Nintendo Switch 2 Announcement Doesn’t Affect Original Console Sales

Nintendo isn’t too worried about the introduction of the Nintendo Switch 2 affecting how well its original handheld console sells.

This assurance surfaced after a shareholder questioned why the company decided to adjust its annual financial outlook downward. Specifically, Nintendo reduced its projections for console and game sales by 1.5 million units and 10 million units, respectively.

Addressing the concern, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa explained, “We revised our sales forecasts for both our hardware and software for the Nintendo Switch, reflecting current sales trends observed in the third quarter (October-December 2024) and our expectations for the rest of the fiscal year.”

He continued, “Alongside altering our assumed exchange rate, various dynamics prompted us to adjust our financial predictions for the year. Notably, the yen-to-dollar exchange was changed from 140 yen to 150 yen. Despite cumulative Nintendo Switch sales surpassing 150 million units and our strong lineup of new and evergreen titles, we didn’t meet our initial ambitious targets.”

Furukawa highlighted that while newly launched titles like Super Mario Party Jamboree did well globally, and bundled deals with hits like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe saw robust purchases outside Japan, they fell short of original expectations. “Although the platform is in its eighth year, the numbers just didn’t hit the mark,” he noted.

He mentioned that while some might have put off buying with the anticipation of the Nintendo Switch 2, during the holiday season, a lot of new buyers emerged. Many existing users also picked up additional or replacement systems.

Regarding software, even though unit sales are lower than last year, Furukawa doesn’t see a huge impact from deferred purchases since Switch games will be compatible with the Switch 2. “This year lacked a standout title like last year’s The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom or Super Mario Bros. Wonder to drive a broad business buzz,” he added.

Gamers eager for more information can catch the Nintendo Direct presentation about the Nintendo Switch 2, streaming live at 6am PT / 9am ET / 2pm BST / 3pm CEST on Wednesday, April 2. Nintendo Switch 2 is set for a worldwide release in 2025, with an official launch date still to be announced.