Support NeoGAF

[Ryu Hayabusa]

Well deserved,

Nintendo Switch Becomes the Fastest-Selling Home Video Game System of All Time in the U.S.
Acclaimed Mario and Legend of Zelda Titles Lead Strong Game Lineup, Fuel Continued Momentum

A strong library of games continues to fuel momentum for Nintendo Switch. In the U.S., more than 60 percent of Nintendo Switch owners have Super Mario Odyssey, and over 55 percent own The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Not only are these games system-sellers, but they're also two of the highest-rated games in history. (Photo: Business Wire)

A strong library of games continues to fuel momentum for Nintendo Switch. In the U.S., more than 60 percent of Nintendo Switch owners have Super Mario Odyssey, and over 55 percent own The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Not only are these games system-sellers, but they're also two of the highest-rated games in history. (Photo: Business Wire)

January 04, 2018 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nintendo Switch has become the fastest-selling home video game system in U.S. history. The home console that players can take wherever they go launched March 3, 2017, and in 10 months has sold more than 4.8 million units in the United States, according to Nintendo's internal sales figures. That's the highest total for the first 10 months of any home video game system in U.S. history, surpassing Nintendo's own Wii system, which was the previous record holder with more than 4 million units sold during the same timeframe.

”Now that many more people have received Nintendo Switch systems for the holidays, we look forward to bringing them fun new surprises in 2018 and beyond."

”Fans across the country have experienced the joy of playing their favorite games at home or on the go," said Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America's President and COO. ”Now that many more people have received Nintendo Switch systems for the holidays, we look forward to bringing them fun new surprises in 2018 and beyond."

A strong library of games continues to fuel momentum for Nintendo Switch. In the U.S., more than 60 percent of Nintendo Switch owners have Super Mario Odyssey, and over 55 percent own The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Not only are these games system-sellers, but they're also two of the highest-rated games in history. Nintendo Switch owners also possess the fun, competitive games Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Splatoon 2 at rates of more than 50 percent and 20 percent, respectively.

More than 300 games created by third-party developers have already launched for Nintendo Switch. These include big-name brands like FIFA 18 from Electronic Arts, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle and Just Dance 2018 from Ubisoft, Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition from Mojang, L.A. Noire from Rockstar Games, NBA 2K18 from 2K Games, Sonic Mania from SEGA, Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers from Capcom, Rocket League from Psyonix and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and DOOM from Bethesda. Nintendo Switch has also received strong support from indie developers, with a steady stream of favorites like SteamWorld Dig 2 from Image & Form, Golf Story from Sidebar Games, Overcooked Special Edition from Team17 Digital Ltd and Stardew Valley from Chucklefish LTD.

This year, Nintendo Switch owners can look forward to Nintendo-published games like Kirby Star Allies, Bayonetta, Bayonetta 2 and a new game starring Yoshi. Fans can also expect continued support from major publishers such as EA, Activision, Ubisoft, Capcom, SEGA, Take 2 and Bethesda, plus a growing catalog of quality content from indie developers.

Remember that Nintendo Switch features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/switch/.

About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Nintendo Switch™ system and the Nintendo 3DS™ family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System™, Nintendo has sold more than 4.5 billion video games and more than 710 million hardware units globally, including Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, as well as the Game Boy™, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS™ family of systems, Super NES™, Nintendo 64™, Nintendo GameCube™, Wii™ and Wii U™ systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names, such as Mario, Donkey Kong, Metroid, Zelda and Pokémon. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Americas. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company's website at http://www.nintendo.com.

Note to editors: Nintendo press materials are available at http://press.nintendo.com, a password-protected site. To obtain a login, please register on the site.

Contacts
GOLIN
Rich George, 213-335-5554
rgeorge@golin.com
or
Eddie Garcia, 213-335-5536
egarcia@golin.com

 

[ThatStupidLion]

Very skeptical for 2018. I just dont see the quanity or quality keeping up. Prove me wrong nintendo

Congrats on year one tho


Edit - dont forget octopath traveler rveryone!

 

[Blam]

Very skeptical for 2018. I just dont see the quanity or quality keeping up. Prove me wrong nintendo

Congrats on year one tho

If Nintendo can keep this up they without a doubt will hit PS2 levels of success.

 

[Z3M0G]

I'll slip this in early... Do we think there will be a 2nd model after a year or two, like we get with all past Nintendo Handhelds?

 

[Bucket-o-roadkill]

So we got pokemon coming, smash will eventually, Metroid prime 4 too... Will any of them hit 2018? What else?

This is my concern.

 

[Wonkytonky]

Lovely to hear. Congratulations Nintendo!

 

[Success]

Absolutely incredible.
I am getting a Switch now.

 

[royox]

What a cliffhanger of tittle OP my dear

 

[Kimawolf]

So we got pokemon coming, smash will eventually, Metroid prime 4 too... Will any of them hit 2018? What else?

This is my concern.

Pokemon definitely.

 

[ubiblu]

Truly the greatest video game system I’ve ever owned, even without basic video apps, friend messaging, internet, or fucking virtual console.

I’m a bit concerned about the flow of 2018 releases, and personally don’t care for Kirby games; Yoshi is hit and miss as well. Having beaten Bayo 1 + 2 on WiiU, I’m going to need to see some big games get announced in this upcoming direct.

 

[tkscz]

So we got pokemon coming, smash will eventually, Metroid prime 4 too... Will any of them hit 2018? What else?

This is my concern.

Hate to be one of those guys but wait until E3 or a Nintendo Direct.

 

[daxgame]

well deserved!
And lol at the title

 

[sometimes i game]

Amazing. I only want to play games on my Switch, and Switch games do in fact get priority from me now. Dooms next. Love this console.

 

[herzausstein]

Games We Know are Coming (that I personally am looking forward to):

Metroid Prime 4
New Pikmin
Fire Emblem
New Pokemon
Yoshi
Kirby
Bayonetta 1,2,& 3
New No More Heroes
Lost Sphere
Dragon Quest Builders
Shovel Knight King of Cards
Fe
Maluka
Mega Man Legacy Collection
Mega Man Legacy Collection 2
Mega Man X Collection
Mega Man 11
Starlink: Battle for Atlas
Hallow Knight
Project Octopath Traveler
Wolfenstein: The New Colossus
Valkyria Chronicles 4
Shin Megami Tensei V

and probably some more surprises. Not sure if all will hit 2018 but majority will.

 

[Toadthemushroom]

Great news. The best thing about Switch's success is the device proved itself after it launched, rather than through months of marketing hype. It'd be a lie to say most of us weren't sceptics in the run up to launch, myself included.

I'm glad that a lot of factors behind what makes the Switch such a joy to use and play games on ended up being surprises. Nintendo drastically improving their developer tools and publishing processes included - that's led to a steady stream of games practically coming out of nowhere for the system that we didn't foresee. Games were announced as soon as they were ready, which is why there were only 5 games announced for launch but the actual launch, and launch window, ended up being far more fruitful.

 

[Toadthemushroom]

Games We Know are Coming (that I personally am looking forward to):

Metroid Prime 4
New Pikmin
Fire Emblem
New Pokemon
Yoshi
Kirby
Bayonetta 1,2,& 3
New No More Heroes
Lost Sphere
Dragon Quest Builders
Shovel Knight King of Cards
Fe
Maluka
Mega Man Legacy Collection
Mega Man Legacy Collection 2
Mega Man X Collection
Mega Man 11
Starlink: Battle for Atlas
Hallow Knight
Project Octopath Traveler
Wolfenstein: The New Colossus
Valkyria Chronicles 4
Shin Megami Tensei V

and probably some more surprises. Not sure if all will hit 2018 but majority will.

There's also

Travis Returns
PayDay 2
Atelier Lydie and Suelle

And I'm sure more stuff will drop.

 

[dcll]

it is a nice little system for sure but I wont buy one until there is a competent online system with basic functionality of PSN/XBL

 

[Klart]

Consoles are dead.

 

[Unknown?]

Damn! Xbox is getting destroyed! I could see Switch passing up it’s totals in three years.

 

[Alter_Fridge]

OCTOPATH TRAVELLER BREHS

 

[The Hermit]

Deserved.

I didn't expected to be this good

 

[Meesh]

Yeah, they're doing alright I guess :3

Need some Metroid info.

 

[Blam]

Damn! Xbox is getting destroyed! I could see Switch passing up it’s totals in three years.

i feel like it'll happen end of 2018.

 

[Alebrije]

2017 :

2018:

Jk

 

[deriks]

Can I use it again?

 

[michaelius]

i feel like it'll happen end of 2018.

They would have to produce 25 milions or more in single year while fighting for materials with smartphone makers.

 

[Unknown?]

i feel like it'll happen end of 2018.

They’ve sold about 11-12 Million so far with December(maybe more) with Xbox at 35M max most likely 32M they’re already close to half. But Xbox would have to tank(signs of this are already happening in 2017) or Switch would have to sell like 25M minimum in 2018. It IS possible. But too many factors to consider. I say March 2019 they surpass Xbox 1 lifetime totals.

 

[BanjoLayleeYookaKazooie]

Can I use it again?

Lmao I've never seen that one before.

 

[wizpiggleton]

They've sold about 11-12 Million so far with December(maybe more) with Xbox at 35M max most likely 32M they're already close to half. But Xbox would have to tank(signs of this are already happening in 2017) or Switch would have to sell like 25M minimum in 2018. It IS possible. But too many factors to consider. I say March 2019 they surpass Xbox 1 lifetime totals.

I think they may have sold more than 12 million so far if the news rings true about the US and Japan has sold 1 million switches in December. Since there's also Europe, South Korea where it just released last month (not much but it sold 55k in 3 days on release without counting the christmas sales), Canada etc.

 

[jufonuk]

Very skeptical for 2018. I just dont see the quanity or quality keeping up. Prove me wrong nintendo

Congrats on year one tho


Edit - dont forget octopath traveler rveryone!

If you realise that both the mobile dev team and the console dev team have the one system to program before. Think how many games they could make beforehand. Now when the console team are working the mobile team can let a game release.

Not sure they can create hype the size of Zelda but who knows what Nintendo and its teams are working on?

 

[Liliana Eileen]

Well deserved!

 

[ThatStupidLion]

If you realise that both the mobile dev team and the console dev team have the one system to program before. Think how many games they could make beforehand. Now when the console team are working the mobile team can let a game release.

Not sure they can create hype the size of Zelda but who knows what Nintendo and its teams are working on?

i mean, i agree. their studios are now condensed and focused on one console over two, but at the same time it's their IPs that i think can get stale. you could do two marios in a year before ( one on console one on handheld), but since htey are different ecosystems its okay, now youre restricted to spacing out your marios.

they need to put out a lot of new stuff and take chances on new games and characters imo. which they did with arms, splatoon and xenoblade, but ideally i think they are going to need an even bigger push on this front.

also, 2nd/third parties really need to support the system like they do on nintendos handhelds. if the library can lean more toward their handhelds rather than their consoles i think switch will be in a great position every year.

 

[wizpiggleton]

i mean, i agree. their studios are now condensed and focused on one console over two, but at the same time it's their IPs that i think can get stale. you could do two marios in a year before ( one on console one on handheld), but since htey are different ecosystems its okay, now youre restricted to spacing out your marios.

they need to put out a lot of new stuff and take chances on new games and characters imo. which they did with arms, splatoon and xenoblade, but ideally i think they are going to need an even bigger push on this front.

also, 2nd/third parties really need to support the system like they do on nintendos handhelds. if the library can lean more toward their handhelds rather than their consoles i think switch will be in a great position every year.

Stale? They have so many IPs they never get the chance to visit and they make new ones too. Now they have the time to visit them (like Metroid). I agree on third party support but stale IPs is not one of their issues.

Some of their Ips haven't even seen the light in over 10 years!

 

[ThatOneGrunt]

Truly the greatest video game system I’ve ever owned, even without basic video apps, friend messaging, internet, or fucking virtual console.

I’m a bit concerned about the flow of 2018 releases, and personally don’t care for Kirby games; Yoshi is hit and miss as well. Having beaten Bayo 1 + 2 on WiiU, I’m going to need to see some big games get announced in this upcoming direct.

I kind of like that it doesn't have any of those extra apps and distractions (but I know I don't speak for everyone). I already have plenty of devices that does those things.

My wife surprised me with a Switch this christmas and that first thing I noticed was how clean it was. There were no extra apps and there wasn't a ton of ads everywhere. It was just my one game, Zelda, sitting there ready to play. I was immediately smitten.

 

[CloudStrife_ca]

I'll slip this in early... Do we think there will be a 2nd model after a year or two, like we get with all past Nintendo Handhelds?

Of course they will, its become an industry standard these days and everyone is buying it up, slims, "S", Pro, Lite, XL all clever marketing.

Read about this in the morning, I think if they throw in a Smash Bros Deluxe at the right time, with a Mario Kart 9 announcement, maybe a Mario Party announcement and maybe Luigi's Mansion 3, they should be able to closely duplicate their first year's success.

Nintendo seems pretty strategic with the Switch's 1st party launch lineup and it helps that alot of people didn't own a Wii U so Mario Kart 8 Deluxe came off as a new release, as will Smash Deluxe. Maybe the upcoming Nintendo Direct will shed some light on atleast some of the speculation right now.

 

[Jack Videogames]

i mean, i agree. their studios are now condensed and focused on one console over two, but at the same time it's their IPs that i think can get stale

I don't think there is a single company with the sheer amount of IPs Nintendo has. They Switch could only have first party games and it would have a stellar catalogue for all its life.

 

[sometimes i game]

i mean, i agree. their studios are now condensed and focused on one console over two, but at the same time it's their IPs that i think can get stale.

I think on the surface you could think Nintendo has a few titles they remake over and over, but they are using them in new ways. The latest Zelda is not a true Zelda game. Mario stars with Rabbids in an Xcom turn-based shooter. Their IPs have never been less stale. They're fine.

 

[lynux3]

Fastest selling in a 10 month period.

 

[Parapraxis]

When Metroid Prime 4,Yoshi and Bayonetta 3 are on the console i'll not be able to avoid buying it. FACT.

 

[Mantorok]

I feel it would be impossible for any console maker to crank out the quality of the Mario and Zelda games on this console but what a way to start.

Possibly one of the most complete consoles I've ever picked up. Not only does it have some amazing games already but it seamlessly slots itself into your lifestyle. In little over a week I've clocked in over 30 hours of gaming time where as before I would struggle that in 6 months. The accessibility is scarily good and I would say this console comprises every good design decision Nintendo has made in the last 30 years or more. It just feels right.

Could it more powerful? Sure. Do I give a shit? No.

Props to ninty they've cranked out a deserved success and I really hope more good games follow.

 

[Velius]

So we got pokemon coming, smash will eventually, Metroid prime 4 too... Will any of them hit 2018? What else?

This is my concern.

First thing that came to my mind.

I think if they get Metroid, Pokemon, and Dragon Quest XI out, they'll sell even more.

But those three have to come out this year. I know DQ will, and there's a huge probability that Pokemon will too. Metroid is the only thing that gives me pause.

 

[llien]

If Nintendo can keep this up they without a doubt will hit PS2 levels of success.

In US, perhaps. Aren't they quite behind PS4 worldwide?

 

[Crazyorloco]

Well deserved. I think it’s incredible to have a Zelda and Mario mainline games in one year. Plus to me (and most agree) they’re some of the finest games in gaming. Period.

And these are just two games on the Switch. The switch has plenty of other great games only 10 months in.

 

[ThatStupidLion]

Stale? They have so many IPs they never get the chance to visit and they make new ones too. Now they have the time to visit them (like Metroid). I agree on third party support but stale IPs is not one of their issues.

Some of their Ips haven't even seen the light in over 10 years!

I don't think there is a single company with the sheer amount of IPs Nintendo has. They Switch could only have first party games and it would have a stellar catalogue for all its life.

I think on the surface you could think Nintendo has a few titles they remake over and over, but they are using them in new ways. The latest Zelda is not a true Zelda game. Mario stars with Rabbids in an Xcom turn-based shooter. Their IPs have never been less stale. They're fine.

maybe stale was the wrong wording to use.

they have a ton of IPs, many go underused or ignored completely. and they will have to dig into them to maintain the quality and quantity.

i think it was easier for IPs to stay fresh when they were being released on two consoles where as now they can only go on one.

simple hypothetical example:

core mario game A released on wii in year 1
*new* mario bros game A released on 3ds in year 2
core mario game B released on wii in year 3
*new* mario bros game B released on 3ds in year 4

vs

core mario game A released on switch in year 1
NSMB game A released on switch in year 2
core mario game B released on switch in year 3
NSMB game B released on switch in year 4

to me - over time - i would be less hyped over more mario as the years go on when its constantly getting released on switch, where as mario would have space to breathe across the two platforms. and this isn't including all the spin offs etc.

so what im saying is they can't just stick to their favorite IPs that they usually do, i think they are going have to dive deep, and work hard because once you start veering into their unused IPs their quality and general reception is much more of an uncertainty.

i remain optimistic though and look forward to their upcoming Direct. i think they will dig deep for this console and try even harder and smarter than they did with the wii.

 

[Deputy Moonman]

Games We Know are Coming (that I personally am looking forward to):

Metroid Prime 4
New Pikmin
Fire Emblem
New Pokemon
Yoshi
Kirby
Bayonetta 1,2,& 3
New No More Heroes
Lost Sphere
Dragon Quest Builders
Shovel Knight King of Cards
Fe
Maluka
Mega Man Legacy Collection
Mega Man Legacy Collection 2
Mega Man X Collection
Mega Man 11
Starlink: Battle for Atlas
Hallow Knight
Project Octopath Traveler
Wolfenstein: The New Colossus
Valkyria Chronicles 4
Shin Megami Tensei V

and probably some more surprises. Not sure if all will hit 2018 but majority will.

Is it not a given that a new animal crossing will eventually come out? I wouldn't hold my breath in getting all or even most of those in 2018. Especially not some of the big hitters like Metroid or Smash. Nintendo is sooooo slowwwwwwww

 

[MastAndo]

Impressive. I've had this sitting in my cart for a few days now, debating if I should pull the trigger. Decisions, decisions...

 

[MindCollizion]

Good for Nintendo and the industry. Keep the momentum going in 2018; keep those games coming.

 

[Alebrije]

When Metroid Prime 4,Yoshi and Bayonetta 3 are on the console i'll not be able to avoid buying it. FACT.

Same , just change Yoshi to Pikmin 4.

 

[Rocket Scientist]

Guess that artificial shortage strategy where you produce more consoles than anybody has ever done before really worked for Nintendo.

 

[hiphopcr]

I used to laugh at the Switch.

Now I laugh at myself for not owning one.