It’s been a wild seven years for the Nintendo Switch, but it appears to be closing in on the sales numbers of the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo DS.
The PS2 has been the standard for worldwide console sales for decades while the DS has dominated the U.S. market. This leaves the Switch closing in on these two sales even as the console seems to be in its sunset phase.
At this point, the output seems obvious that a Nintendo Switch successor is imminent but Nintendo still seems to be eying those top sales spots. This appears clear because of the company announcing the Nintendo Switch Lite: Hyrule Edition.
Still, the end is near for the Switch so that begs the question of what more the console can offer in its waning time.
The June 2024 Nintendo Direct gave us a clue at the heavy announcement of remakes sprinkled with new entries. The only obviously high-budget game appears to be Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and there’s a lot of speculation on if that game will kick off the new era.
The company will likely continue its sales push with themed consoles. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a Metroid Prime 4-themed one next year.
In terms of software, the Switch seems to have hit its limit of big-budget games. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom seemed to kick-off the sunset phase on the console.
It’s hard to predict what kinds of games would be announced without knowing specifics on the Switch successor. If this state of limbo continues, I wouldn’t be surprised to see more mid-tier entries.
Donkey Kong Country Returns received another port but it’s not crazy to think a new DK game could be lurking. Super Mario Wonder had a quick turnaround so why not a late-console Donkey Kong game?
Aside from remakes and hidden game announcements, I think Nintendo will continue to embrace its Nintendo Switch Online offering.
We got four new games in the subscription service, including two M-rated games. This opens some possibilities with an untapped well of M-rated games from the Nintendo 64.
Let’s not forget there is still a Game Boy Advance corner that would be primed for additions.
The Switch has been a phenomenal console and has served as a necessary rebound from the Wii U slump. At this point, there doesn’t seem to be much left for the Switch to accomplish.
We’ve had mostly every major Nintendo franchise released on the console as well as a bevy of retro games. The Switch has climbed the mountain and planted its flag among the very best in the industry.
While no successor is official, that leaves us to speculate on what more the Switch could do. Whatever it is, Nintendo will find a way to ensure the console goes out with a bang and passes the torch gracefully to the next in line.
What about you? What more can the Switch offer until a successor appears? What more would you like to see from the console before it heads off into retirement? Let us know in the comments below or head over to our Discord channel to join the conversation.
Featured Image: Erik Mclean (via Unsplash)
Pow Block Podcast – A Nintendo Podcast by Boss Rush
Pow Block Podcast is the Nintendo podcast for The Boss Rush Network and Boss Rush Media. Each week, Edward Varnell, Corey Dirrig, and their friends from around the internet discuss the week that was in the world of Nintendo, including news, rumors, new and upcoming games, NSO, answer listener questions, discuss their weekly snacks, and more. New episodes now release on Tuesdays for everyone.
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