise that hating on anything beyond that is just whizzing in the wind.
@MrGamerClock64 Well for a start, the discussion of the PS4 being less successful is debatable. In fact, at 43 months (so July), the PS4 was lagging 8 million units behind where the PS3 and XB360 combined were at during the same point in lifecyle. Since the PS3 sold 80 million units in 10 years or so, I think it is very likely the PS4 will match or exceed the PS3. However, you might have a point. Is the rise in PC gaming eating into console sales overall? Probably to some extent.
Anyway, with handhelds, the 'casual' handheld gamer that made the DS the lightning in a bottle success doesn't really exist in my mind because they can get the mild distraction from mobiles.
There is still a dedicated handheld consumer group - I'm one of them but I am not sure it is big enough now to support a Sony competitor as well as Nintendo. I for one, as a Switch owner, wouldn't buy another handheld of similar specs and price. I think Nintendo have done very well with the Switch and Sony following suit would just result in more failure for them.
@Gerbwmu VR is doing fairly well but it is an odd product. Sales are I think between 1 million to 1.5 million. These aren't huge numbers but then they have been deliberately conservative with their estimates and sales projections (they had a huge supply shortage after launch because they didn't make very many).
Sony have done a better than expected job of delivering content, though said content is often shorter then a standard triple A. I own one and don't feel short changed in the same way as an owner the Move would do for PS3.
I think Sony want VR as an asset moving forward, almost as future tech. I am still on the fence as to whether VR has much of a future. I don't think it is a failure because, unlike the Vita, they haven't been really pushing it in the same way. It's an odd beast. I would say there is too much going on with the PS4 and VR to think about another handheld at the same time.
@MrGamerClock64 You might be right. At the end of the day, I can play (as an averge consumer) good quality titles on my phone or tablet without the need for a bespoke piece of hardware. I also carry it around with me everywhere. If mobile gaming wasn't a threat to handhelds and a source of revenue, I would question why Sony and Nintendo are both starting to produce mobile titles.
Of course sales data is limited, the PSP sold over 80 million, the DS sold something like 150 million while the Vita sold 13 million and the 3DS 60 million. Now, we can argue back and forth for reasons (the DS was a blip like the Wii, the Vita was totally mishandled by Sony etc.) and I am not brazen enough to say it is all mobile gamings fault but, again, for people that just want to pick up and play on their commute, their mobiles can provide just as engaging a title as a handheld. It is just one possible explanation for the current handheld gen blip in figures.
This is why, I believe, that Nintendo is wisely pushing the Switch as a hybrid. A home console you can play outside rather than pushing purely as a handheld. It's pretty much saying, this is more than just a handheld. If handheld gaming was that strong, why not just say, this is a great handheld with the added benefit of a dock?
Comments 350
Re: Rare's Local Video Game Store Is Closing Its Doors After 24 Years
Real shame - I don't get that way too often so can't drop in but there is something about retro game stores that are almost a validation of the hobby. I also think that cheaper second hand game stores, like CEX are eating into profits. I'm planning a trip to the one in York soon though where I am hoping to pick up a few bits and bobs.
Re: The Dream Of Crowdfunded Switch Dock SFANS Has Turned Into A Nightmare
I thought this looked great when I first saw it in the initial announcements but was weary of backing. Glad I didn't now.
Re: Rumour: Another 2D Metroid Has Begun Development
I really liked Samus Returns but not sure how much I am dying for a follow up straight away. Just please don't remake Super Metroid!
Re: South Park: Fractured But Whole Coming to Switch on 13th March, says Aussie retail listing
I played at EGX but wasn't sure I would want it for PS4 but on the Switch? Perfect!
Re: Switch's Second Year Will Be "Crucial" Says Nintendo President
I think the game releases are going to keep coming which is great but by the time the Switch turns 1, it really needs to announce its online plan and services. I think this is pretty crucial to long term success and a way to open more revenue for Nintendo.
Re: Nintendo Reiterates That It's Not Interested In Virtual Reality Or 4K Support
I think there is a good point here overall which is that what the Switch is trying to do doesnt need 4k or VR. It is its own thing.
If they were going for a pure home console and they weren't future proofing it then it might be another matter. VR is genuinely great but this first iteration is really a niche product, just like HD tv's and 4k tv's were at launch. 4k gaming is also great but, again, really in its infancy for adoption.
Re: It Appears That Nintendo Has Unfinished Business With The 1080° Snowboarding Series
Loved it on the N64. Wave race would be even better!
Re: Poll: Surprise! A New Zelda Is In Development, But What Do You Want From It?
Gimme BOTW world and mechanics, refine the combat and change some of the weapon degredation elements. Turn the world on its head and populate it with more characters and dungeons and voila.
I think a direct sequel would work and then could save a new 'reboot' for a future installment or console.
Re: Site News: A Fond Farewell from Nintendo Life Editor, Thomas Whitehead
Best of luck and thanks for the great articles and opinions.
Re: We Can't Ignore The Switch, Says Sony's Head Of Corporate Planning
Seriously don't think they are going to try and emulate the Switch. They don't need to and I honestly don't think they really share the same market.
Re: Pokémon and Nintendo Titles Held Back By Black Friday Deals in UK Charts
@Kisame83 I get entirely that publishers want to get full price on their games to pay for the port but after some time they should try and drop prices to match versions on other consoles if they can. As I said, I don't necessarily want every game dropping to nothing a week after launch but after a good few months, I think that the cost has to come down. At the end of the day, if you have two games of the same age on PS4 and Switch but one is $20 more on another system, the Switch will lose. It's a launch year so things might change, but unlike most launch years, a lot of these titles are already out on other consoles.
Re: Switch On Track To Exceed 10 Month Wii Sales By 20 Percent, Says NPD Analyst
Personally I don't see it selling more than the Wii though I am more than happy to be proved wrong. I agree with the analyst that so far, this has resonated really well with dedicated gamers who love the versatility and software. I am not sure about massive crossover success which is what propelled the Wii. My parents had a Wii but can't see them getting a Switch.
That said, the industry changes a lot and I could be wrong. Even if it doesn't sell that well, I could see it being their second biggest home console.
Re: Pokémon and Nintendo Titles Held Back By Black Friday Deals in UK Charts
@1UP_MARIO I agree. I think that a lot of games on PS4 and XB1 drop in price way too quickly (looking at Bethesda here who are particularly guilty) but at the same time, never dropping prices on any title is equally as bad. I know this is a deliberate policy but I do wonder if it holds titles back from more casual gamers.
I think another 'Selects' promotion after one year or so on market would be a good idea for Switch games as the library starts to exapnd.
Re: Gallery: Reddit Users Have Been Recreating Movie Posters in Super Mario Odyssey
I did not throw my cap at her and jump on her head. I DID NOT. Oh hi Luigi.
Re: Nintendo "Spending A Lot Of Time" Considering YouTube Livestream Monetisation
I have no problem with Nintendo employing some sort of curation to make sure that their brand is used in appropriate videos. There has been controversy with personalities being innappropriate on playthroughs and Nintendo protects their brand quite fastidiously.
However, I think demanding so much in monetisation is really a misunderstanding of how this works really. People watch the people they like play games. These personalities earn money from this and the games themselves can see a sales lift from this type of promotion. Why would you, as a content producer, be bothered with doing Nintendo vids if you make less?
Not that I understand all of this - I'm of the old man generation who would rather play the game.
Re: Nintendo Is Ramping Up Switch Production To 25 To 30 Million Units A Year
I dont think the Switch will do Wii numbers but easily as much as current PS4 install base if content remains strong.
Re: Wii U's Failure Is Responsible For Switch's Success, Says Reggie
Buying any console or new technology is always a massive risk that the adoption will not be high and that it will be dropped relatively soon after launch. If you can't take the risk, don't buy until it is clear it is being supported (and hey, I've been burned before as well). Getting annoyed constantly seems like a waste of a life.
The Wii U was a pretty interesting console but it failed for lots of reasons, and Reggie is correct that they have NOT made the same mistakes with the Switch. I think the Switch is a stronger system - its message is clear, consumers understand what it is and it will reap the benefit of that clear and unique selling point.
Re: Soapbox: DOOM is the Most Important Switch Game Yet
Am getting this at some point this month because the idea of playing Doom on the go blows my tiny little mind. I could get it on Ps4 for cheaper but this is offering something new. To heck with the naysayers I say, to heck.
Re: Rumour Buster: The Nintendo 64 Classic Mini Game List 'Leak' is a Batch of Old PDF Files
I would say Gameboy classic is more likely than a N64. Firstly, it is more iconic/nostalgic then the N64. Secondly, games will be cheaper to license and require less power.
I think N64, if coming, is a couple of years away.
Re: Investment Banking Firm Predicts Switch Will Sell 115.8 Million Units By 2023
I think it will do well but I am not sure about it exceeding the Wii. I guess the real test will be if, at about yeah to 18 months anniversary of the launch if mainstream gamers or non gamers are showing an interest and know the branding. That is what will make it a Wii smash. The tech is good enough though so best of luck. I think it will do really well.
Re: Bandai Namco To Announce Three Big Switch Titles Early Next Year
Dark Souls in handheld mode would be too dangerous for me. It would be thrown at the wall within about fifteen minutes.
Re: Nintendo's Updated Switch and 3DS Infographic Shows Off Winter Line-Up
I think there will be a holiday ready ND before that important Christmas window to show off some 2018 content. As for me, I can't afford everything so probably Rime and Skyrim, possibly Doom for a Christmas pressie.
Re: Random: Here's Why SNES Shooter Phalanx Had That Weird Banjo Guy On Its Cover
I prefer this kind of marketing malarkey over shady expansion packs or micro-transactions. OK game? Slap an old guy on the front. Love it.
Re: Talking Point: The Case for Super Mario Odyssey as the Greatest Mario Game
Meh, way too early to say. For me, this is the first home console Mario I have played since Sunshine and it has really brought me a lot of joy, and I think that this game is appealing to people like me. Time will tell. Personally, I wanted to vote Dr. Mario...
Re: These Are The Nintendo Switch's Million-Selling Games
Jolly good sales. I bet all these titles will get a big bump at launch, especially Zelda and Mario Kart 8.
Re: Talking Point: What Games Are You Playing This Weekend? - Halloween Edition
Wolfenstein 2 as I will be hoping to get Odyssey after payday.
Re: Talking Point: An Era Ends As Nintendo Continues to Ignore 3D on the 3DS
I got a cheap first gen 3DS and liked it but the 3d didn't do anything for me (and I like 3d in tv's etc). I swapped to a 2DS Xl at launch, primarily for Snes support, and haven't missed the 3d. However, I think it is sad that this last hurrah of releases aren't all supporting it.
Re: Sony is Publishing an Indie Title, Tiny Metal, on the Switch
What's that you say, Horizon Zero Dawn, Uncharted 4 AND The last of us coming to Switch? Oh wait, nope I should have read that better.
Re: Rumour: Keymailer Lists Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy for the Switch
If this was a timed exclusive, you can bet Activition will port this everywhere they can. It was a huge sales hit and the cost of the ports will easily be covered by the sales for each.
Re: Rumours Swirl Around a 'Game Boy Classic' Trademark, But Don't Get Too Excited
I agree - I loved my GB and have fond memories (I still have the original in fill working order) but to be honest, not sure I have an angling to get back into the games in the same way I did with the SNES and NES.
Re: Metal Gear Solid Parody Never Stop Sneakin' Is, Erm, Sneakin' To Switch Soon
They had me at Vice President Helicopter.
Re: The Nintendo Virtual Boy Could Be Getting New Software
How many are still out there in the wild?
Re: Rogue Trooper Redux to Arrive on Switch Alongside Other Console Versions
Will wait for reviews but this looks old school fun!
Re: Zelda: Breath Of The Wild's Ingenious Design Is All About Triangles, Apparently
I see triangles everywhere. If I fold up a ten pound note I see the illuminati triangle, if I take my council tax bill and fold it I see a triangle, if I buy a child sized sandwhich it is a triangle... they're everywhere and now the illuminati have invaded Hyrule. Good thing I wore my tin foil hat and closed both my eyes when playing so they couldn't scan my mind or retina.
Re: Nintendo Download: 5th October (North America)
Stardew Valley is tempting but not sure I have the time to commit. Erring on the physical release for Axiom Verge.
Re: Review: Axiom Verge (Switch eShop)
The game looks great and I have been meaning to get it for the Vita for some time so may get on the Switch. But, to me, 10 means perfect, as in one one of the best of this generation. I haven't played but does everyone else agree? I wasn't sure that Samus Returns deserved a 10, even though I agree it is great.
Re: Feature: 20 Games That Aren't On The SNES Classic Mini, But Really Should Be
My childhood nostalgia list...
Indiana Jones' Greatest Adventures
Super Star Wars Trilogy
Pilotwings
Turtles in Time
Alien 3
Batman Returns
Parodius
Wing Commander (not exclusive but I spent a lot of time on this one!).
Re: The Nintendo Creators Program Now Rules Out Live Streaming on YouTube
I get it but don't get it. Protecting brand image, sure understood and Nintendo do a good job of it. Then again, they want to build brand awareness and appearl to more gamers. They need to get their games out there and talked about. Nowadays, a big part of that is on platforms like Youtube. While I get that this particular ruling may not affect too many content creators, I am sure this won't be the last move.
Re: Video: Here's How FIFA 18 On Switch Compares To The PlayStation 4 Version
To be honest, I haven't played a footie game since the PS2 era but I think a pretty good Fifa version on the Switch is quite appealing as you can game on the go. If I had more cash, I'd probably pick this up.
Re: Sumo Digital Will Change the Snake Pass Logo on Switch in Its Next Update
Thank goodness. Now we can move on to sort out world hunger and climate change.
Re: Poll: Nintendo's Switch Arcade Archives - Is It the Retro Gaming You Want?
@ClassSonicSatAm Well, I suppose my response would be they are close to a different generation. To be honest, not fussed by the arcades.
Not sure when Nintendo have said there will be NES and SNES classics when it goes online? Must have missed something. Online has been pushed into a blanket 2018 so I would still say there is no road plan. They would be crazy not to launch it though..
Re: Poll: Nintendo's Switch Arcade Archives - Is It the Retro Gaming You Want?
I'm just not bothered. Sure the games are fine, they seem a little overpriced. I do just want to know the VC plans, like even a roadmap for release.
Re: Random: Super Mario World Artist Confirms Mario Really Was A Jerk To Yoshi
I've also caught Mario mansplaining to Daisy.
Re: It Seems Like Telltale Games Has Ambitious Plans For Nintendo Switch
Wrll they said they would release half their catalogue on Vita and then discreetly buried it. To be honest, apart from the Wolf Among Us sequel, I have not been bothered by their recent output.
Re: Hardware Review: The SNES Classic Mini Is The Perfect Link To The Past
I still have my beloved SNES but there are some games I don't own and want to play, and yes, I would buy for Starfox 2. I am hoping I can also use this to get my daughter interested in gaming!.
Re: Editorial: The SNES Classic Mini, Star Fox, and Downsides to Being a Mega Drive Kid
I was Nintendo through and through until I could afford more than one system as I got a job etc though I had a Nintendo console almost all the time. Will always have a soft spot for the Snes though.
Re: Sony Doesn't Consider Handheld Gaming To Be A "Huge Market Opportunity"
@Anti-Matter Apparently 248 games and apps.
But dude, there is an amazing amount of awesome games out there of all shapes and sizes, different platforms and peripherals. Everyone likes their own thing and that is cool. Some things become popular and some don't. I don't think there is much to things I don't like but they may have an intrinsic worth to some people. I mean some people are still developing Atari Jaguar games!! So live and let live bro, enjoy what you enjoy and realise that hating on anything beyond that is just whizzing in the wind.
Re: Sony Doesn't Consider Handheld Gaming To Be A "Huge Market Opportunity"
@MrGamerClock64 Well for a start, the discussion of the PS4 being less successful is debatable. In fact, at 43 months (so July), the PS4 was lagging 8 million units behind where the PS3 and XB360 combined were at during the same point in lifecyle. Since the PS3 sold 80 million units in 10 years or so, I think it is very likely the PS4 will match or exceed the PS3. However, you might have a point. Is the rise in PC gaming eating into console sales overall? Probably to some extent.
Anyway, with handhelds, the 'casual' handheld gamer that made the DS the lightning in a bottle success doesn't really exist in my mind because they can get the mild distraction from mobiles.
There is still a dedicated handheld consumer group - I'm one of them but I am not sure it is big enough now to support a Sony competitor as well as Nintendo. I for one, as a Switch owner, wouldn't buy another handheld of similar specs and price. I think Nintendo have done very well with the Switch and Sony following suit would just result in more failure for them.
Re: Sony Doesn't Consider Handheld Gaming To Be A "Huge Market Opportunity"
@Gerbwmu VR is doing fairly well but it is an odd product. Sales are I think between 1 million to 1.5 million. These aren't huge numbers but then they have been deliberately conservative with their estimates and sales projections (they had a huge supply shortage after launch because they didn't make very many).
Sony have done a better than expected job of delivering content, though said content is often shorter then a standard triple A. I own one and don't feel short changed in the same way as an owner the Move would do for PS3.
I think Sony want VR as an asset moving forward, almost as future tech. I am still on the fence as to whether VR has much of a future. I don't think it is a failure because, unlike the Vita, they haven't been really pushing it in the same way. It's an odd beast. I would say there is too much going on with the PS4 and VR to think about another handheld at the same time.
Re: Sony Doesn't Consider Handheld Gaming To Be A "Huge Market Opportunity"
@MrGamerClock64 You might be right. At the end of the day, I can play (as an averge consumer) good quality titles on my phone or tablet without the need for a bespoke piece of hardware. I also carry it around with me everywhere. If mobile gaming wasn't a threat to handhelds and a source of revenue, I would question why Sony and Nintendo are both starting to produce mobile titles.
Of course sales data is limited, the PSP sold over 80 million, the DS sold something like 150 million while the Vita sold 13 million and the 3DS 60 million. Now, we can argue back and forth for reasons (the DS was a blip like the Wii, the Vita was totally mishandled by Sony etc.) and I am not brazen enough to say it is all mobile gamings fault but, again, for people that just want to pick up and play on their commute, their mobiles can provide just as engaging a title as a handheld. It is just one possible explanation for the current handheld gen blip in figures.
This is why, I believe, that Nintendo is wisely pushing the Switch as a hybrid. A home console you can play outside rather than pushing purely as a handheld. It's pretty much saying, this is more than just a handheld. If handheld gaming was that strong, why not just say, this is a great handheld with the added benefit of a dock?