It’s hard to argue against the Nintendo Switch’s incredible run, but even the best streaks have to end sometime. As the beloved hybrid console nears its eighth anniversary, Nintendo has reported a notable 30% dip in hardware sales compared to last year, with game sales also falling by 24%. This downturn has led the company to adjust its forecasts for the second straight quarter. Now, they’re expecting to ship 11 million Switch units this fiscal year, ending March 31, which is a reduction from their earlier target of 13.5 million. The profit projections for the year have also taken a hit.
The reasons behind these declining figures aren’t exactly shrouded in mystery. It’s been quite clear for some time that the Switch is on its final journey. Although Nintendo delayed the announcement of the Switch 2 for as long as they could, the reality is that an eight-year lifespan is quite remarkable for any gaming console. With leaks and rumors about the successor circulating, coupled with Nintendo’s dwindling support for the Switch in terms of new games, the writing has been pretty much on the wall.
Despite this recent slump in sales, it’s important not to lose sight of the monumental success the Switch has enjoyed over its lifespan. It has achieved a staggering 150.86 million units sold, just a whisker away from surpassing the 154 million mark set by the Nintendo DS, which ranks as the second-best-selling gaming device ever. Even considering the impending launch of the Switch 2, it’s almost certain that the original Switch will eventually overtake this number, cementing its status as Nintendo’s most successful console to date.
However, to take the crown as the best-selling console of all time, the Switch would need to surpass the PlayStation 2’s lifetime sales of over 160 million units. Achieving that milestone is probably a stretch, even if it’s just barely out of reach.
