The Nintendo Switch rejuvenated Nintendo and brought it back to the top of the video game industry over its first year, but the company believes that the hybrid console could do even better.
It might be hard to imagine how the Nintendo Switch could have a more successful second year, but there are some things that may happen to help the hybrid console achieve its goal.
The Success Of The Nintendo Switch
Nintendo's earnings report for its fiscal year 2017 revealed the success of the Nintendo Switch over its first year.
According to Nintendo, sales for the Nintendo Switch have reached 17.79 million units since it was launched in March 2017. This figure is already more than 4 million units more than the lifetime sales of its predecessor, the failed Nintendo Wii U.
Nintendo Switch titles have also enjoyed massive sales. The best-selling Nintendo Switch game was Super Mario Odyssey with 10.41 million copies sold, followed by Mario Kart 8 Deluxe at 9.22 million copies. Coming in third place was The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which is now the best-selling Zelda game in history with 8.48 million copies sold for the Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo Switch Sales Target: 20 Million Units
Nintendo, however, is not resting on its laurels with the successful first year of the Nintendo Switch. The company has actually projected an even higher sales target for the second year of the hybrid console at 20 million units.
The Nintendo Switch sales target of 20 million units has actually been previously reported, but that was before Nintendo announced the console's sales performance for its first year. The projected sales will place the Nintendo Switch in line with the PlayStation 4, which sold 17.7 million units in its second year, but behind the Nintendo Wii, which sold 25.94 million units at the same stage.
How Will The Nintendo Switch Reach That Goal?
Selling 20 million units is a lofty goal, but it is certainly achievable for the Nintendo Switch.
Following the popularity of its flagship titles for its first year, the success of the Nintendo Switch in its second year will still rely on its games. The recently announced Super Smash Bros. will be one of the main drivers, and if the long-awaited Pokémon RPG for the hybrid console will be released this year, that sales target has a good chance of being shattered.
Another factor that may lift the Nintendo Switch to greater heights is Nintendo's appointment of new president Shuntaro Furukawa, who is over 20 years younger than outgoing President Tatsumi Kimishima. Furukawa said that he was ready to challenge the status quo to push Nintendo forward, revealing a bright future for the company and the Nintendo Switch.
