Nintendo Hits New Record with Splatoon 3 Sales
Nintendo declared that domestic sales of Splatoon 3 reached a record in the first three days of the game being on sale. This popular game proved to be a hit in Japan, boosting the aging Switch console’s momentum. Since the Switch’s launch, Nintendo has sold 132.46 million units, making it the second-most successful console after the handheld Nintendo DS.
However, Nintendo’s revenue and profit are dropping, indicating the company needs something new. Analysts believe that a new Nintendo system will be released in 2024, with expectations of a new Switch appearing in the fourth quarter of this year. The company’s decision on the launch timing will likely depend on recent sales performance.
The launch of a new console in 2024 would also allow Nintendo to capitalize on the popularity of its key characters following successful movie releases. Not much is known about the next console, but analysts anticipate it will be a “Switch 2,” following the hybrid approach set by its predecessor.
There are discussions about a successor to the Switch being a “new device and not just an upgrade.” Following the success of the Switch, analysts believe an evolution, rather than a revolution, in the next console’s strategy is expected. As the performance of the new console will depend on availability, it is estimated that it could achieve similar sales levels to the original Switch during its first sale period. However, it is unlikely it will surpass the Switch, and Covid-19 pandemic-inflated comparisons in the company’s fiscal year are seen as too challenging to overcome.