It may be a bit of a surprise to some, but the Nintendo Switch has had another stellar year. Bolstered by releases like Octopath Traveller and Kirby: Star Allies, not to mention the behemoth Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and the addition of apps like Hulu and the newly-created InkyPen, the Switch has become a system to reckon with.
Anyone could tell that Nintendo’s new console was doing well, but how well was still up for some debate when compared alongside the meteoric rise in sales of the PS4. It seems the debate will now be over, as the Nintendo Switch has taken the crown for the fastest-selling console of this generation in the USA (through 21 months). While the numbers don’t seem staggering (8.7 million units, according to The NPD Group), it has been the best year Nintendo has had since the end of the Wii cycle.
The sales were undoubtedly helped by Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, which released on Dec. 7th and sold more than 3 million copies in the first 11 days (and saw similar sales in Europe). This also helped Nintendo secure the top-selling U.S. software publisher title for 2018.
Doug Bowser (an amazing name), Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, had this to say about the distinction– “We are thrilled to see such a strong reaction from consumers…We’re looking forward to delivering more excitement and smiles to our fans in the coming year and beyond.”
The Nintendo Switch also has some other highlights in the sales department:
- Nintendo eShop sales have grown 105% over 2017
- Hardware unit and dollar sales are at the highest since 2011
- Besides the record Smash Ultimate numbers, some of Nintendo’s other flagship series are boasting serious sales numbers. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has sold more than 4 million copies, Super Mario Odyssey has sold over 4.7 million copies, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has sold more than 5 million copies
No matter how one looks at it, Nintendo is on quite the comeback after the dismal release of the Wii-U. Here’s to hoping they keep this upward trajectory and continue to release great content for their millions of dedicated fans. I’m intrigued by what Nintendo will have up their sleeve for the year 2019 as they have continually shown this year why people still adore them.
Do you have a Nintendo Switch? What would you like to see happen with it in the next year? Let us know in the comments below!
