The Nintendo Switch could be the console that bucks the trend of Nintendo consoles fading out rather than ending on a high. Throughout previous console generations, there have been numerous instances where Nintendo hasn’t managed to maintain a consistent amount of software to support its consoles. This is mostly due to third-party multiplatform software being much more prolific on their competitors’ consoles. Nintendo tries to make up for this with strong first-party support, but sometimes they just can’t keep up.
With platforms such as the 3DS and Wii U, there were stretched periods of time (especially around launch) where consumers were running into a drought of games to play. With the release of the Nintendo Switch, there was a great amount of software support straight from Nintendo within the console’s first year.
A new Mario game and Zelda game were released, two of Nintendo’s biggest franchises and largest games in years. Many are worried that Nintendo won’t be able to keep the same momentum that the system had in its first year, and it’s easy to see why. Yet, with all things considered Nintendo Switch won’t run out of steam. This is a new Nintendo, one which has taken those specific instances of consumer lament to heart. Here are five reasons why the Nintendo Switch won’t be running out of games anytime soon.
Sales for the system are unprecedented
The Nintendo Wii U sold a total of 3.5 million units in Japan in its entire lifetime, suggesting that Nintendo was going to be faced with an uphill battle when it came to selling its new home console. However, Nintendo exceeded expectations in the country within the first 56 weeks of the Switch’s release, selling almost 4 million units, exceeding that of the Wii U’s lifetime sales in the country.
This added to an overall 10 million consoles being sold near the end of 2017, proving that the console is doing great financially. These sales have and will keep on attracting various third-parties, allowing Nintendo to keep the momentum going when it comes to the system’s success.
Support for Nintendo Switch software isn’t spread thin across two separate consoles
Since the GameBoy, Nintendo has split efforts to produce software on two separate platforms. While the Nintendo DS was being supported, the Nintendo Wii was also receiving the company’s efforts as well. The gimmick behind the Nintendo Switch, the combination of both portable and home play not only allows a versatility for the player but a flexibility for the company as well.
While the 3DS still receives support, the Nintendo Switch has concentrated efforts from the company that will make sure that the system remains supported throughout its lifespan. No longer is Nintendo spreading themselves thin.
Retro Studios’ new game
For quite a while, there has been much speculation surrounding Retro Studios (the developers behind Metroid Prime and Donkey Kong Country Returns). The company has remained quiet since creating Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze back in early 2014.
It’s easy to assume that the company has been hard at work creating a title for the Nintendo Switch. Given the studio’s track record, it’ll be a system-seller for sure.
Pokèmon Company is supporting the Nintendo Switch
With our recently published report stating that the eighth generation of the Pokèmon will be coming to the Nintendo Switch, the system’s sales are sure to grow exponentially. Since the release of Pokèmon Red & Blue, the series has moved millions of Nintendo consoles into fan’s hands.
While we’ve yet to see what the Pokèmon game will look like on the Nintendo Switch, the typically-annual franchise will be sure to drive the Nintendo Switch with the franchise’s success. The Pokèmon craze continues with the release of the Detective Pikachu film, which will be sure to bring more attention to the console when it releases early next year.
Most of these “droughts” were during the console’s launch
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was a wonderful way to kick off the Nintendo Switch’s launch. It’s been a theme that when consoles launch, they tend to have poor lineups in terms of software. The Nintendo Switch was not one of these consoles.
Nintendo previously had problems with incentivizing early adopters of hardware and had to face the music with the 3DS launch in particular. It wasn’t until almost 5 months into the console’s lifespan that the console received its s first killer app, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, a remake of the Nintendo 64 title. Sales were originally so soft for the console that the 3DS received a significant price drop from Nintendo within the first year of release.
The Nintendo Switch has launched strongly, and it seems that Nintendo has had plenty of games in the pipeline to support the console for another couple of years. No need for a price-drop or hardware revision just yet.
Ultimately, the Nintendo Switch will continue to see success. Sure, like with many consoles there will be dry patches where games aren’t releasing as often as players would like, but an already existing library of games and releases such as Super Smash Bros will keep the momentum going for the years to come.
