The Nintendo Switch had an incredible 2018. The Switch was the best-selling console of 2018, outdoing rivals like Sony's PlayStation 4 and Microsoft's Xbox One. But the Big N isn't convinced that it will have such a strong end to the financial year, with Nintendo having now lowered its sales forecast for the hybrid mobile console.

In its latest financial briefing, Nintendo decreased the Nintendo Switch sales forecast from 20 million unit sales during this financial year (ends on March 31, 2019) to 17 million units sold. The company revealed that in the nine months since April 2018, it has sold 14.49 million Switch consoles around the world, contributing to a lifetime Switch sales figure of 32.27 million units. While 14.49 console unit sales is nothing to sniff at, it does mean that it's highly unlikely that Nintendo will miss its 20 million target.

As the Switch had been performing so strongly, some fans may be surprised to see Nintendo cut its sales forecast for the console. But industry analysts are less shocked by this, saying that it was always unlikely that the company would reach such a lofty sales target.

super-smash-bros-ultimate-amazon-best-selling-game-2018-gameplay

The company's weak stable of first-party games is another reason why it will have slashed its forecast. The Switch had an impressive first-party line-up of games in 2018. The release of fighting game Super Smash Bros. Ultimate broke series records, while games like Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu/Pokemon Let's Go Eevee, and Super Mario Marty all encouraged people to head to stores and buy the console.

However, the line-up of games in Q4 of this financial year looks a little weaker. Yoshi's Crafted World comes out just on March 29, just a couple of days before the quarter ends, meaning it's unlikely to drive all six million extra Switch sales Nintendo needs to hit the target.

Looking beyond and into the next financial year, the Nintendo Switch could be poised for many more millions of sales. Metroid Prime 4 may have been delayed, but there are several other major Switch exclusives on the horizon that could drive plenty of console sales. These include a brand new Animal Crossing game (marking the series' debut on the Switch), Bayonetta 3, Luigi's Mansion 3, and a new Pokemon game as well.

Additionally, Nintendo is rumored to be working on a Switch hardware revision which could also renew interest in the system. These would all have the power to drive sales, so it will be interesing to see what the the Nintendo Switch sales forecast looks like for the next quarter.

Source: Nintendo