Nintendo Puts the Switch 2 Front and Center
Nintendo appears to be happy with its Switch 2 console and is devoting more of its resources to the new hardware. That likely means that the venerable Switch, which first arrived on the scene back in 2017 , is beginning the slow march to retirement. As The Verge points out, it's going to be quite some time before the Switch officially reaches the end of its life and games are still planned for the Switch—but the writing is on the wall.
That news may not be a surprise to many Nintendo gamers. The console has spent the last few months setting a new launch record , and Nintendo's Q2 financial results notes (PDF) made clear that the Switch 2 is Nintendo's fastest-ever selling hardware. Plus, many of the people picking up a Switch 2 were Switch players first.
Credit: Nintendo
"Currently, 84% of [Switch 2 players] transition from Nintendo Switch," the company reported, adding, "This high percentage shows that many consumers who enjoyed Nintendo Switch are smoothly transitioning to Nintendo Switch 2, allowing us to maintain our relationships with them across platform generations."
It's worth noting that, with 84% of Switch 2 players coming from the original console, 16% of players are new to the Switch/Switch 2 platform entirely. Some of those new players could be picking up a console for the first time, but it seems likely that a portion of those players is either moving from a competing platform or adding the Switch 2 to a home that already has a console. As gaming consoles move towards portable, handheld models (such as the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X ), Nintendo has the advantage of experience, thanks to the Switch.
The Nintendo Switch game console.Credit: Nintendo
Nintendo attributes a large portion of the Switch 2's success to its growing library of popular games. The company noted that several new titles have recently been released (or will be soon), including Super Mario Galaxy 2, Pokémon Legends Z-A, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, the latter of which arrives Dec. 4.
As for the Switch, Nintendo plans to keep supplies of the old console available "if enough demand persists." It noted that Switch sales have been steady, even with the Switch 2 grabbing the spotlight.
"While taking consumer demand and the business environment into consideration, we will continue Nintendo Switch hardware," the company wrote.
So, although Nintendo hasn't yet offered an official retirement date, the company is clearly keeping an eye on the Switch's performance. Even with upcoming games supporting both consoles, it's just a matter of time before the original Switch fades into the past.
