The thing about the PS2 is a lot of people bought it as a DVD player. Simply because of that, it's hard to beat it in sales. That Nintendo has come anywhere close to the reported numbers is impressive.
Imagine if the PS2 wasn't a DVD player that was cheaper than a DVD player.. that pushed sales so much.. both the DS and Switch got there solely off games
Imagine if the switch wasn’t out since 2017 almost 6 years just like the old ps2 ps3 came out in 2006 the pandemic helped the switch out a crap ton also lots of people indoors too and they haven’t made any more consoles for a while you’d think they would be the best selling handled by now
The Switch has been out for 7 years, it's sold 125 million units, and they have not dropped the price once. They'll cut the price once the Switch's successor comes out, and it'll be a popular budget option for years to come... I mean, that's literally how the PS2 broke the record, they kept selling it as a budget console until the PS4 came out. The Switch is gonna beat the PS2 as long as Nintendo wants it to, it's inevitable.
Unless _Super Mario Odyssey 2_ comes out before the Switch's replacement comes out, or they lower the price, I think it'll come up a few million short of the PS2. But here's hoping.
it still is insane to me that the ps2 sold so much because people who played that generation seem so much more nostalgic for it's rivals (Nintendo 64, 1st Xbox) Edit: Gamecube, not 64
Not me! I have too many fond memories of the PS2 to count. My favorite console ever. Though I figure a lot of its sales were from people who wanted a DVD player that could play games as a bonus. Or people who didnt play that many games who just bought the biggest hits, and so don't go on forms discussing their nostalgia. Whereas you were more likely to be a hardcore fan if you were going for a gamecube or even xbox.
I think we'll get a 2d Mario (though I'd rather 2d or 3d Wario), a cross gen Metroid Prime 4, TotK dlc, either a Zelda spin off game or remaster (probably a port of WWHD with a beefed up port of TPHD coming to the next console eventually), another smaller scale Kirby or a Yoshi game, a few games like boxboy or pushmo and something from platinum. I also see a price cut no more than £30 for the oled model depending on how it sells this year.
Donkey Kong has traditionally been a big seller for late in life Nintendo consoles. Revitalized the SNES, gave N64 a big end of life sales boost, and DKCR sold very well for a late in life Wii title. So like, don't count out the big ape, he could still show up and become a 10+ million seller.
Oh man, could you imagine a DK64 reboot??? I know the original game is super flawed but imagine a modernized, fully fleshed out DK game in 3D... That'd definitely have a lot of talk and be a big console mover imo
I'd like to see more left field thumbnail choices like that, hah. I've been quoting them for the past hour since seeing this. "If I die, tell my wife... hello."
People can bring up the DVD thing all they want, but they're forgetting the other thing - PS2 had many *PRICE CUTS!* I know, imagine that. Crazy concept these days. I worked at Gamestop back at that time, and you could get new PS2's bundled with games for $100 near the end of its life. Even after 360 came out on 2005 & PS3 in 2006, people were still buying PS2's for a good while after that.
Honestly, price cuts don't really push console sales. If the demand isn't there at the original price, why would they buy it with a price cut. What sold the PS2 was all the third party companies jumping ship to the playstation brand and the gaming media helping to push that.
@@mr_m4613 well that's not how economics works 😂. Any product could have potential demand as long as they cut the price at least 1%. Like a 100 dollars PS2 slim is a perfect and relatively cheap gift to kids. I remember I wanted a GameCube but my uncle got me a PS2 for this reason (it was cheap). I played some games had decent fun with it, playing sonic games and Naruto Ultimate 4. Then again, PS2 was popular in my country because it was easy to hacked and have all the library.
@Obscure Gun I still have my Big PS2 from when I was a kid. Plus, you have the right to repair old shit even if big sony doesn’t want you too. That argument is kind of just cherry picking, same with the DVD player. A more consistent argument is simply how long the PS2 was supported (6th, 7th and a little in 8th Gen), for like 12+ years. It is still not hard to get one because how many there are.
If the Switch's sales carry on their current trajectory and the new console releases at the projected holiday 2024 season, it will come down to the wire.
I doubt the Switch lasts 10 years as a flagship console, but it will probably last 8 years as one. I’m thinking we will see a Switch successor in 2025 when sales sit at around 150 million units, and then Switch stick around as a budget console for a few more years and barely crosses 156-157 million total lifetime sales.
I know we’re almost at 7 years and everyone’s expecting a new console, but there’s no way it’s not just some newer version of the Switch. They’ve put so much work into things on the Switch. The Nintendo online consoles, the HD remakes, the ports, multiple top tier games for multiple franchises
I really hope Nintendo doesn't get too big headed and messes up their next console around the bend. They have been pretty anticonsumer ever since the Switch took off A lot of the people who hopped back into Nintendo with the Switch, don't even know how good the deals were for games back on the Wii U. You could get big budget triple A Nintendo games, like Pikmin 3 for 20 dollars!
They had to give attractive deals like that because their system sucked and no one wanted it. Switch can stand on it's own so they have to reason to discount their best games.
Part of me kinda wants their next console to fail for this exact reason lol. Having a large install base, you can easily cater the bare minimum to the lowest common denominator. On the other hand, with a failure like the Wii U, you absolutely have to cater to your core supporters, as that's your entire install base. I really dislike the way Nintendo has changed with its consumer practices during the Switch era.
@@phatnecktm3783 same. Like imagine charging $60 for a wii port that's only new feature is locked behind a $25 pay wall. I knew that it would have nothing new when they started advertising that you can use buttons. Like wow you can control the game, what a feature!
I think you're right when you say that Nintendo probably doesnt care about having "The top spot". Unless they hit it During its life cycle as the primary console, its not really a marketable thing. The PS2 also had the "its also a cheaper DVD player" 'cheat code' pushing its sales numbers up.
I wouldn't call it a cheat code. It was the sequel to the PS1 which sold 102 million units (more than the Wii) in the 90s, a decade before. PS2 released before Gamecube and XBOX. The major console that was out before was the Dreamcast which the PS2 murdered. It had the biggest and best library of any console on the market at the time. Love the Gamecube obviously but unless you like first party Nintendo games the Gamecube didn't do much for you. Gamecube had lower storage and unappealing design(to most people) and XBOX was risky and uncertain. The PS2 is just the best one. Also it could play DVDs.
I mean having the best selling console and two of the top 4 all time sounds pretty marketable to me. Besides it’s not like they’d legit take a loss is would just be lower profits on hardware after the first year of a price cut but they could easily make that up in software sales and dlc especially if that means more people are still getting the console. It would be a proper send off going into whatever comes next (depending on what exactly that is)
@@nanoff815The only console in history that qualifies as having a ‘cheat code’ is the Nintendo Wii and the gimmicky motion controls. When even your grandparents want to try Wii sports, you know something’s up 😂 You could also argue that the Switch is a bit of a cheat code too. They combined home console with handheld. Especially when you consider that the DS sold 150million units. Nintendo have always done their own thing, and I’m sure they’ll continue to do that. Sometimes it pays off, sometimes it doesn’t.
The easiest way to increase sales is to release a OLED lite model, and drop the original lite to $100, I think that dropping regular switches to $200 would help too.
Yeah, I think a price drop for the holiday season and a decent holiday title will do wonders for sales. It's hard to justify the current price with how outdated the hardware is
I think just not upping the price is a discount considering inflation. I had to choose what to do is to re release the Mario bundle thing where the Switch includes 1 digital game from a selection. That's a good deal still
I really appreciate the videos playing in the background in this vid. Such a nice reminder of all the great games that are on the console. Man, I should replay some of these!
It’s another year later and the Switch is at 141 million. It could die a slow death with a pessimistic 8 million sales this year, then 4 million in 2025, then 3 million more as it becomes the budget option going towards 2030, and all the sudden that would make it beat the PS2. I think most people are estimating substantially more than that, especially now that we know Pokémon Legends Z-A is coming and could be the Switch’s last huzzah.
Nintendo's current projection for the Switch (which have been fairly accurate) is 13.5 million for this fiscal year, which ends on March 31, 2025. That means by next March, the Switch will have outsold the DS. Another year on the market, maybe a post-Switch 2 price drop, and it easily clears the PS2.
I will say, it will be poetic if the momentum of _Tears of The Kingdom_ is what tips the balance to make the Switch outsell the PS2 at the end of it's lifetime given that _Breath of The Wild_ was so instrumental to it's successful launch.
Doesn't really pertain to the topic of the video, but I always enjoy Arlo's "general" Switch videos. Something about the assorted footage of Switch games in the background makes me remember why I love Nintendo
Kind of amazed the PS2 has held it for so long. With how a lot of games are breaking sales records and the gaming audience just being a lot bigger, I really would have figured something else would have passed it naturally.
Probably helped by its timing, Sega left the hardware business, Nintendo were late to the generation. Microsoft weren't established. PlayStation 3 is probably the worst selling PlayStation because it had tough competition from Nintendo and Microsoft, while PS4 made up ground.
@@bri1085 PlayStation 3 didn't need help from Nintendo and Microsoft to be the worst selling PlayStation console, Sony shot themselves in the foot at the PS3's launch by being late, being overpriced (never forget Ken Kutaragi saying people should want to work two jobs to have one), and having no games. And it took them years, the cheaper slim model and the new Kevin Butler ad campaign to finally turn things around. Although if we're talking about the worst selling PlayStation, I'm pretty sure the Vita has that "crown"
Yeah the PS2 was clearly seen by developers and the gaming audience as lead console even if it technologically wasn't so. Which was important given how development worked following the early 3D era hiccups of the prior gen. The Switch by contrast exists in an era in which it can be considered a handheld, or a companion console by many, and it has allowed it (along with other factors ie the pandemic slowing the industries rollover to the next generation) to sell confidently and more developers exist capably at the smaller level with the tools to bring games over (such as the Unreal Engine 4). In a era like the PS2, the PS2 was the one you arguably had to port to even if your goal was to bank on other hardware as lead platform and it often wasn't easy. As a result unless you were a weirdo like me who could justify the gamecube/xbox as the multiplayer console I had to have alongside what the PS2 offered, most people had one console and it was the PS2. People pointed out the DVD thing as a big primary reason, forgetting it also offered backwards compatibility for the already robust PS1 library. Plus pricing adjustment helps. The Switch in modern day at 300 dollars is much more palatable then 23 years ago at that same price point for PS2 (520+ dollars with adjustment) as is the average value of games. And even then, the PS1/2 was seen as a better deal then cartridge users experiences from the prior eras on a value basis. The Switch doesn't have the pricing aspect for developers (price per cart vs price per disc) but that hasn't hurt it it appears due in part to the digital era.
There's a lot more competition in terms of platforms nowadays. PC and mobile gaming is becoming mainstream, and Xbox and Playstation are the consoles of choice for a lot of people. It's not like when the PS2 had a monopoly on gaming.
something that I don't think you mentioned: it's in Nintendo's interest to "kill off" the switch as the new console launch approaches - lots of people will be less likely to invest in the new system when they think "I just bought a new nintendo console last year"
The PS2 made it to 155M in 13 years. Switch has come close in just 6. While I think the momentum has definitely slowed down, if they keep supporting it for the next few years I think it'll definitely make it.
The Switch is filling the role of home console AND handheld. When you consider that the Nintendo DS sold 150million units, I’d say it’s not really a fair comparison.
I think numbers will hold strong this year ~15M+ with Zelda TOTK helping to keep interest up. I think after FY 2024 they will need to drop the price by probably $50 for each variant to surpass 155M units lifetime.
On the topic of game library, I used to play demos back on the 3DS. I didn't have much time to work, so I didn't have the money to buy all the games I wanted. Thus, I turned to demos, which helped me learn about all sorts of games and genres I hadn't known before. Getting kids (or even teens) a Switch Lite and showing them demos can provide fun indefinitely. (I have had over 200-250 demos downloaded on my Switch, and the most I've ever gone through at one time is when I was streaming demos during the peak of the pandemic, but that was minuscule compared to how long it would take to play them all.)
I’ve really gotten hooked on demos too on switch, especially for ports. Cool to experience a game I almost certainly wouldn’t pay for but never got to play as an exclusively Nintendo console owner
It could probably move a few units at least since it is the first new Pikmin game on the console. Other than price cuts, that's the only thing Nintendo can do to move more units. Bring us more new games in beloved franchises that haven't appeared on Switch yet. A new 2D Mario or Donkey Kong could help since all we have are Wii U ports there as well so far, new F-Zero or Star Fox could help. Maybe Tomodachi Life. These franchises individually might not move too many, but all of them combined coupled with a price cut. Then maybe we'll get somewhere.
Are we forgetting about Metroid Prime 4? Assuming it does come out, I can see it becoming the final system seller, considering it's been hyped since 2017.
@CubedMelons I'm 90% certain Prime 4 will not be releasing on Switch at all and has moved to an exclusive on the next system. That's why we haven't seen anything on it yet. Edit: But yes, if Metroid Prime 4 does remain a Switch exclusive, then that could be a good system seller. We already have Metroid on Switch, so I think a lot of the people that want Metroid Prime 4 may have already bought a Switch for Metroid Dread. But there are a lot of Metroid Prime fans who aren't interested in 2D Metroid, so I'm sure it'll still move some units.
I think it definitely will. There is at least a year left in this life cycle, TOTK is out now, and I bet their line up for the rest of the year will be good. I think it could potentially break 160 mil by the very end of its life. Especially if they cut the price a bit.
I was also thinking that Totk might just give it a little push that could be enough. I bought my switch last Christmas EXACTLY cus I wanted to play Totk and I just know a lot of ppl feel the same way
@@deanobeanyi know people forget about us all the time but: i , for example played BoTW on the Wii U(yes, we exist), and just recently bought a switch for Pokémon and ToTk
We literally went from their worst selling home console to best. Like bro I still remember those Wii U drouts and Nintendo alongside the Wii U being the ass of every joke back then. Damn time goes by fast
It's nice to see a positive and mature comment section.. I remember when switch haters were saying it was gonna fail. I literally got into an argument with my buddy years ago because I told him the switch would outsell the ps4 in total lifetime sales 😅
The reason why it sells so much is because everyone in your household will have one. Because at the end of the day this is a portable system. Not many people i know have more then one ps5 or 4 in their house. But each member will have their own switch
People are forgetting that the games that will release in the next console could and probably will, release to switch as well, like it's happening with ps4 and ps5 currently, there will be at least 2 or 3 years of crossgen titles even after the next console release.
honestly just being as succesful as it is without being "this non-game Entertainment but WAY cheaper" nor having constant price-cuts & bundles is pretty impressive i wouldn't mind if they release a new more powerful (& Legal) model alongside a new F-Zero to bump up the numbers tho
Recently, the Nintendo Switch has sold 139.36 million units. They’re almost there to beating their goal of selling 15 million units by the end of the fiscal year.
I finally bought one this year. They used to focus primarily in 1st party but that is not the case with the switch as there are a ton of 3rd party games. Love it, I have all the systems and I dont touch the rest right now.
I think I might have an idea on how Nintendo can sell more Switch units without dropping the price. Although the chances of Nintendo doing this are pretty slim. Basically Nintendo should bundle Nintendo Switch Games vouchers with any Switch purchase giving two free digital games from Nintendo's first party catalogue. Not only would it be a great value for anyone buying a Switch as a holiday gift, but also anyone wanting a second Nintendo Switch . If someone always wanted an OLED or a Lite model but didn't feel it was worth buying a second system they have more incentive to purchase one, if they were going to purchase at least two Nintendo games during the holiday season. Not to mention you can tie it in with the success with the Mario Movie, during the holiday season. If a parent sees their kid loved the Mario Movie they can get a Switch Lite with Mario Kart 8 and Mario 3D World for free. Again Nintendo would never do it, but if their Switch hardware sales drop fast then it wouldn't be a bad backup plan.
Considering what we witnessed in the recent Nintendo Direct with juggernauts like Super Mario RPG and Super Mario Bros Wonder, it is clear that Nintendo Switch isn't out of juice just yet. Mario Kart 8 DLC continues to pad out content, while Zelda Tears of the Kingdom is selling like gangbusters and became the fastest sellling Zelda game ever. Which is no small feat given its predecessor was such a huge system seller. And Metroid Pime 4 hasn't even come out yet. Suffice to say, I believe the Switch has enough leg room to reach 155 million and beyond.
145 millions march 24, likely to reach 154 millions by next march 25, and eventually 163 millions 2026 overtaking PS2. Its impressive due to the fact switch is on the market for only 7.5 years, where as PS2 was continued produced till 2013. So there is still 5 years of market for them, if they keep selling we can predict 180 millions units sold.
I think Nintendo might release a very powerful Super Switch at a $400 or $450 price mark in late 2024, or early 2025, and keep the Switch at like $200 for tge Oled version, as the low end alternative
If they could bring a home console only switch, they could potentially remove the screen, battery and other items to cut costs, it would be like a mini switch dock. They could probably release that for cheap towards the end of the switch's life cycle. I believe that could be very popular, especially if it goes fits into the $100-120 range.
The reason why the PS2 sold so much was because it was a $299 DVD player in the era of cheap DVD players being $1,000 and it could also play video games PS2 is a hard goal to reach
I still don’t have a Switch but I plan on getting one soon. Surely there’s got to be some others like me, right? I think the Switch still has some juice in it
I think its possible. TotK alone is probably going to give the Switch a boost this year and we still don’t know Nintendo’s full Holiday plans. Depending on how that goes I think Nintendo can take the top spot without a price cut.
You forgot to mention that the 3DS still had another major Pokémon release after the Switch had already released. So that likely helped it stay relevant for a while after the Switch’s release, at least until Pokémon came to the Switch.
I wonder what the next Nintendo system will be. Each Nintendo console is so radically different than the last. That being said, the ability to play home console games on a handheld was so amazing that I really hope they don't totally get rid of that idea.
I think it’s worth noting that at least some of the PS2’s 155 million comes from after Sony stopped supporting it-during its life, it saw about 120 million, from what I’ve heard. So I think the question of whether the Switch will take the crown depends on if the next system is backwards compatible with the Switch. If it is, that’ll probably stop all Switch momentum right there. But if not, then I’d say it’s still in the cards.
Yea but the PS3 was selling at a whopping $600 back on the mid-2000’s, so that kept people from jumping on board and kept the PS2 alone for a while longer. If the next gen is backwards compatible, then there go the Switch sales. If it wants to beat PS2, then Switch had to be the flagship console at least into 2025.
I think nintendo should make a switch lite that connects to the TV. They sell the thing on its own and you buy the dock and controller separately. I think people would like a solid switch that's smaller and still switches.
The Switch has made 85% of the sales the PS2 has, and the PS2 was on the market for 13 years. The Switch has been on the market for 7 years. So if we adjust for time to make it fair, the Switch is the better selling console by far.
I should note the Switch is basically serving the role as both the console and handheld for this generation, so the best comparison would probably be to compare the prior consoles AND their handhelds. However, even with this, it's extremely successful by most metrics. NES + Game and Watch is around 100 million sales, N64 + Gameboy Color is around 75 million, Gamecube + GBA is around 100 million. SNES and Original Game Boy is 115 million or so, very impressive. Switch's Numbers are only beaten by the Wii/Nintendo DS era, selling a whopping combined 255 million units. This also holds true accounting for other companies combos. Genesis + Game Gear + Nomad was 45 million, PSVita and PS4 comes close to the Switch with around 135-140 million, and only the PSP-PS3 era with a combined 168-170 million beats the Switch. So even viewing the Switch as both a handheld and a home console and thus combining the others to compare, it's only losing to the Wii/DS, PSP/PS3, and the PS2(who didn't have a handheld helping it, so that's extremely impressive). The PSP/PS3 and Wii/DS were just very good combinations of having two good systems at once, especially Wii/DS
I agree theres a chance of this going either way, however tears of the kingdom might very well be the biggest game of the year and that alone should push a solid chunk of sales this year. Also I think they shouldve done it already, but a $50 price cut across all models would be HUGE, getting a switch lite for 150? If there's even 1 switch game you're interested in you'd be stupid not to pick one up, even if a new $400 switch 2 or whatever is announced, lowering switch prices makes it easier for people tight on funds to buy a console, or a secondary system Edit, I wrote the price cut stuff before finishing the video lol
I think it's worth noting that the PS2 had 13 years of game development with the final game coming out the same year as the PS4. So if Nintendo does the same and keeps making Switch games for 6 more years then selling an extra 30-40 million consoles sounds very reasonable.
Since you brought up hardware revisions, I'd love to see a clamshell switch. It won't happen, but I love the idea of a form factor that is less long but is about twice as thick. The screen is more-ish protected. I'm thinking like a switch lite for screen size. And, I understand I'm in the minority on this one, but I actually really like the circle pad of the 3ds. I think it's perfect for a handheld. Allows you to close the lid completely without having sticks recessed too far. And, if you really want to play with a controller with actual thumb sticks, a clamshell design lts you angle the screen way better than the flimsy kickstand it currently has.
Yeah, the DS and 3DS were the only consoles I felt comfortable carrying in my pocket. I needed a carrying case for my PSP and it didn't fit in my pocket then. Of course, the Switch won't even fit in my pocket anyway so needing a carrying case when I'm storing it in a backpack or something isn't a big deal.
I can't see Nintendo lowering their prices at all. They have very much kept their games at consistent prices as well. I find it funny how at the end of a consoles life we get the most JRPGs we'll ever get. That's how I know the switch only has a few years left. But I love it. It's a very worthy system. Ps2 is my favorite system just behind GameCube. And 3ds brought me through my college years so that's special as well.
What I find odd about Nintendo wanting to make money on the hardware is that of the big three they for sure have the strongest lineup first-party IPs, they can for sure get by taking the cut on the console and making it up in the software
I've realised why I love Arlo videos so much: you know all those memes about having Subway Surfer playing in the corner so Gen Z's pay attention? That's the effect all the random game clips have on me. Bless you Kane
I still do think it's possible even with the decline of the console sales for each fiscal year. It possibly having 2 more fiscal years would already be pretty good, and then 2 more fiscal years of it still being supported while the next console is out like the 3DS during the first 2 years of the Switch. And if they were to do price cuts later down the road like you said, that could also help. The Switch is already having a longer life than most Nintendo consoles with it still being the current console 6 years later, when the next Nintendo console is usually out by then
I'm feeling now's the time to start experimenting. if the switch's sales are going down and their prepping for the next system big game wise. This could give smaller teams the moment to experiment with new ips or neglected older ones. New F-zero, or Mother or Starfox. Maybe some new Custom Robo or Rhythm Heaven. Like new entries to older series and smaller games to give us a refreshing after taste to the bold refreshing crisp flavor that was the switch.... Now I want a cola.XD
I think part of their success is due to how many different versions have come out. I can't tell you how many times I've bought one and sold it for another. Makes me feel gross because I know I've lost a lot of money doing it, but I'm simply never happy with any particular Switch model--and I know they designed them to be that way.
If the Switch continues like this, 158 million are in reach- so yes it might become Nr1. *UPDATE* Switch sold in 129.53 million units up to june 2023. They are right on track where i expected them to be! They will hit 15 million at the absolute minimum this year if it continues like this! Super Mario Bros. Wonder will do "wonders" for the Switch. I can imagine that their 15 million forecast is just the floor. I can see the Switch at 140- 143 million at March 2024. In march 2025 we will see Switch Up! IF nintendo really hits or exeeds 15 million this year (140- 143 million) 10 million next year (wich is absolutley likley because Switch Up won't be out untill late 2024 at the earliest, more likley even March 2025) should not be a problem. And then we have to see how it continues... but the possibility is cernenly there!
Interesting lol feel like a similar video came from you not too long ago.. Glad you rethought things a little. Yea man, Switch is doing incredible. Will continue to do so. I'm confused on people trying to pretend the switch hype is dead... They had 2 of the biggest exclusive launches of all time...in the past 6-7 months with Scarlet and Violet and now TOTK. It's so clear, the switch is strong.
Those are strong games. It doesn't mean the console is strong. As shown in the video, console sales are declining. These games are strong but their strength is coming from selling to existing Switch owners, not from selling Switches to newcomers.
@@mjc0961 There's never been a console that has sold what the switch sold in the 6th year. Not the PS2, Not the DS. The Switch Ecosystem is on fire. It's unprecedented.
Not really IMO. Will be close. They might sell another 10 million this year. Then they are still 5 million short. And with a successor coming out it’s not guaranteed.
@@raskolnikov6443how about this: the 3Ds sold 13 million consoles after the switch release, now the switch is like 14 million behind the ps2 total sales, its successor hasn’t been announced, it hasn’t even received a price cut and is still selling very well(right now after seven years keeps selling better than the Ps5 in Japan) once the price cut comes it will surpass the ps2 easily mark my words
I would not be shocked to see another bump because of Zelda. It’s definitely one of those games like Animal Crossing that could boost Switch sales a bunch
Awesome video, and yes I think it will! Please finish Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen, Arlo! Sorry if that's demanding just wanted to see you do a review on it back in the day and with DD2 coming out now's the best time. Also can't wait for the big fat review of ToTK!
For the switch to get 30 million more units sold, it will basically need another 3 years without a successor. This could happen but I don’t think it is likely.
Yeah i don't think they care enough about that number. So many simple things they could do to improve the sales of the Switch for it's last few years. If at least they added all the stuff the Switch could do, similar to how the PS2 at it's time had DVD player. Add streaming apps and you no longer need to buy your kid a phone to watch their shows. Add themes like the 3DS and people would be buying them. And the biggest one, if they could just let you have multiple consoles and have the progress and games be shared amongst them, i know many would have at least 2 active Switches or even get the new special editions without the hassle of transferring stuff over and over again.
If triple A game studios keep releasing unfinished, unpolished games. And Nintendo releases Games like Tears of the kingdom containing the entire game without patches on 16gb cartridges, and they make movies without political agenda’s and are just pure fun escapism, like the Mario movie, then yes. The Switch or the next Nintendo hardware will beat all other consoles. I bought a switch last year. I’m now selling my PS5.
I think a lot of people might be putting the cart before the horse on this topic. I think it's possible, but the Switch is nearing its end and if you look at the sales figures year-on-year, it's slowing down. It's running out of time but it's sold enough that it could possibly make it, but once it gets past the 140m mark think it's going to really start slowing down and cutting it close. I do not think it has multiple years left to go, I can see it going into 2024 easily but beyond that is a big question mark. I would love to see it happen but we should not assume this as a foregone conclusion.
The PS2 also sold actively from 2000-2013 until when the PS4 came out. The DS line sold from end 2004-begining 2014, 10 years VS 13. PS2 only sold more because of the expanded sales time. Crazy as it is, but the Switch has got this
The 3DS had a good year or so after the Switch came out probably because there were actually quite a few notable titles for it in 2017 like Pokemon USUM, Fire Emblem Echoes and Luigi's Mansion remake. I don't really see the same happening for the Switch
Yeah. It’s a hardware in which games are more expensive to produce. But, the 3DS was selling less units than the Switch per month since the beginning. So, even if the sales drop, I don’t think it will be to the extent of the 3DS
Probably the next 2 or 3 years after the release of the next console, the games are gonna be cross plataform with Switch and the new console, like it's happening right now with ps4 and ps5. which means, the switch will get the titles that the next console will have, so there will definetly be notable titles for the Switch in the future.
The only way Switch doesn't beat PS2 and DS is if there is no price cut. DS and PS2s were being sold for super cheap later in their lifespan like for $80-$99. Even if Nintendo misses their anticipated 15 Million consoles sold this year, that will still put them at around 140 Million consoles. That last 15-17 Million needed could be achieved through price drops and continued support beyond Switch 2's release. This is not a sprint, it's a marathon. PS2 and DS achieved those sales for years past their successors release. Give it time.
The thing about the PS2 is a lot of people bought it as a DVD player. Simply because of that, it's hard to beat it in sales. That Nintendo has come anywhere close to the reported numbers is impressive.
You are not taking into consideration how piracy in places like South America was crucial make the PS2 have insane popularity and longevity
Nintendo is cheating too since many people buy multiple Switchs
@@bootyscratcher7634they cost about $300 around that time. Same with the PS2.
@@bootyscratcher7634
Did you forget the concept of time?
@@carcinogen60yearsago I’m 13
Imagine if the PS2 wasn't a DVD player that was cheaper than a DVD player.. that pushed sales so much.. both the DS and Switch got there solely off games
Someone clearly hates ps2
Imagine if the switch wasn’t out since 2017 almost 6 years just like the old ps2 ps3 came out in 2006 the pandemic helped the switch out a crap ton also lots of people indoors too and they haven’t made any more consoles for a while you’d think they would be the best selling handled by now
So true! People will always hate on the king, throwing logical fallacies this way and that. Nintendo's sick dude.
DS got their because of shovelware. And still running off the gimmick hype Era of the Wii. Switch has a better chance though.
This is so true. My whole family used our PS2 as a DVD player. We would just take in the living room whenever we needed to.
The Switch has been out for 7 years, it's sold 125 million units, and they have not dropped the price once. They'll cut the price once the Switch's successor comes out, and it'll be a popular budget option for years to come... I mean, that's literally how the PS2 broke the record, they kept selling it as a budget console until the PS4 came out.
The Switch is gonna beat the PS2 as long as Nintendo wants it to, it's inevitable.
The Switch has been out for 6 years and 3 months (6 years).
@@themegatonmenace1224 exactly ty
So basically, if the Switch is to outsell the PS2, then the Switch 2 must be 599 US Dollars.
@@cubedmelons876 and developers have to keep making exclusives only for Switch like Persona 4 on PS2
139 million now
Unless _Super Mario Odyssey 2_ comes out before the Switch's replacement comes out, or they lower the price, I think it'll come up a few million short of the PS2. But here's hoping.
it still is insane to me that the ps2 sold so much because people who played that generation seem so much more nostalgic for it's rivals (Nintendo 64, 1st Xbox)
Edit: Gamecube, not 64
Not me! I have too many fond memories of the PS2 to count. My favorite console ever.
Though I figure a lot of its sales were from people who wanted a DVD player that could play games as a bonus. Or people who didnt play that many games who just bought the biggest hits, and so don't go on forms discussing their nostalgia. Whereas you were more likely to be a hardcore fan if you were going for a gamecube or even xbox.
Especially since most people buy 2 switches or in some cases collectors buy more
@@stormhought Gamecube was the PS2, Xbox rival not N64.
I think we'll get a 2d Mario (though I'd rather 2d or 3d Wario), a cross gen Metroid Prime 4, TotK dlc, either a Zelda spin off game or remaster (probably a port of WWHD with a beefed up port of TPHD coming to the next console eventually), another smaller scale Kirby or a Yoshi game, a few games like boxboy or pushmo and something from platinum.
I also see a price cut no more than £30 for the oled model depending on how it sells this year.
Donkey Kong has traditionally been a big seller for late in life Nintendo consoles. Revitalized the SNES, gave N64 a big end of life sales boost, and DKCR sold very well for a late in life Wii title. So like, don't count out the big ape, he could still show up and become a 10+ million seller.
that would be really nice
Let’s hope Nintendo release a new DK game on switch we’ve been waiting 9 years
I hope the Big Ape can get a new game.
Oh man, could you imagine a DK64 reboot??? I know the original game is super flawed but imagine a modernized, fully fleshed out DK game in 3D... That'd definitely have a lot of talk and be a big console mover imo
WOOWOO BIG APE 💪💪
Seeing Arlo as one of the neutral people from Futurama is something I didn’t know I needed but am delighted by nonetheless.
I'd like to see more left field thumbnail choices like that, hah. I've been quoting them for the past hour since seeing this.
"If I die, tell my wife... hello."
I don’t feel strongly about it
I hate it. 😂 I miss the puppet not gonna lie. 🥹
I hate these filthy Neutrals, Kif. With enemies you know where they stand but with Neutrals, who knows? It sickens me.
@TheSchaef47 and who would you attack with a giant pair of scissors, The yarn people of Nilon 4
People can bring up the DVD thing all they want, but they're forgetting the other thing - PS2 had many *PRICE CUTS!*
I know, imagine that. Crazy concept these days. I worked at Gamestop back at that time, and you could get new PS2's bundled with games for $100 near the end of its life.
Even after 360 came out on 2005 & PS3 in 2006, people were still buying PS2's for a good while after that.
It's not a crazy concept at all. Steam has massive sales all the time. I rarely buy any games at full price.
It's really just about the dvd thing. It's not the deep
Honestly, price cuts don't really push console sales. If the demand isn't there at the original price, why would they buy it with a price cut. What sold the PS2 was all the third party companies jumping ship to the playstation brand and the gaming media helping to push that.
@@mr_m4613 well that's not how economics works 😂. Any product could have potential demand as long as they cut the price at least 1%. Like a 100 dollars PS2 slim is a perfect and relatively cheap gift to kids. I remember I wanted a GameCube but my uncle got me a PS2 for this reason (it was cheap). I played some games had decent fun with it, playing sonic games and Naruto Ultimate 4. Then again, PS2 was popular in my country because it was easy to hacked and have all the library.
@Obscure Gun I still have my Big PS2 from when I was a kid. Plus, you have the right to repair old shit even if big sony doesn’t want you too. That argument is kind of just cherry picking, same with the DVD player.
A more consistent argument is simply how long the PS2 was supported (6th, 7th and a little in 8th Gen), for like 12+ years. It is still not hard to get one because how many there are.
If the switch actually does last for 10 years without a new console being announced over the next year or two I think it has a chance
If the Switch's sales carry on their current trajectory and the new console releases at the projected holiday 2024 season, it will come down to the wire.
I doubt the Switch lasts 10 years as a flagship console, but it will probably last 8 years as one. I’m thinking we will see a Switch successor in 2025 when sales sit at around 150 million units, and then Switch stick around as a budget console for a few more years and barely crosses 156-157 million total lifetime sales.
The original gb/gbc did that
@@staringcorgi6475 I hope you’re right. I would love to see Switch be a flagship for 10 years.
I know we’re almost at 7 years and everyone’s expecting a new console, but there’s no way it’s not just some newer version of the Switch. They’ve put so much work into things on the Switch. The Nintendo online consoles, the HD remakes, the ports, multiple top tier games for multiple franchises
Best Arlo thumbnail since Arippedlo
What was that?
@@Usith I believe it’s in reference to the ripped Arlo that appears on the thumbnail of the video where he addresses his memes.
I really hope Nintendo doesn't get too big headed and messes up their next console around the bend. They have been pretty anticonsumer ever since the Switch took off
A lot of the people who hopped back into Nintendo with the Switch, don't even know how good the deals were for games back on the Wii U. You could get big budget triple A Nintendo games, like Pikmin 3 for 20 dollars!
every time someone hopes nintendo won't screw up the chance of them screwing up increases by 0.1%. This chance resets upon a console launch.
They had to give attractive deals like that because their system sucked and no one wanted it. Switch can stand on it's own so they have to reason to discount their best games.
Part of me kinda wants their next console to fail for this exact reason lol. Having a large install base, you can easily cater the bare minimum to the lowest common denominator. On the other hand, with a failure like the Wii U, you absolutely have to cater to your core supporters, as that's your entire install base. I really dislike the way Nintendo has changed with its consumer practices during the Switch era.
@@phatnecktm3783 same. Like imagine charging $60 for a wii port that's only new feature is locked behind a $25 pay wall. I knew that it would have nothing new when they started advertising that you can use buttons. Like wow you can control the game, what a feature!
That was an end of life cycle thing you’re talking about
I think you're right when you say that Nintendo probably doesnt care about having "The top spot". Unless they hit it During its life cycle as the primary console, its not really a marketable thing. The PS2 also had the "its also a cheaper DVD player" 'cheat code' pushing its sales numbers up.
I wouldn't call it a cheat code. It was the sequel to the PS1 which sold 102 million units (more than the Wii) in the 90s, a decade before. PS2 released before Gamecube and XBOX. The major console that was out before was the Dreamcast which the PS2 murdered. It had the biggest and best library of any console on the market at the time. Love the Gamecube obviously but unless you like first party Nintendo games the Gamecube didn't do much for you. Gamecube had lower storage and unappealing design(to most people) and XBOX was risky and uncertain. The PS2 is just the best one. Also it could play DVDs.
I mean having the best selling console and two of the top 4 all time sounds pretty marketable to me. Besides it’s not like they’d legit take a loss is would just be lower profits on hardware after the first year of a price cut but they could easily make that up in software sales and dlc especially if that means more people are still getting the console. It would be a proper send off going into whatever comes next (depending on what exactly that is)
@@nanoff815The only console in history that qualifies as having a ‘cheat code’ is the Nintendo Wii and the gimmicky motion controls. When even your grandparents want to try Wii sports, you know something’s up 😂
You could also argue that the Switch is a bit of a cheat code too. They combined home console with handheld. Especially when you consider that the DS sold 150million units.
Nintendo have always done their own thing, and I’m sure they’ll continue to do that. Sometimes it pays off, sometimes it doesn’t.
The easiest way to increase sales is to release a OLED lite model, and drop the original lite to $100, I think that dropping regular switches to $200 would help too.
Yeah, I think a price drop for the holiday season and a decent holiday title will do wonders for sales. It's hard to justify the current price with how outdated the hardware is
$100 is ridiculously low for a console in this economy
I think just not upping the price is a discount considering inflation. I had to choose what to do is to re release the Mario bundle thing where the Switch includes 1 digital game from a selection. That's a good deal still
@@jeveritt8398 exactly, so now parents will buy multiple switch lites for each of their kid, and Nintendo fans will get the switch oled lite!
honestly I think a price drop would do it- Shit, I want to get my brother one lol
I really appreciate the videos playing in the background in this vid. Such a nice reminder of all the great games that are on the console. Man, I should replay some of these!
It’s another year later and the Switch is at 141 million. It could die a slow death with a pessimistic 8 million sales this year, then 4 million in 2025, then 3 million more as it becomes the budget option going towards 2030, and all the sudden that would make it beat the PS2. I think most people are estimating substantially more than that, especially now that we know Pokémon Legends Z-A is coming and could be the Switch’s last huzzah.
Nintendo's current projection for the Switch (which have been fairly accurate) is 13.5 million for this fiscal year, which ends on March 31, 2025. That means by next March, the Switch will have outsold the DS. Another year on the market, maybe a post-Switch 2 price drop, and it easily clears the PS2.
2 words: price drop. it is still selling at the same price as it came out. slash $50-100 off and that 1st place is theirs.
I will say, it will be poetic if the momentum of _Tears of The Kingdom_ is what tips the balance to make the Switch outsell the PS2 at the end of it's lifetime given that _Breath of The Wild_ was so instrumental to it's successful launch.
Doesn't really pertain to the topic of the video, but I always enjoy Arlo's "general" Switch videos. Something about the assorted footage of Switch games in the background makes me remember why I love Nintendo
well i got news for you
Its goning to break 160mil in the next 3 years Mr. Cookie Monster
I always thought it had a good chance at taking the #1 spot
Even if it doesn't, man what a run it's had!
@Obscure Gun i mean lets face it the prior console was a literal disaster also they ported the life out of that console to kick off the switch.
@@stashallemagne4488huge achievement
Kind of amazed the PS2 has held it for so long. With how a lot of games are breaking sales records and the gaming audience just being a lot bigger, I really would have figured something else would have passed it naturally.
Probably helped by its timing, Sega left the hardware business, Nintendo were late to the generation. Microsoft weren't established. PlayStation 3 is probably the worst selling PlayStation because it had tough competition from Nintendo and Microsoft, while PS4 made up ground.
@@bri1085 PlayStation 3 didn't need help from Nintendo and Microsoft to be the worst selling PlayStation console, Sony shot themselves in the foot at the PS3's launch by being late, being overpriced (never forget Ken Kutaragi saying people should want to work two jobs to have one), and having no games. And it took them years, the cheaper slim model and the new Kevin Butler ad campaign to finally turn things around.
Although if we're talking about the worst selling PlayStation, I'm pretty sure the Vita has that "crown"
Yeah the PS2 was clearly seen by developers and the gaming audience as lead console even if it technologically wasn't so. Which was important given how development worked following the early 3D era hiccups of the prior gen. The Switch by contrast exists in an era in which it can be considered a handheld, or a companion console by many, and it has allowed it (along with other factors ie the pandemic slowing the industries rollover to the next generation) to sell confidently and more developers exist capably at the smaller level with the tools to bring games over (such as the Unreal Engine 4). In a era like the PS2, the PS2 was the one you arguably had to port to even if your goal was to bank on other hardware as lead platform and it often wasn't easy. As a result unless you were a weirdo like me who could justify the gamecube/xbox as the multiplayer console I had to have alongside what the PS2 offered, most people had one console and it was the PS2. People pointed out the DVD thing as a big primary reason, forgetting it also offered backwards compatibility for the already robust PS1 library.
Plus pricing adjustment helps. The Switch in modern day at 300 dollars is much more palatable then 23 years ago at that same price point for PS2 (520+ dollars with adjustment) as is the average value of games. And even then, the PS1/2 was seen as a better deal then cartridge users experiences from the prior eras on a value basis. The Switch doesn't have the pricing aspect for developers (price per cart vs price per disc) but that hasn't hurt it it appears due in part to the digital era.
@@mjc0961I think the PS TV was worse than the vita, but the difference is probably marginal
There's a lot more competition in terms of platforms nowadays. PC and mobile gaming is becoming mainstream, and Xbox and Playstation are the consoles of choice for a lot of people. It's not like when the PS2 had a monopoly on gaming.
something that I don't think you mentioned: it's in Nintendo's interest to "kill off" the switch as the new console launch approaches - lots of people will be less likely to invest in the new system when they think "I just bought a new nintendo console last year"
The PS2 made it to 155M in 13 years. Switch has come close in just 6. While I think the momentum has definitely slowed down, if they keep supporting it for the next few years I think it'll definitely make it.
The thing people forget tho is way more people game today than 13 years ago. Gamer culture is just normal now, it wasn’t back then
The Switch is filling the role of home console AND handheld. When you consider that the Nintendo DS sold 150million units, I’d say it’s not really a fair comparison.
@@casedistortedyea but a lot of people bought it because it was also a dvd player, it would’ve sold less if it didn’t have those capabilities
Not sure about the switch but this is certainly the best Arlo thumbnail of all time
I think numbers will hold strong this year ~15M+ with Zelda TOTK helping to keep interest up. I think after FY 2024 they will need to drop the price by probably $50 for each variant to surpass 155M units lifetime.
Would love to pick up an OLED in addition to my 2020 switch, but they would definitely have to do a decent price drop to get me to cave
@Anna Bigger screen, internal memory, battery, colors and black levels. Also an ethernet jack on the dock. Get the OLED, it's great!
On the topic of game library, I used to play demos back on the 3DS. I didn't have much time to work, so I didn't have the money to buy all the games I wanted. Thus, I turned to demos, which helped me learn about all sorts of games and genres I hadn't known before. Getting kids (or even teens) a Switch Lite and showing them demos can provide fun indefinitely. (I have had over 200-250 demos downloaded on my Switch, and the most I've ever gone through at one time is when I was streaming demos during the peak of the pandemic, but that was minuscule compared to how long it would take to play them all.)
I’ve really gotten hooked on demos too on switch, especially for ports. Cool to experience a game I almost certainly wouldn’t pay for but never got to play as an exclusively Nintendo console owner
I like to think the PS2 has a permanent spot at number 1. It was in a very unique position.
Arlo cranking out the videos lately
Here's hoping Pikmin 4 somehow becomes a mainstream success and pushes more units.
It could probably move a few units at least since it is the first new Pikmin game on the console. Other than price cuts, that's the only thing Nintendo can do to move more units. Bring us more new games in beloved franchises that haven't appeared on Switch yet. A new 2D Mario or Donkey Kong could help since all we have are Wii U ports there as well so far, new F-Zero or Star Fox could help. Maybe Tomodachi Life. These franchises individually might not move too many, but all of them combined coupled with a price cut. Then maybe we'll get somewhere.
It will, if they do a blowout advertisement the way the pushed tears of the kingdom it definitely will.
Are we forgetting about Metroid Prime 4? Assuming it does come out, I can see it becoming the final system seller, considering it's been hyped since 2017.
@CubedMelons I'm 90% certain Prime 4 will not be releasing on Switch at all and has moved to an exclusive on the next system. That's why we haven't seen anything on it yet.
Edit: But yes, if Metroid Prime 4 does remain a Switch exclusive, then that could be a good system seller. We already have Metroid on Switch, so I think a lot of the people that want Metroid Prime 4 may have already bought a Switch for Metroid Dread. But there are a lot of Metroid Prime fans who aren't interested in 2D Metroid, so I'm sure it'll still move some units.
I think it definitely will. There is at least a year left in this life cycle, TOTK is out now, and I bet their line up for the rest of the year will be good. I think it could potentially break 160 mil by the very end of its life. Especially if they cut the price a bit.
I was also thinking that Totk might just give it a little push that could be enough. I bought my switch last Christmas EXACTLY cus I wanted to play Totk and I just know a lot of ppl feel the same way
If people still havent bought a switch for BOTE, why would they buy one for its sequel?
@@mirakovacs6981I also got a Christmas switch for Totk and know lots of friends who did as well, Totk might push the switch over
@@deanobeany Considering TotK is being described as "making BotW look like a tech demo", I could see people buying a Switch just to play it.
@@deanobeanyi know people forget about us all the time but: i , for example played BoTW on the Wii U(yes, we exist), and just recently bought a switch for Pokémon and ToTk
price cuts, bundles, and special models
could easily get it past 155 million
Nintendo still has huge potential in developing countries if they pushed aggresive enough price cuts there
Its crazy how we went from the Wii U that sold poorly to the switch having explosive success.
We literally went from their worst selling home console to best. Like bro I still remember those Wii U drouts and Nintendo alongside the Wii U being the ass of every joke back then. Damn time goes by fast
@@AlexDKongActually, the Virtual Boy is their worst selling console.
It's nice to see a positive and mature comment section.. I remember when switch haters were saying it was gonna fail. I literally got into an argument with my buddy years ago because I told him the switch would outsell the ps4 in total lifetime sales 😅
The reason why it sells so much is because everyone in your household will have one. Because at the end of the day this is a portable system. Not many people i know have more then one ps5 or 4 in their house. But each member will have their own switch
I have a ps2 3 and 5 but I have a switch too because they added sora in smash that’s it
People are forgetting that the games that will release in the next console could and probably will, release to switch as well, like it's happening with ps4 and ps5 currently, there will be at least 2 or 3 years of crossgen titles even after the next console release.
honestly just being as succesful as it is without being "this non-game Entertainment but WAY cheaper" nor having constant price-cuts & bundles is pretty impressive
i wouldn't mind if they release a new more powerful (& Legal) model alongside a new F-Zero to bump up the numbers tho
I just wanted to say how DEEPLY I appreciate this thumbnail
There is a huge asterisk to all of this because the PS3 actually boosted PS2 sales - which is quite the anomaly in the world of consoles
Recently, the Nintendo Switch has sold 139.36 million units. They’re almost there to beating their goal of selling 15 million units by the end of the fiscal year.
I wonder what Nintendo finally giving the Switch a price drop would do for sales at this point.
Switch has NEVER had a price drop, that's crazy.
I finally bought one this year. They used to focus primarily in 1st party but that is not the case with the switch as there are a ton of 3rd party games. Love it, I have all the systems and I dont touch the rest right now.
I think I might have an idea on how Nintendo can sell more Switch units without dropping the price. Although the chances of Nintendo doing this are pretty slim. Basically Nintendo should bundle Nintendo Switch Games vouchers with any Switch purchase giving two free digital games from Nintendo's first party catalogue.
Not only would it be a great value for anyone buying a Switch as a holiday gift, but also anyone wanting a second Nintendo Switch . If someone always wanted an OLED or a Lite model but didn't feel it was worth buying a second system they have more incentive to purchase one, if they were going to purchase at least two Nintendo games during the holiday season. Not to mention you can tie it in with the success with the Mario Movie, during the holiday season. If a parent sees their kid loved the Mario Movie they can get a Switch Lite with Mario Kart 8 and Mario 3D World for free.
Again Nintendo would never do it, but if their Switch hardware sales drop fast then it wouldn't be a bad backup plan.
Considering what we witnessed in the recent Nintendo Direct with juggernauts like Super Mario RPG and Super Mario Bros Wonder, it is clear that Nintendo Switch isn't out of juice just yet. Mario Kart 8 DLC continues to pad out content, while Zelda Tears of the Kingdom is selling like gangbusters and became the fastest sellling Zelda game ever. Which is no small feat given its predecessor was such a huge system seller. And Metroid Pime 4 hasn't even come out yet. Suffice to say, I believe the Switch has enough leg room to reach 155 million and beyond.
That thumbnail is amazing
145 millions march 24, likely to reach 154 millions by next march 25, and eventually 163 millions 2026 overtaking PS2. Its impressive due to the fact switch is on the market for only 7.5 years, where as PS2 was continued produced till 2013. So there is still 5 years of market for them, if they keep selling we can predict 180 millions units sold.
I think Nintendo might release a very powerful Super Switch at a $400 or $450 price mark in late 2024, or early 2025, and keep the Switch at like $200 for tge Oled version, as the low end alternative
If they could bring a home console only switch, they could potentially remove the screen, battery and other items to cut costs, it would be like a mini switch dock. They could probably release that for cheap towards the end of the switch's life cycle. I believe that could be very popular, especially if it goes fits into the $100-120 range.
The reason why the PS2 sold so much was because it was a $299 DVD player in the era of cheap DVD players being $1,000 and it could also play video games PS2 is a hard goal to reach
Imagine telling a Nintendo fan in 2016 about the switch’s sales. Wild how things change
I still don’t have a Switch but I plan on getting one soon. Surely there’s got to be some others like me, right? I think the Switch still has some juice in it
Might be better to wait and see if their next system is backwards compatible.
One of the recommended videos below this one is Arlo’s “The Switch Is Great… But What’s Next For Nintendo?”
…
from 3 years ago 😂
I think its possible. TotK alone is probably going to give the Switch a boost this year and we still don’t know Nintendo’s full Holiday plans. Depending on how that goes I think Nintendo can take the top spot without a price cut.
You forgot to mention that the 3DS still had another major Pokémon release after the Switch had already released.
So that likely helped it stay relevant for a while after the Switch’s release, at least until Pokémon came to the Switch.
I think it might be able to, with the major success of totk, I think it may boost the numbers just enough
I wonder what the next Nintendo system will be. Each Nintendo console is so radically different than the last. That being said, the ability to play home console games on a handheld was so amazing that I really hope they don't totally get rid of that idea.
I think it’s worth noting that at least some of the PS2’s 155 million comes from after Sony stopped supporting it-during its life, it saw about 120 million, from what I’ve heard. So I think the question of whether the Switch will take the crown depends on if the next system is backwards compatible with the Switch. If it is, that’ll probably stop all Switch momentum right there. But if not, then I’d say it’s still in the cards.
The PS3 was backwards compatible and the PS2 continued to sell.
@@darrenmacqueen9884 Yeah, but the PS2 was still a cheap DVD player.
Still, that is a good point.
Yea but the PS3 was selling at a whopping $600 back on the mid-2000’s, so that kept people from jumping on board and kept the PS2 alone for a while longer. If the next gen is backwards compatible, then there go the Switch sales. If it wants to beat PS2, then Switch had to be the flagship console at least into 2025.
PS2 was at 110 million once the PS3 launched, the PlayStation 2 sold roughly 50 million more consoles after the launch of its successor
@@ThomastheDankEngine8900 because they still sold them even afrer ps3 and they support it for some time cause "dvd player" things
I think nintendo should make a switch lite that connects to the TV. They sell the thing on its own and you buy the dock and controller separately. I think people would like a solid switch that's smaller and still switches.
The Switch has made 85% of the sales the PS2 has, and the PS2 was on the market for 13 years.
The Switch has been on the market for 7 years.
So if we adjust for time to make it fair, the Switch is the better selling console by far.
Just make "The Switch 2" into a coffee maker and it'll sell billions
I read the title as “Will Smith became the best selling console of all time”
I should note the Switch is basically serving the role as both the console and handheld for this generation, so the best comparison would probably be to compare the prior consoles AND their handhelds. However, even with this, it's extremely successful by most metrics. NES + Game and Watch is around 100 million sales, N64 + Gameboy Color is around 75 million, Gamecube + GBA is around 100 million. SNES and Original Game Boy is 115 million or so, very impressive. Switch's Numbers are only beaten by the Wii/Nintendo DS era, selling a whopping combined 255 million units. This also holds true accounting for other companies combos. Genesis + Game Gear + Nomad was 45 million, PSVita and PS4 comes close to the Switch with around 135-140 million, and only the PSP-PS3 era with a combined 168-170 million beats the Switch.
So even viewing the Switch as both a handheld and a home console and thus combining the others to compare, it's only losing to the Wii/DS, PSP/PS3, and the PS2(who didn't have a handheld helping it, so that's extremely impressive). The PSP/PS3 and Wii/DS were just very good combinations of having two good systems at once, especially Wii/DS
Problem with your comparison is that people can own a handheld and a home console
For switch there is less incentive
@@simnm8057 And yet even by that standard the only two combos that beat it are PS3/PSP and DS/Wii.
@@kalkuttadrop6371 i mean those are like pretty modern consoles so like its less impressuve since theres more gamers than in the past
I agree theres a chance of this going either way, however tears of the kingdom might very well be the biggest game of the year and that alone should push a solid chunk of sales this year. Also I think they shouldve done it already, but a $50 price cut across all models would be HUGE, getting a switch lite for 150? If there's even 1 switch game you're interested in you'd be stupid not to pick one up, even if a new $400 switch 2 or whatever is announced, lowering switch prices makes it easier for people tight on funds to buy a console, or a secondary system
Edit, I wrote the price cut stuff before finishing the video lol
If there's a price drop to say $200 for the OLED and 100 for the Lite, then yeah, probably
As a lover of Nintendo games it’s good to see the system and games doing so well (even if Nintendo as a corporation can be pretty awful)
I think it's worth noting that the PS2 had 13 years of game development with the final game coming out the same year as the PS4. So if Nintendo does the same and keeps making Switch games for 6 more years then selling an extra 30-40 million consoles sounds very reasonable.
Switch is already the most successful console ever in what matters most: profits. Switch is by far the most profitable console ever.
there are 4 switches in my household. 2 lites, an OLED and a TOTK OLED. I'm doing my part to make it happen.
Since you brought up hardware revisions, I'd love to see a clamshell switch. It won't happen, but I love the idea of a form factor that is less long but is about twice as thick. The screen is more-ish protected. I'm thinking like a switch lite for screen size.
And, I understand I'm in the minority on this one, but I actually really like the circle pad of the 3ds. I think it's perfect for a handheld. Allows you to close the lid completely without having sticks recessed too far. And, if you really want to play with a controller with actual thumb sticks, a clamshell design lts you angle the screen way better than the flimsy kickstand it currently has.
Yeah, the DS and 3DS were the only consoles I felt comfortable carrying in my pocket. I needed a carrying case for my PSP and it didn't fit in my pocket then. Of course, the Switch won't even fit in my pocket anyway so needing a carrying case when I'm storing it in a backpack or something isn't a big deal.
I can't see Nintendo lowering their prices at all. They have very much kept their games at consistent prices as well. I find it funny how at the end of a consoles life we get the most JRPGs we'll ever get. That's how I know the switch only has a few years left. But I love it. It's a very worthy system. Ps2 is my favorite system just behind GameCube. And 3ds brought me through my college years so that's special as well.
What I find odd about Nintendo wanting to make money on the hardware is that of the big three they for sure have the strongest lineup first-party IPs, they can for sure get by taking the cut on the console and making it up in the software
I've realised why I love Arlo videos so much: you know all those memes about having Subway Surfer playing in the corner so Gen Z's pay attention? That's the effect all the random game clips have on me. Bless you Kane
Just imagine if it gets a price cut, how many more it can sell
Woohoo, full steam ahead
lol no switch is only halfway done
It actually got a price cut in europe not much but still
The switch saved my life in early sobriety. I very much hope it becomes number 1.
I still do think it's possible even with the decline of the console sales for each fiscal year. It possibly having 2 more fiscal years would already be pretty good, and then 2 more fiscal years of it still being supported while the next console is out like the 3DS during the first 2 years of the Switch. And if they were to do price cuts later down the road like you said, that could also help. The Switch is already having a longer life than most Nintendo consoles with it still being the current console 6 years later, when the next Nintendo console is usually out by then
After just dipping into totk, it has me wondering too ,the little console that could ,what a time
Nintendo could always increase sales by doing *gasp* a price cut.
Heresy
Tbh the switch is my favorite console ever. I really hope they build on that handheld/stationary console hybrid stuff and improve it.
I'm feeling now's the time to start experimenting. if the switch's sales are going down and their prepping for the next system big game wise. This could give smaller teams the moment to experiment with new ips or neglected older ones. New F-zero, or Mother or Starfox. Maybe some new Custom Robo or Rhythm Heaven. Like new entries to older series and smaller games to give us a refreshing after taste to the bold refreshing crisp flavor that was the switch.... Now I want a cola.XD
Super Wario Bros lol
I think part of their success is due to how many different versions have come out. I can't tell you how many times I've bought one and sold it for another. Makes me feel gross because I know I've lost a lot of money doing it, but I'm simply never happy with any particular Switch model--and I know they designed them to be that way.
If the Switch continues like this, 158 million are in reach- so yes it might become Nr1.
*UPDATE* Switch sold in 129.53 million units up to june 2023. They are right on track where i expected them to be! They will hit 15 million at the absolute minimum this year if it continues like this! Super Mario Bros. Wonder will do "wonders" for the Switch. I can imagine that their 15 million forecast is just the floor. I can see the Switch at 140- 143 million at March 2024. In march 2025 we will see
Switch Up! IF nintendo really hits or exeeds 15 million this year (140- 143 million) 10 million next year (wich is absolutley likley because Switch Up won't be out untill late 2024 at the earliest, more likley even March 2025) should not be a problem. And then we have to see how it continues... but the possibility is cernenly there!
Interesting lol feel like a similar video came from you not too long ago.. Glad you rethought things a little. Yea man, Switch is doing incredible. Will continue to do so. I'm confused on people trying to pretend the switch hype is dead... They had 2 of the biggest exclusive launches of all time...in the past 6-7 months with Scarlet and Violet and now TOTK. It's so clear, the switch is strong.
Those are strong games. It doesn't mean the console is strong. As shown in the video, console sales are declining. These games are strong but their strength is coming from selling to existing Switch owners, not from selling Switches to newcomers.
@@mjc0961 There's never been a console that has sold what the switch sold in the 6th year. Not the PS2, Not the DS. The Switch Ecosystem is on fire. It's unprecedented.
I feel like the recent release of the Mario Movie is also going to boost sales.
At the rate the switch is going, it’s guaranteed to beat the ds and ps2
Not really IMO. Will be close. They might sell another 10 million this year. Then they are still 5 million short. And with a successor coming out it’s not guaranteed.
@@raskolnikov6443how about this: the 3Ds sold 13 million consoles after the switch release, now the switch is like 14 million behind the ps2 total sales, its successor hasn’t been announced, it hasn’t even received a price cut and is still selling very well(right now after seven years keeps selling better than the Ps5 in Japan) once the price cut comes it will surpass the ps2 easily mark my words
I would not be shocked to see another bump because of Zelda. It’s definitely one of those games like Animal Crossing that could boost Switch sales a bunch
Awesome video, and yes I think it will!
Please finish Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen, Arlo! Sorry if that's demanding just wanted to see you do a review on it back in the day and with DD2 coming out now's the best time.
Also can't wait for the big fat review of ToTK!
For the switch to get 30 million more units sold, it will basically need another 3 years without a successor. This could happen but I don’t think it is likely.
FY 2024 projections are 15 million. So it might.
The current Switch came very close, but unless the next console counts as a Switch, I don't think it will beat the PS2 unfortunately
Yea at best I can see it top out at around 140 to 145 million.
@@Daigon95 Either way, Nintendo will have put out 3 of the top 5 selling consoles ever made.
Why does it matter if it beats the ps2?
It matters because the PS2 is the highest selling console of all time
@@Telmarine55 ok but what does that have to do with the market today that was a 100 years ago
Yeah i don't think they care enough about that number. So many simple things they could do to improve the sales of the Switch for it's last few years.
If at least they added all the stuff the Switch could do, similar to how the PS2 at it's time had DVD player. Add streaming apps and you no longer need to buy your kid a phone to watch their shows. Add themes like the 3DS and people would be buying them. And the biggest one, if they could just let you have multiple consoles and have the progress and games be shared amongst them, i know many would have at least 2 active Switches or even get the new special editions without the hassle of transferring stuff over and over again.
If triple A game studios keep releasing unfinished, unpolished games. And Nintendo releases Games like Tears of the kingdom containing the entire game without patches on 16gb cartridges, and they make movies without political agenda’s and are just pure fun escapism, like the Mario movie, then yes. The Switch or the next Nintendo hardware will beat all other consoles. I bought a switch last year. I’m now selling my PS5.
Dedicated home console Switch variant.
No battery. No Screen. Sells for $200.
Parents will buy that for kids who are destruction prone. Lol
I think a lot of people might be putting the cart before the horse on this topic.
I think it's possible, but the Switch is nearing its end and if you look at the sales figures year-on-year, it's slowing down. It's running out of time but it's sold enough that it could possibly make it, but once it gets past the 140m mark think it's going to really start slowing down and cutting it close.
I do not think it has multiple years left to go, I can see it going into 2024 easily but beyond that is a big question mark.
I would love to see it happen but we should not assume this as a foregone conclusion.
The PS2 also sold actively from 2000-2013 until when the PS4 came out. The DS line sold from end 2004-begining 2014, 10 years VS 13. PS2 only sold more because of the expanded sales time. Crazy as it is, but the Switch has got this
The 3DS had a good year or so after the Switch came out probably because there were actually quite a few notable titles for it in 2017 like Pokemon USUM, Fire Emblem Echoes and Luigi's Mansion remake. I don't really see the same happening for the Switch
Yeah. It’s a hardware in which games are more expensive to produce. But, the 3DS was selling less units than the Switch per month since the beginning. So, even if the sales drop, I don’t think it will be to the extent of the 3DS
Probably the next 2 or 3 years after the release of the next console, the games are gonna be cross plataform with Switch and the new console, like it's happening right now with ps4 and ps5. which means, the switch will get the titles that the next console will have, so there will definetly be notable titles for the Switch in the future.
What's gonna happen is the Switch will just barely pass it, then Sony will suddenly decide to announce the PS2's final sales numbers
Something that pushed the DS sales up a lot is how fragile the hinge and touch screens were. I had to buy three NDS myself due to hardware failure.
In the 2021 fiscal year alone the Switch sold more than the Gamecube in its lifetime...
If Nintendo rereleases more GameCube games like Metroid Prime, then that could also help drive more sales
The only way Switch doesn't beat PS2 and DS is if there is no price cut. DS and PS2s were being sold for super cheap later in their lifespan like for $80-$99. Even if Nintendo misses their anticipated 15 Million consoles sold this year, that will still put them at around 140 Million consoles. That last 15-17 Million needed could be achieved through price drops and continued support beyond Switch 2's release.
This is not a sprint, it's a marathon. PS2 and DS achieved those sales for years past their successors release. Give it time.
I think Nintendo can squeeze another two fiscal years of 10+ million units. So 15 million in FY 2024 and 10-11 million in FY 2025.
I think this console should become number one considering it really switch things up.