Nintendo announced on Monday that it will cease sales of the original Switch in Europe starting February 2024. This decision is due to new European regulations mandating easily replaceable batteries in consumer electronics. Instead of redesigning the original Switch models, Nintendo will focus on its upcoming Switch 2.
Declining Sales of the Nintendo Switch
Sales of the Nintendo Switch have been on a consistent decline for years, even before the introduction of the Switch 2. In the 2021 fiscal year, worldwide hardware shipments peaked at nearly 29 million, followed by software sales hitting over 235 million the next year. Comparatively, only the DS has achieved higher sales peaks among recent Nintendo portable consoles.
The Switch experienced its highest sales later than many other Nintendo platforms. For example, the Wii U was effectively dead while the Switch was still selling robustly. By its ninth fiscal year, the Switch sold approximately 3.8 million units, maintaining about 13 percent of its peak annual sales.
Comparative Resilience of Software Sales
In terms of software, the Switch has shown remarkable longevity and resilience. In its last fiscal year, the console sold nearly 137 million pieces of software, around 58 percent of its peak sales. This contrasts sharply with other systems like the DS, 3DS, and Wii, which sold software at less than 5 percent of their peak rate at similar points in their lifespans.
- Switch hardware shipments peaked at 29 million in FY 2021
- Software sales peaked at 235 million in FY 2022
- Current fiscal year hardware sales: 3.8 million
- Software sales in last fiscal year: 137 million
Future of Nintendo's Console Sales
Historically, Nintendo consoles tend to decline quickly after a successor is released. The Switch 2 has already sold nearly 20 million units in its first fiscal year, suggesting strong demand for a more powerful option. This trend indicates a potential quick fade for the original Switch as consumers seek upgrades.
As Nintendo navigates this transition, the company’s strategy will likely focus on enhancing the features of the Switch 2 while phasing out the original model. The long-term market presence of the Switch remains uncertain but could extend into its second decade, depending on consumer interest.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Ars Technica. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
