The popularity of the Nintendo Switch continues to soar, with hardware sales totaling 139.36 million units as of December 31, 2023. This indicates that the console is thriving at this stage in its lifecycle, with a larger user base and significant software sales. For example, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has surpassed 60 million sales, while Pokémon Scarlet & Violet has become the third best-selling Pokémon game. Even recent releases like Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Bros. Wonder have achieved impressive sales figures.
Despite the speculation surrounding the release of a potential successor to the Switch, Nintendo is navigating this transition cautiously. The company’s president, Shuntaro Furukawa, has stated that the current system with its extensive game library remains the main focus. Even if a new console were to launch in 2024, manufacturing enough units to meet demand is a significant challenge, and the current Switch is likely to outperform any successor in terms of sales for the year.
Furukawa’s comments and the abundance of rumors suggest that there is a strong demand for fresh Nintendo hardware from both players and investors. While the Switch continues to thrive, there are expectations for new hardware news in 2024, but the company remains cautious about the transition to ensure the success and longevity of its next-generation console.