Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.

Nintendo Switch UK Sales Are Above Wii U, But Below 3DS

This article is over 7 years old and may contain outdated information

Recommended Videos

Over the past week, Nintendo released its newest console in all the markets, and while we will still have to wait to get sales information in most territories, retailers in the United Kingdom have already shared their numbers, and they are good news.

The Nintendo Switch sold 80.000 consoles in its UK launch. A strong debut that is double what Nintendo’s previous home console, Wii U, managed in its debut back in 2012 (40.000). However, the new hardware falls short of the 113.000 consoles that Nintendo 3DS sold during its debut week in 2011.

Nintendo Switch is in a very unique situation as a device that combines features from both home consoles and portables. That makes it difficult to predict and review its sales results, although at the end of the day it’s obvious that high debut sales are important in order to gain the confidence of the public and developers.

While it is a strong debut among Nintendo devices, the newest release falls short in comparison of other consoles in the market such as PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, which managed 250.000 and 150.000 consoles sold respectively in their first week.

Nintendo Switch arrives with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild as its most important game in its launch lineup. Preceded by excellent reviews, the game has managed the third biggest launch in the long-running series, placing at number 2 in the sales charts, below PS4 exclusive Horizon: Zero Dawn. Other games part of the launch lineup are the new IP 1,2 Switch and Super Bomberman R.

As we have seen over decades, launch sales are just a small part in the success or failure of consoles. Nintendo’s previus releases are a good example of this: While 3DS’ debut was very strong, its numbers sharply fell over the following weeks. But after some important software releases and price cuts, the portable console managed to become a big success for the company. On the other hand, Wii U could not manage the same achievement, getting low sales in its debut that did not pick up in the rest of its life cycle.

For that reason, we will be eagerly expecting Nintendo Switch’s sales numbers in the coming weeks, as they will help us to predict what the future holds for the new console.


Attack of the Fanboy is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Jose Belmonte
Jose Belmonte
From Murcia to New York City, I go through life learning as much as I can about technology, TV shows and videogames. My motto is: Coffee, coffee, coffee.