Nintendo's console-handheld hybrid, the Nintendo Switch, has had a steady stream of success since its release in 2017. The ability to take Mario, Zelda, and other Nintendo icons everywhere certainly has mass appeal to a wide audience and that train doesn't seem to have any inclination of slowing down. In fact, the Switch has just beaten out a record set by Nintendo's currently best selling home console, the Wii.
The Switch was the best selling console in August 2020, as it has been for quite a few months now, and even more impressive is the Switch setting the record for the highest August dollar sales for a game console in the US. This record, previously set by the Wii in 2008, sets a precedent for Nintendo's foothold in the gaming industry.
The Switch has been an undeniable success since its release, but has seen even more success in the current state of the world. With the majority of the US forced to work from home, more and more households have been seeking new methods of occupying their time and the Switch looks to be one of most popular devices folks are purchasing to assuage their quarantine blues. This month alone the Switch has more than doubled its total unit sales from last August, according to Mat Piscatella of the NPD Group.
The quarantine alone is not the sole qualifier in the Switch's success, however. The console has seen an influx of highly rated games this year that absolutely play a part in how immensely popular the Switch has been. According to the NPD, half of the top 10 selling games of August 2020 belonged exclusively on the Switch. Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Paper Mario: Origami King, two of Nintendo's 2020 titles, continue to top sales charts as they introduce new and old fans alike to their legendary franchises while Switch classic like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and the constantly successful, Mario Kart 8: Deluxe just keeps on selling. Even Ring Fit Adventure has managed to squeeze its way into August sales records.
This success shows no signs of stopping soon. This year signifies the 35th anniversary of Nintendo's most popular property, Super Mario, which introduces a wide range of themed products that are sure to bring even more attention to the Switch. For example, exclusive Switch titles like Super Mario 3D All-Stars and Super Mario Bros. 35 will see limited releases that will have collectors flocking to the Switch like crazy.
Source: IGN