As we approach the potential end of Nintendo's reign with the Switch as its flagship hardware, the gaming giant is ensuring it goes out with a bang. The whispers of a successor to the Switch, potentially launching in 2024, are growing louder. However, Nintendo isn't letting the original console fade into obscurity. Instead, 2023 has emerged as one of the most successful years for the Switch, showcasing an impressive lineup of games.
Nintendo's biggest franchises have seen major releases this year. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Bros. Wonder have both graced the console, marking the first time since 2017 that a major Zelda and Super Mario title have been released in the same year. This year, Nintendo has demonstrated a well-planned release schedule, with Mario and Zelda as the main attractions, supplemented by other offerings like Pikmin 4, Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp, and Metroid Prime Remastered.
While the original Switch may be on its way out, it's likely to remain a player in the gaming world, albeit more subtly, as the new console takes center stage. Looking ahead to 2024, Nintendo has several first-party games on the horizon, including Princess Peach: Showtime! and remakes of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door and Another Code.
The Switch has proven to be a resounding success, becoming Nintendo's second best-selling hardware ever, after the original DS, with nearly 130 million units sold. Six years into the console's life, its release calendar remains robust. This is particularly impressive given that Nintendo has been expanding its entertainment empire beyond just games.
This could be a pivotal transition for Nintendo. The company used the Switch to demonstrate that it could unify its console and portable businesses, carving out a niche amidst powerful competitors like PlayStation and Xbox. The challenge will be to maintain this momentum and meet changing consumer expectations.
Nintendo's current position in the gaming world is strong, a result of a decade-long focus on the Switch. This focus was a key factor in the Switch's success and steady stream of games, which could be beneficial for the upcoming console. However, the cyclical nature of video game generations means that success is never guaranteed.
As such, while the Switch may be enjoying its swan song in 2023, if Nintendo plays its cards right, this could be just the beginning of a much larger success story.
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