Overview

The Nintendo Switch 2 is a hybrid video game console developed by Nintendo, released worldwide on March 3, 2017. It functions both as a home console and a portable device, featuring detachable Joy-Con controllers and a versatile design that supports multiple play modes. The Switch succeeded the Wii U and competed with Sony's PlayStation 4 and Microsoft's Xbox One, as well as the ninth-generation consoles, the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

Development and Release

Following the commercial failure of the Wii U, Nintendo sought to create a console that would appeal to a broader audience. The result was the Switch, designed to offer flexibility in gaming by functioning as both a home console and a portable device. The console was officially unveiled on October 20, 2016, and released on March 3, 2017, with a launch price of $299.99 in the United States.Nintendo

Hardware

The Nintendo Switch features a tablet-like main unit with a 6.2-inch LCD screen capable of 720p resolution. It is powered by a custom Nvidia Tegra X1 system-on-chip and includes 32 GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD cards. The console's unique design allows it to be used in three modes:

• •TV Mode: Docked and connected to a television.
• •Tabletop Mode: Propped up using its built-in kickstand.
• •Handheld Mode: With Joy-Con controllers attached to the sides.

The Joy-Con controllers are detachable and can function independently or be combined into a single gamepad using a grip accessory. They feature motion sensing, HD Rumble, and an IR sensor.

Software and Games

The Switch launched with a strong lineup of games, including "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild," which received critical acclaim. Other notable titles include "Super Mario Odyssey," "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe," and "Animal Crossing: New Horizons." The console supports both physical cartridges and digital downloads via the Nintendo eShop. As of March 31, 2025, total software sales for the Switch reached just under 1.4 billion units.

Sales and Impact

The Nintendo Switch has been a commercial success, with over 152 million units sold worldwide as of March 31, 2025, making it Nintendo's best-selling home console and the third best-selling video game console of all time. Its success revitalized Nintendo's position in the gaming industry and demonstrated the viability of hybrid consoles.

Successor: Nintendo Switch 2

On June 5, 2025, Nintendo released the Switch 2, a successor to the original Switch. The new console features a larger screen, upgraded Joy-Con controllers, enhanced hardware specifications, and improved social features. It maintains backward compatibility with most original Switch games, with some benefiting from improved performance. The Switch 2 sold over 3.5 million units globally within the first four days of its launch, marking the highest global sales level for any Nintendo hardware in that timeframe.

Variants and Special Editions

Nintendo released several variants of the Switch:

• •Switch Lite: A handheld-only version released on September 20, 2019.
• •Switch OLED Model: Featuring a 7-inch OLED screen, released on October 8, 2021.

Special editions themed around popular games like "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" and "Pokémon Sword and Shield" were also released, contributing to the console's widespread appeal.

Legacy

The Nintendo Switch's innovative design and strong game library have left a lasting impact on the gaming industry. Its hybrid nature influenced the development of other gaming devices, and its success demonstrated the market's appetite for versatile gaming experiences.