The Nintendo Switch has had a remarkable run, but all great things eventually come to a close. As this popular hybrid console approaches its eighth anniversary, Nintendo has reported a noticeable decline in its hardware sales—down 30% compared to last year—and a 24% drop in game sales. For the second consecutive quarter, Nintendo has been compelled to adjust its sales forecasts. They now anticipate selling 11 million Switch units within the current fiscal year, ending on March 31, which is a reduction from their original estimate of 13.5 million. Additionally, there’s been a revision in their profit forecast for the year.
These declining figures aren’t exactly shocking. Even though Nintendo delayed announcing the Switch 2 for as long as possible, the signs have been clear for quite some time that the Switch was winding down. For a gaming console, eight years is a notably long lifespan. There have been numerous rumors and leaks surrounding the elusive Switch 2, and the dwindling software support from Nintendo has been equally telling.
We should remember, though, that the current dip in Switch sales shouldn’t overshadow its incredible achievements over the years. To date, Nintendo has managed to sell 150.86 million Switch units, nearly catching up with the Nintendo DS, which sold 154 million and ranks as the second-best-selling gaming device ever. Even with the Switch 2 on the horizon, it seems likely that the Switch will surpass that DS milestone sometime this year, positioning it as Nintendo’s most successful console to date.
Surpassing the PlayStation 2, however, to become the best-selling console of all time would require a monumental feat—the PS2 boasts lifetime sales in excess of 160 million units. Achieving that record would be quite the challenge and seems to be slightly out of grasp, admirable as it would be.
