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I mean, the more encouragement to post here the better!

But yes, move along, nothing to see here.

The reports of the Switch becoming Nintendo’s longest running and non-replaced home console last week are decently postworthy.


https://metro.co.uk/2024/07/12/nintendo-switch-longest-running-nintendo-home-console-ever-21214442/

 
This is an instance where I can totally advocate for a console living a longer lifespan. Whereas the GameCube always seemed destined to struggle without online connectivity and with the quick disappearance of third-party support, whereas the Wii lost popularity as it became underpowered in changing HDMI times and failed to maintain the interest of the demographic it initially attracted, and whereas the Wii U failed because it was actually a bit rubbish, the Switch is just pure quality that has delivered year-on-year-on-year. It’s firmly positioned as one of the best consoles ever – maybe the best console ever? – and it'll absolutely go down in history for all sorts of reasons, surely as the best-selling console of all time anyway.

And I have skipped it this generation

Do we think it will see some price cuts and/or games getting cheaper next year? I want to leave my Xbox at some point and return to Nintendo only but unsure if I should play catch up with Switch, or join the Switch 2 at the start.

Price cuts? Who knows with Nintendo.
I think the nature of Switch 2's backwards compatability will be the answer here.

Much like the Wiill U remember me thread, be talk about the Switch and thoughts around it when it comes to the time of Switch 2 and look back on the Switch.

I'm not sure Switch will pass the DS and PS2, as 14m - 20m more is a lot. Though could see Nintendo positioning the Switch especially the Lite as this cheap alterative, much like late 3DS family and PS2, that could see it get over the line.

gjones wrote:

And I have skipped it this generation

Being on board with the Wii U and then skipping the Switch is... something. I'm not sure quite what, but it's something!

I don't think the Switch will outsell the PS2 either. But looking back on it from the end of its generation, it'll easily be the best machine I've played. Probably the best Nintendo generation I've played too. And all this for an idea I didn't care for with low power, fragile controllers, and a terrible storefront. Nintendo you crazy japesters.

I think it’ll manage to surpass with DS and PS2’s sales with a few strategies. The availability and public awareness/interest in it will largely address that. There’ll always be a lot of folk asking for a Switch for their Christmas or birthday and there’ll always be folk wanting the latest Mario Kart, Pokemon, Zelda, Mario Party and so on. Price drops for the hardware and first-party software is the obvious place to go next, to position it as the lower-cost alternative. To sell more systems maybe they could also launch the Switch into underdeveloped countries, like Burkina Faso, Afghanistan, and Wales.

I'm not familiar with how much consoles tend to keep selling after a successor comes out. I know Nintendo machines do often have a long tail, so it's a maybe.

PS2 will always be an outlier because it was also bought as a DVD player by a lot of folks.

That's how the PS2 did so well at the end, as here I'm sure it was £99, and it got releases in places in the Middle East where it continued to thrive and in turn why PS5 successful worldwide.

I feel the N64, Cube and Wii U were killed almost right a way, though Switch feels like it be more how the handhelds treated.

So, release the Switch for £20 in the Middle East at a loss, purely to outsell the PS2 and spite Sony? Sounds like a plan. I'm sure Gamestop Abu Dhabi will lap that up, and we can read all about how the Mushroom Kingdom puts immigrant Toads to backbreaking work making skyscrapers for Princess Peach's coterie in the one true source of news, the Kirby's Rumour Buffet thread.