The Nintendo Switch is a certified hit, according to sales data released by the company. In its latest investor report, the gaming giant confirmed the console has already sold 7.63 million units since it was released in March.
In comparison, Nintendo's previous home console – the ill-fated Wii U – sold just 13.56 units over its entire five-year life cycle. The strong showing has led to Nintendo upping its annual Switch sales forecast from 10 million to 14 million, meaning the company expects its new console to outsell its predecessor by March 2018.
Nintendo is now planning to increase hardware production to hit the new target and meet demand over the upcoming festive season.
Difficult to buy
According to Reuters, company president Tatsumi Kimishima said on Monday: “We’ve boosted Switch production in order to meet strong demand from our customers as it was difficult for customers to buy the consoles at retail stores.”
The report also includes details on the Switch's top-selling games to September 2017. Unsurprisingly, "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" topped the table, with 4.7 million copies sold.
"Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" was the second biggest-selling game, shifting 4.42 million copies, while multiplayer shooter "Splatoon 2's" 3.61 million sales were good for third on the list.
1"-2 Switch and Arms" rounded out the top five, with just under 1.4 million copies sold of each game.
Nintendo also reported an increase in download sales, which were valued at 22.8 billion yen in the six months to September 30 - up 55 percent on last year's figures.
Expansions to its amiibo line, meanwhile, saw the firm sell 5.1 million figures and 2.8 million cards over the same period.
Holiday competition
Nintendo has seen sales of its 3DS increase by 5 percent, although software sales for the handheld were down by 28 percent over last year despite “firm” sales of games such as "Fire Emblems Echoes: Shadows of Valentia" and "Metroid: Samus Returns."
Overall, Nintendo recorded total sales valued at 374 billion yen, with overseas sales accounting for 272 billion yen or 73 percent of the total.
The company forecast a profit of 120 billion yen for the year ending March, up from the 65 billion yen estimated three months ago.
Following the launch of flagship title "Super Mario Odyssey" in late October, it seems Nintendo is well positioned to take advantage of Christmas sales – assuming the company can increase production to meet demand. But, faced with competition from the upcoming Xbox One X, the company isn't taking anything for granted.
As Kimishima says: “The true power of the Switch would be tested during the upcoming holiday season.”
