Nintendo Sells 15 Million Switch Consoles in First Year

As part of a stellar quarterly earnings report today, Nintendo announced that it has sold 15.1 million Switch consoles in its first year in the market.

Nintendo had originally expected to sell 10 million Switch units in the first year, but it revised its estimates twice as sales proved to be stronger than expected. The 15.1 million figure just edges past its most recent prediction, which was 15 million.

And it’s not just the hardware that’s selling: Some key Nintendo software titles for the Switch are blockbusters in their own rights. Nintendo sold 10.4 million copies of Super Mario Odyssey, while Mario Kart 8 Deluxe hit 9.22 million units.

Overall, Nintendo and its partners sold 63.51 million Switch games in the first year. And 12 of them sold in excess of one million units.

That the Switch is a worldwide success story is clear. This hybrid console, which can be used as a portable gaming device or a living room-based set-top box, has upended the video game market and relegated Microsoft’s Xbox One to a distant number three.

That said, the Switch trails the PlayStation 4 by a wide margin: In calendar year 2017, Sony sold over 20 million PS4s.

 

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  • SycamoreFox

    26 April, 2018 - 8:24 am

    <p>Nintendo once again proves that it's not about cramming the absolute latest, greatest, and most powerful hardware in a box. It's about providing a great user experience with awesome games. The success of indie titles on the Switch, and Nintendo's support to the developers in getting them into the eShop is commendable.</p>

  • Tony Barrett

    26 April, 2018 - 9:08 am

    <p>I just don't see the appeal, although I get many Nintendo fans do. Nintendo though have perfected a method of repeat selling you new hardware to play to same old games over and over and over again. They probably can't believe their luck this time round.</p>

    • hrlngrv

      Premium Member
      26 April, 2018 - 11:04 am

      <p><a href="#266187"><em>In reply to ghostrider:</em></a></p><p>Re playing the same old games all over again, of Xbox's top 10 games, how many haven't been around for a decade?</p>

    • CalWorthington

      26 April, 2018 - 12:19 pm

      <blockquote><a href="#266187"><em>In reply to ghostrider:</em></a><em> </em>&nbsp;Microsoft though have perfected a method of repeat selling you new hardware to play to same old games over and over and over again.&nbsp;</blockquote><p>Fixed that for ya. Switch actually has new original firstparty content. MS just keeps spewing old backward compat Xbox titles from 2006 and think people will buy a $500 box to play them.</p>

      • Stooks

        26 April, 2018 - 2:35 pm

        <blockquote><a href="#266217"><em>In reply to CalWorthington:</em></a></blockquote><p>"Switch actually has new original firstparty content"</p><p><br></p><p>And that is basically all it has really. If you really dig version 9+ of the Nintendo games (Mario/Zelda etc) then Switch is for you. If you want to play Multi-Platform games, which 98% of console games are, then the Switch should be you absolute last choice.</p><p><br></p><p>The Switch is for Nintendo game fans. Yes it does get some 3rd party titles but way less than any other platform and because of its weak hardware the worst versions of those 3rd party games.</p><p><br></p><p>I have said it before, the exclusive console game argument is old and stale. The vast majority of console gamers buy consoles based on what their friends are on, so they can play Multi-Platform MP games with those friends.</p><p><br></p><p>I do have a PS4 and a Xbox One X. I did buy the PS4, used, to play a few game titles, really just "MLB The Show". I have bought a few other games when they were on sale, all of them exclusives. I play all of Multi-Platform games on the Xbox. I have ZERO interest in Nintendo games and ZERO interest in playing the worst possible console version of Multi-platform games on a Switch.</p>

    • David Berk

      26 April, 2018 - 2:10 pm

      <p><a href="#266187"><em>In reply to ghostrider:</em></a></p><p><br></p><p>Nintendo takes chances on their hardware. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. New games in a franchise does not mean it's the same game over and over again. To be perfectly honest, they are the least guilty of milking their franchises with unoriginal copycat titles. Their old titles may be on the virtual console, but the new releases are pretty progressive.</p>

    • Daekar

      26 April, 2018 - 8:42 pm

      <blockquote><a href="#266187"><em>In reply to ghostrider:</em></a></blockquote><p>You know, I don't agree with you 100% because a very good percentage of my time with the Switch has been with titles like Skyrim, but you're not completely wrong. I would be happy to pay for versions of the Nintendo classics all the way back to the 1985 console as long as the prices were right. Would LOVE to have a version of Metroid II: Return of Samus, and some of the original Pokémon titles. Maybe that makes me a sucker…</p>

  • Chaoticwhizz

    26 April, 2018 - 9:38 am

    <p>I have owned a Switch since August and i have really enjoyed playing Super Mario Odyssey and especially Zelda Breath of the WIld. Both games feel fresh and new in a way that no other game in their respective franchise has in a long time. I am not fond of the many ports on Switch of much older games but I look forward to more new games coming this year.</p>

  • MoopMeep

    26 April, 2018 - 9:40 am

    <p>pretty good, got second place behind ps4 for the year but ahead of third place xbox one. probably wont beat xbox one in the end though</p><p><br></p>

    • CalWorthington

      26 April, 2018 - 12:16 pm

      <blockquote><a href="#266197"><em>In reply to MoopMeep:</em></a></blockquote><p>Everything will continue to beat Xbox as long as MS keeps ignoring their firstparty problem.</p>

      • jrickel96

        27 April, 2018 - 12:32 am

        <blockquote><a href="#266216"><em>In reply to CalWorthington:</em></a></blockquote><p>What first party problem? The only company that sees massive first party success is Nintendo. Sony doesn't get any of their first party games in the top ten sales list for a full year. The biggest sellers are all cross platform except for Nintendo.</p><p><br></p><p>Neither Sony or Microsoft will ever replicate Nintendo on this front. 15 million Switches sold and over 10 million copies of Mario Odyssey. Almost 70% of all Switch owners bought the game. During the summer there were more Zelda copies sold than Switches as people bought them in anticipation of getting a Switch.</p><p><br></p><p>First party draws a few users in for the big consoles, but not a crazy amount. Horizon: Zero Dawn sold 7.6 million in one year. Impressive, but not when you consider there are 70 million PS4s out there. Breath of the Wild sold more games (near 9 million now) in less time with far fewer devices it could be played on.</p><p><br></p><p>FACT: Microsoft and Sony first party games perform poorly when you look at what Nintendo brings to the table. And those Nintendo games will keep selling well for a couple of years while the prices STAY at $60 and never drop. </p><p><br></p><p>For the record, I have a X1X and a Switch. Like them both and I have no interest in the PS4 because those first party games don't appeal to me, but it's a good system and I get the appeal of it. </p><p><br></p><p>But I can bring Rocket League and Doom with me on the Switch now. I travel and that system is amazing to take on the road and then dock at home.</p>

    • David Berk

      26 April, 2018 - 2:03 pm

      <p>I think it probably will exceed the Xbox one sales in the end. Besides selling well in Japan, a non-market for MS, there is a potential of multiple consoles per household. </p><p>There is also something pretty great about playing your console games anywhere you would like.</p><blockquote><a href="#266197"><em>In reply to MoopMeep:</em></a></blockquote><p><br></p>

  • hrlngrv

    Premium Member
    26 April, 2018 - 11:02 am

    <p>My superficial impression is that Nintendo game systems are great for younger kids' games, Xbox is great for adults' games, and PS has something for all ages. Xbox is decidedly NOT the game system grandparents buy grandchildren under 15. That may have helped MSFT secure Xbox's share of the game console market, but it may also limit its potential share.</p>

    • hbdb

      26 April, 2018 - 1:13 pm

      <blockquote><a href="#266207"><em>In reply to hrlngrv:</em></a></blockquote><p>A single anecdote but I'm 40yo with no kids and only have a Switch, no xbox or PS4. Nintendo games are great for all ages.</p>

      • Stooks

        26 April, 2018 - 2:43 pm

        <blockquote><a href="#266228"><em>In reply to hbdb:</em></a></blockquote><p>Same age and I have absolutely no interest in a Switch. </p><p><br></p><p>I have a 4K TV and a Apple 4K TV to watch content in the best possible way and I like my gaming the same way. Playing Ghost Recon Wildlands on the Xbox One X on a 65inch 4K LG with HDR is an amazing experience. AC Origins is amazing as well.</p><p><br></p><p>Plug a Switch in that TV and if by some miracle they ported either of those games to the Switch, it would look like someone smeared vaseline mixed with oatmeal on the screen during game play. No thanks I will pass.</p>

        • hbdb

          26 April, 2018 - 4:00 pm

          <blockquote><a href="#266253"><em>In reply to Stooks:</em></a></blockquote><p>If you wanted the best graphics you'd use a PC, not an xbox. PCMR!</p>

      • hrlngrv

        Premium Member
        26 April, 2018 - 2:57 pm

        <p><a href="#266228"><em>In reply to hbdb:</em></a></p><p>I guess my point is more that Xbox attracts few rated G games, Nintendo attracts few rated M games, and Sony attracts games of all ratings. For those who prefer less violence, Nintendo has more offerings. For those who want to kill, Kill, KILL, Xbox has that covered.</p>

        • hbdb

          26 April, 2018 - 3:57 pm

          <blockquote><a href="#266255"><em>In reply to hrlngrv:</em></a></blockquote><p>I'd agree with that.</p>

    • jwpear

      Premium Member
      26 April, 2018 - 2:40 pm

      <blockquote><a href="#266207"><em>In reply to hrlngrv:</em></a></blockquote><p>That's kind of how I see it too, but obviously that's not the case as hbdb noted. I do think many see it this way regardless of reality. That doesn't diminish it in any way in my opinion. This thing is truly unique with its ability to address both types of gaming scenarios–console and portable. I think it also transcends generations more so with the types of games Nintendo offers. You just can't beat Mario for family gaming.</p><p><br></p><p>I have been very tempted to pick one up, but still feel a little burned by the Wii. The novelty of it wore off quickly and we rarely play it today. Regardless, I still see Nintendo as offering the best family group play consoles. </p><p><br></p><p>I'd love to be able to pack a small console with some decent games in the luggage when traveling with family and be able to play together while on vacation or visiting with relatives. The Switch fits this nicely and it's about the only reason I have a desire for it. I'll be looking for sales around the holidays and decide between getting a Switch and upgrading our Xbox One S to an X.</p>

  • TEAMSWITCHER

    27 April, 2018 - 4:55 pm

    <p>I bought a Nintendo Switch and Pro Controller solely to play new Zelda title.</p><p>It's arguably the best in a long running series of games that have never left me disappointed.</p><p><br></p>

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