Nintendo Switch 2 Announcement Leaves Original Console’s Sales Unaffected

Nintendo seems unfazed by the buzz around the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 when it comes to sales figures of their current beloved console. At a recent shareholder meeting, the discussion turned to why Nintendo decided to lower its financial forecasts for the year, which saw a reduction of 1.5 million in hardware sales and 10 million in software.

President Shuntaro Furukawa stepped in with an explanation, noting the shifts observed in the third quarter of 2024 and expectations for the fiscal year end. “We had to adjust our sales outlook for the Switch, both in terms of hardware and software,” Furukawa explained. “There was a shift in our expected exchange rates, moving from 140 to 150 yen per U.S. dollar, among other considerations.”

Despite these adjustments, the Nintendo Switch has sold over 150 million units, boasting a solid user base. Fueled by a range of popular new releases and evergreen titles, Nintendo’s ambitious targets were set high as the fiscal year began. Titles like “Super Mario Party Jamboree” performed remarkably well globally, and bundles with bestsellers like “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” kept sales robust, though they didn’t quite hit those initial sky-high goals.

Furukawa acknowledged that some customers might have hesitated to purchase current models, perhaps holding out for the Switch 2. However, he emphasized a strong influx of sales from new users around the holiday season, along with existing users buying additional or replacement systems.

As for game sales, the president pointed out that major hits like last year’s “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” and “Super Mario Bros. Wonder” hadn’t found their equal this time, influencing their decision to adjust software forecasts. Nonetheless, he noted that Switch games will also run on the Switch 2, which should mean any postponement in purchases won’t be too severe.

For those eager to learn more, the unveiling of the next-gen console is set for a Nintendo Direct presentation, with times set for various global audiences. As of now, while the Nintendo Switch 2 is slated for a 2025 worldwide release, the exact launch date remains under wraps.

The anticipation continues to build, with fans eagerly awaiting the reveal trailer and more details about the promising future of Nintendo’s gaming landscape.