The Nintendo Switch Is Close to Selling More Units Than the PS2 Did in Its First Year in Japan

If the momentum of the Switch continues the way it is, we might see some records get broken.

[FallenAngel1984]

“If the Switch continues to sell at this rate, there is a chance that the Switch could end up being next to the PS2 as one of the best-selling consoles ever.”

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Remember that Switch had a global launch in March 2017 while PS2 only released in Japan during March 2000 had to wait 8 months until North America received it and 9 months until Europe received it.

This would only be notable after the second year of both consoles. Even then its longevity that matters. Wii for example sold faster than PS2 during its first four years yet couldn’t keep up the momentum that the latter console was able to.

As for Japan it should be no surprise that handhelds have been selling better than consoles in that region since the mid 2000s. PS2 sold 23.18 million units in Japan, making it the most successful console ever in that region. However DS easily surpassed it by selling 33.01 million units. 3DS also surpassed it with 23.50 in that region. Even PSP relatively came close by selling 20.01 million units in the region. It should go without saying that a lot of the PS2 gamers in Japan migrated over to the handhelds, and since the gaming demographic was growing this led to these handhelds selling more. Switch having a portable aspect to its design proved to be a system that these kind of gamers would migrate over to later on as opposed to other contemporary stationary consoles.

Not trying to downplay Switch’s success, just putting everything into context before anyone misconstrues what’s happening.

[wonderfulmonkeyman]

That's fair, but let's not forget that, prior to this point, there were plenty of people that were stating with full certainty that the Switch would flop early, and outright LAUGHED when told it had a chance of matching anything Wii or PS2 related as far as sales go, in ANY region.

Handhelds do sell well in Japan, but you have to keep in mind, also, that this is a hybrid device, not just a handheld, and that Nintendo's marketing in all regions reflects this by emphasising the home aspect as well, so it's a little unfair to chock its success in Japan entirely up to its handheld side.
Especially when many games on it do run better in docked mode.

The fact that it's doing so much better than some people predicted, despite strong competition that has even led the head of Sony to quite literally say that "we can't ignore it", is something that should not be overlooked.

One way or another, regardless of context, it's still true that it's on pace to beat the first year of one of the best home consoles ever made.
That's not a small feat by any measure, especially in this day and age, especially considering how much Nintendo's reputation tanked with the Wii U, and especially in Japan where gaming has been suffering a bit recently.
It's not "getting ahead of ourselves", really. It's just being happy that the Switch is doing well on its own merits, and that's before it's even gotten its full feature set, surprisingly.

[_-EDMIX-_]

What about your first comment have to do with anything? You're basically trying to say well people doubted it success but what on Earth does that have to do with anything that's being stated right now?

At the end of the day for it to be hybrid in terms of both, it actually still needs to be a handheld by default.

So Japan simply sees this as the new handheld to purchase there is no necessity or mandatory concept that you must connect this to a television ever, how do you know they're not buying it and simply throwing the hdmi component in the garbage?

You also need to take into consideration how Japan is now compared to 17 years ago, their more so focused on handheld devices.

[Melankolis]

Yes it is a handheld. Console mode is more or less a gimmick lol.

But it is a very good handheld.

[wonderfulmonkeyman]

"how do you know they're not buying it and simply throwing the hdmi component in the garbage?"

#1 Because I don't make stupid assumptions like that. Nor does anyone else who doesn't hold an irrational hatred of Nintendo home consoles.

#2 Because polls, official and otherwise, as well as just simple investigative asking around of my own over a long period of over six months of time, have shown that the overwhelming majority use the system in a balanced fashion, both docked and handheld, as intended.

You need to get over this "I hate Nintendo home consoles!" kick that leads you to the erroneous belief that no one could possibly be treating this as a hybrid console, Ed.
Even in Japan, people use it as the hybrid it was marketed to be.

At the end of the day, for it to be a hybrid in terms of both, the home part is STILL AN IMPORTANT PART WHETHER YOU CAN ACCEPT THAT OR NOT.

Take a seat, and stop trying to convince the public that Nintendo's dropped out of home consoles just because you can't accept the Switch's tech being weaker than others.
It's gone past sad and straight into irksome at this point.

[mikeslemonade]

In order to be a good video game platform these days you need good online. The switch won't be good enough in that department. The one thing to sell is a system is that your friend has it so you want to get it to play with them. And the switch is gonna lose sales to phone gaming platforms. We won't see another 100 million+ install base console unless it has many good pvp and coop games. The Wii was able to do it cause online gaming wasn't as large as it was today. Now people are gaming remotely with each other.

[indysurfn]

Tell them wondermonkey. You see EDMIX dont want to hear about it now. After all the bullsh1t, and trash talking Edmix wants to say what does that have to do with anything. How about it has to do with the fact you are wrong every step of the way! Unlike other You are STILL blind, and still unable to learn your lesson about the SWITCH.

Nintendo knows if the game is being used with a HDMI cable. EVERY company knows that! it is data collected by the console itself. This is why they are predicting multiple per household. They SEE what people are using it for and how many hours connected to TV or not connected to TV. This ability has been around since Xbox ORIGINAL.

What the high sales of SWITCH consoles means is MORE JAPANESE RPG's on the SWITCH which also means more on the PS4. Because all those games will finally come back to consoles, and will be easy to port from SWITCH to PS4 for Japanese gamers.

Listen to how the logic twists, he implies it will not do as well because JAPAN is now more focused on HANDHELDS that part is true...but this is the SAME GUY that has been PREACHING from the rooftops that SWITCH is a handheld and NOT a console. Contradicting...so now is it all the sudden not a handheld!

[mikeslemonade]

You guys being positive about the switch don't know what you're talking about. It won't even get close to Wii sales, okay? You don't have a valid reason why it would because the 3DS after 8 years still has sold only 65 mil. The PS4 did it in several years less. So how will nintendo's usual failed home consoles sell that much. You have real legit reason besides blind faith. Your best argument is JRPGS lol! JRPGS haven't been a system seller for almost 2 decades.

[FallenAngel1984]

That’s speculation and this is factual information.

It is entirely thanks to Switch’s portable aspect that it’s selling so well in Japan. Every traditional console after PS2 hasn’t been able to sell over even 15 million units in Japan and no future traditional console ever will. This is the same time the Japanese market migrated over to handheld gaming. If Switch was another stationary console it wouldn’t be selling as well as it is.

When you’re a company in any industry it would be pretty foolish not to pay attention to the competition. Let’s not blow that quote out of context since it’s basic common sense.

Context is not something you can simply ignore just to make something sound like a bigger deal than it actually is. PS2 was only available in one country during its first 8 months while Switch was available everywhere during the same time. It’d be pretty foolish to compare a console’s sales in one country compared to another console’s total global sales in the same timeframe.

Idk what’d even be notable about doing so. At the time PS2 launched, global releases weren’t a common occurrence like they are now, so comparing its first year sales is relatively meaningless in that regard. It only becomes impactful after its second & third year when it was readily available in every worldwide market. PS3 for example sold more than PS1 did during its first year, but that isn’t very notable when you look at the bigger picture. Same principle would apply to this PS2 & NS situation.

[wonderfulmonkeyman]

"It is entirely thanks to Switch’s portable aspect that it’s selling so well in Japan."

That, as well, is speculation, NOT factual information.

Actually, if you'd care to look into it even a little, you'd see that the majority of users SPLIT THEIR TIME between home and handheld with the Switch.
In Japan as well as everywhere else.
It is not entirely down to the handheld side; it's the fact that it can do BOTH, that is making it sell so well in Japan, and worldwide, right now.
I know that a lot of my fellow PS2 fans might not want to hear that Nintendo's the one bringing back some interest for home consoles in Japan through their little hybrid device, but in the end, if they do, that will also benefit Sony, who's biggest draw right now is in home consoles, so there's really no point, beyond console war pride, in being so against the idea of this doing well in Japan.

The Switch surpassing year one sales of the PS2 is just as meaningful as when the PS4 did it.
Saying it isn't meaningful is just untrue, when held in PROPER context.
It shows that there's proper acceptance and demand for it, despite how rough gaming has had it over in Japan recently.
It's a positive sign for its sales going forward, just like it was for the PS4 when EVERYONE was celebrating it passing the PS2.

The whole "b-b-but it's just a handheld gaiz!" schtick has got to stop.
It hasn't been true since launch and it will continue to be a false narrative.
THAT, is a fact.

[FallenAngel1984]

I was speaking about how you were saying what people thought of the NS’s performance would be before it released was just speculation.

The handheld aspect does play a large part in Switch’s Japanese success. PS4 for example has plenty of games that cater to that audience, yet its not dramatically selling faster than PS3 & Wii did in the same timeframe over there. If Switch was also stationary it’d be the same case.

People could use the NS as a console there, but it’s no doubt with how mobile centric the Japanese demographic has become that it’s a large reason why NS is selling so fast over there. In other parts of the world its more split, but in Japan it skews more towards its portability nature. Just look at PS3, Wii & PS4 sales compared to DS, PSP, & 3DS sales in that region for blatant proof. You’d have to be delusional to think it being a handheld wouldn’t dramatically increase sales like it’s done for the ones I mentioned that’ve sold 20+ million each while those consoles I mentioned sold below 15 million.

Who said I’m against the idea of Switch being successful in Japan? I’m just presenting with clear evidence that while the console elements has its appeal it’s mostly the mobile aspect that has the eartern market so invested.

When PS4 did it in its first year it wasn’t as notable either since the same principle applied. PS2 had a staggered release while PS4 was available in various markets within its first four months, so of course it’d sell faster initially. It really should go without saying a console can’t sell more in Japan than the rest of the world combined. It only becomes notable during the second and third year when both consoles are readily available in every market. That’s the more logical comparison.

For instance even though PS4 initially sold faster than PS2, the former is currently slightly behind with the latter when you compare how each console has sold in its first four years. PS2 is slightly ahead with 71.30 million units while PS4 was at 70.6 million. That just shows how important it is to wait for a console to readily be available in every market for a while first. Otherwise we’d have people saying stuff like PS3 selling better than PS1 in its first year is supposed to be a big deal.

[Bronxs15]

The whole b b b but it’s a handle argument is dumb becuase it cost more than the PS4.

[PhoenixUp]

@ Bronx

NS costs the same as PS4 does now.

You’d have to be checked in a mental asylum if you think having a portable factor isn’t the main reason why NS isn’t selling so well in Japan.

[TekoIie]

"Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Remember that Switch had a global launch in March 2017 while PS2 only released in Japan during March 2000 had to wait 8 months until North America received it and 9 months until Europe received it."

Well, the article does say Japan in the title so not sure why releasing later in NA and EU is relevant.

[coffeemaster]

THANK YOU

[balance2theforce]

That's what I thought they were talking about too

[FallenAngel1984]

If you read the entire quote in the article you’d see they were talking about worldwide sales.

“If you weren’t aware, the best-selling console of all time is the PS2 with lifetime sales reaching over 155 million units worldwide. If the Switch continues to sell at this rate, there is a chance that the Switch could end up being next to the PS2 as one of the best-selling consoles ever.”

Also I already talked about the Japanese sales comparison between both consoles, unless you didn’t bother to read that either 😒

[Prince_TFK]

Damage control much dude? You are always the first one in Nintendo’s articles. Whats up with that?

[FallenAngel1984]

Damage controlling what? That Tek didn’t read the actual article to know the quote I was responding to?

Seems like a case of putting your foot in your mouth when you only look at the headline but not read the article and criticizing people who do actually read the entire thing.

[Gemmol]

Did u read the title they said Japan they did not talk about worldwide, I had to stop reading your comment once you bring up worldwide, I figure the rest did not make sense, but switch japan vs ps2 japan is what the article talking about and they are right

[FallenAngel1984]

@ Gem

Dude did you even read the article? I know they’re talking about Japanese sales and I already talked about that.

However the quote I’m specifically highlighting in this article is talking about worldwide sales. Idk how that’d go over your head unless you didn’t read the article or the rest of my comment.

And since you admit you stopped reading after the first paragraph, you look extremely foolish neglecting to even see how I extensively talked about the sales in Japan. Get that foot out your mouth.

[SuperSonic91]

This straw grasping is really getting ridiculous

[FallenAngel1984]

@ Super

So it’s supposed to be commendable that Switch sold more than PS2 did in its first months when the latter was only available in Japan during the timeframe while the former was globally available since day one?

[indyman7777]

The reason it is straw grasping is explained like this. Did you say the SAME THING when PS4 outsold PS2 during the same time period? Why only apply it to SWITCH?

[FallenAngel1984]

Yes I did say the same thing about PS4 initially selling faster than PS2. In fact I did so in this very article.

Since apparently reading comprehension is dead today and everyone likes to bang their head against the keyboard without reading anything, here’s the entirety of what I said about the subject matter in this comment section.

“When PS4 did it in its first year it wasn’t as notable either since the same principle applied. PS2 had a staggered release while PS4 was available in various markets within its first four months, so of course it’d sell faster initially. It really should go without saying a console can’t sell more in Japan than the rest of the world combined. It only becomes notable during the second and third year when both consoles are readily available in every market. That’s the more logical comparison.

For instance even though PS4 initially sold faster than PS2, the former is currently slightly behind with the latter when you compare how each console has sold in its first four years. PS2 is slightly ahead with 71.30 million units while PS4 was at 70.6 million. That just shows how important it is to wait for a console to readily be available in every market for a while first. Otherwise we’d have people saying stuff like PS3 selling better than PS1 in its first year is supposed to be a big deal.”

Actually read things before making baseless assumptions. It’ll help keep that foot out of your mouth.

[Lockdown555]

You didn't even read the article. I guess ignorance is bliss eh? They aren't stating the worldwide sales of the Switch are comparable to what the PS2 only sold in Japan they're saying that in Japan only the sales are comparable to what the PS2 did in it's first year only. I agree with you that there are many other factors to consider other than just one region but they're looking at one region for both consoles so your entire argument about the fact the Switch launched globally and the PS2 was only in Japan are completely pointless.

[FallenAngel1984]

@ Lock

You’d have to be ignorant or insane to be accusing me of that.

The article is about Japanese sales, which I already extensively talked about.

The quote I’m responding to is about worldwide sales. Idk how something so simple can be lost on people.

People need to get better comprehension skills before trying to throw baseless accusations

[subtenko]

The PS4 is the next ps2 and imo surpassing it in many ways.

As far as this article..lol people have to remember back then that was a different era with less internet and companies didnt limit their units as much as they do now to get them to appear to sell out faster than what they would normally do.

The switch is a good step forward, but its definitely not looking to take some kinda 'best console of all time title' sorry but PlayStation is champ in that area.

[davand114]

The article is referring to Japan sales, so I don't know what the date of the PS2's global release has to do with that.

[FallenAngel1984]

@ sub

PS4 is its own separate entity from PS2. Also it’s currently slightly behind PS2’s 71.30 million in its first four years by having sold 70.60 million in the same timeframe.

Also PS4 has nothing to do with the topic at hand.

@ Davand

Omg 😑 How many times do I have to repeat myself. I swear so many ignorant people are getting triggered for not using common sense here.

As I repeat for the umpteenth time, while the article itself is talking about sales in Japan the specific quote I’m responding to is talking about worldwide sales.

I seriously believe people have reading disabilities on this subject matter. You’re not the first person I explained this to and unfortunately I don’t think you’d be the last.

[michellelynn0976]

You also gotta remember. Switch det with storage issues do to sharing tech with Apple.

[Prince_TFK]

This considering that most of the Nintendo’s heavy hitters haven’t hit the Switch yet. When Pokemon, Animal Crossing, Smash, and new Mario Kart are released, the sale is gonna soar through the roof.

Good time ahead for the Switch.

[davand114]

It's going to get stupid when Pokemon comes out. The Switch is going to be impossible to find just like when Pokemon releases on the handheld consoles.

[Aaroncls7]

lol, wtf is wrong with these media people lately?

[Silly gameAr]

It's been pretty ridiculous on N4G, right?

[vergilxx3]

Switch sold 10milion units in the first year , to reach ps2 level of sales it would take 15 years
even if switch sold 20 milion per year it would take about 8 years " mind you that first year already is gone"
and generations these days are only getting shorter for some reasons

so it's impossible to reach these numbers , im sure it will still sale well

[Gemmol]

It sold 10 million in 9th months........how did switch reach a year yet when its not March and if you know how system are sold, you make a certain amount first year, and each year that pass by they make more to sell in a year time meaning sony most likely sold double what they sold in their first year

[vergilxx3]

im not talking excact numbers and don't compare sonys numbers to nintendo
sony does massive discounts on their hardware and software that's why they sold 17m this year
can you expect nintendo to do the same ?
of cours not , nintendo almost never discounts ther stuff

[wonderfulmonkeyman]

Wrong; the Switch has sold OVER 10 million, and its first year is not over UNTIL MARCH 2018.
It still has two-months-and-some-odd-days to sell before we have its first year numbers.

It likely won't reach the PS2's lifetime sales, but it's more than possible for it to hit a huge amount that at least rivals the PS4.
And in the meantime, the Switch surpassing the year 1 sales of the PS2 in Japan is already basically a foregone conclusion.

[davand114]

It sold 10 mil in 9 months. I don't think any console will sell what the ps2 and the ds did ever again. The DS sold that well because it was a new concept and the PS2 sold that well because it was one of the cheapest DVD players on the market. Switch is going to sell very well, but I don't think it's going to get anywhere close to the top 2.

[balance2theforce]

That and breaking. The ps2 gets cut a lot of slack for their dre's and such where others are buried for their faulty machines. I know that I went through a couple personally. And others who certainly did as well. Though that DVD player was a game changer for it.

[sk8ofmnd]

It remains to be seen if 2018 will surpass the heavy hitters that launched this year. With what ive seen so far nothing in 2018 outshies mario odyysey, mk, splatoon, or botw... youre kidding yourself if you think yoshi, kirby, or mt will outpace 2017s 1st partys

Vergil:

I know right... how about the switch needs to keep up with the 17.5 mil consoles the ps4 has done a year before it can even dream about doing ps2 #s

70million consoles÷4years=17.5 mil

And basically the ps4 has just started to hit its stride in 2017 with 2018 and all its exclusives makes prior years exclusives look like a freshman offering. If anything the ps4 is the only one looking to catch ps2 #s

[Gemmol]

You must of travel to the future, if you do not mind me asking, what did Nintendo announce in their January direct so we can know what to look forward to for January to June........n if you can peek a little further and see what Nintendo announce for e3 so I can know what's coming from July to December, please and thank you, drop some names of sony games too and xbox, so I can know everything coming out

[vergilxx3]

We will see about that "rumored" january direct .

You need to stop believing all those rumors you hear , what happened to that Bandai namco event ?
i thought you guys were so sure you will get xeno saga hd, soul calibur vi and fighterz announcements there

right now the only thing im interested on switch is bayo 1-2 , who knows when Bayo 3 will release
it could be even in 2019 for all we know

[vergilxx3]

sk8ofmnd:

Don't bother explaining it to them ,Nintendo fanboys expect this thing to take over the world
i personally bought 2 of these but man Nintendo comunity is so rotten that i started to question my choice
you can't even mention anything other than nintendo on any forum

i got my post deleted from reddit because it had ps vita picture in it " i re posted it somwhere else"
that was before the switch even released ,bunch of assholes they are ..

https://www.reddit.com/r/to...

[jaymacx]

sounds like you were burned by some fanatics. However not all fans of Nintendo will berate you. I consider myself a fan but I also love the other systems. Don't group us all together. I'm happy for the Switch's success as well as PS4's. To be fair I see the same things when anyone mentions anything but Sony on these forums, but that isn't everyone. Some of us can have an intelligent conversation. Some people just like to be trolls.
One thing we all have to remember is when Nintendo does well it will only make Sony do even better. So we all win by the market doing so well. As for MS it is their own fault they are in the place they are in, hopefully they can get back on track.

Have a Good holiday guys!

[wonderfulmonkeyman]

"but man Nintendo comunity is so rotten that i started to question my choice "

Congratulations; you've summed up what drove me away from multiplayer games on PSN via PS3.

Let's not even pretend that Nintendo fans are the most toxic fanbase out there, though. Seriously.
Like you, I play on both sides of that fence, and out of all the years I've been watching over various comment sections, I've ALWAYS seen Nintendo gamers getting looks down long noses before anyone else. for the most contrived and childish of reasons.

N4G can be particularly bad sometimes.
If you don't believe me, go ahead and try suggesting that Nintendo's sales future MIGHT be able to match up to Sony.
Watch how fast and hard your downvotes climb into mid-double-digits.XD

[vergilxx3]

wonderfulmonkeyman:

I used my ps3 for single player games so i can't talk about multiplayer there,
but i played a LOT of multi on my Ps Vita in Killzone Mercenaries, Soul Sacrefice, WipeOut 2048 ect
it was very pleasant experience.

here is my freind code if anyone wants to play some rocket league or something

SW-5786-8936-0868

[Tzuno]

Meanwhile other consoles more powerful lack games, like we own a console to look pretty and know it has power but hey it's furniture right?

[Xx_Pistol_xX]

But what about worldwide.

[Silly gameAr]

Guess that means it's going to eventually outsell the PS2 then, huh?

[Adnanilyas21]

As long as it sells well and we continue to get awesome games im a happy gamer. If it beats other consoles or not who cares. Its successful...so far.

[Istolla]

The little console that could.

[Wrex369]

Y'all make console sales sound like life or death around here

[FreddyFazbear]

Japan is japan, of course it will sell there phenomenally. But Worldwide?? Dont get ahead of yourselves. Everyone is rooting for their console of choice. But until then, we should wait for a long while for the final results within the next several years which is quite pointless by that time. Oh and a Merry Christmas to you Nintendo fanboys. Enjoy your gifts and games

[boing1]

And this is news why exactly? It didn't yet.

[ajax17]

To be fair to PlayStation there are a billion and a half more people on earth now than in the year 2000. I'm sure that has something to do with it.

[Elda]

LOL!

[michellelynn0976]

Anything is possible. Fact is, a lot of Sony gamers in here like RobitsusPrime act so childish. You say anything negative and watch what happens. And they insult people and act very childish.