Nintendo doesn’t do things like other video game makers. Its first console, the Wii, was a huge success that sold more than 100 million units worldwide. Its second console, the Wii U, however, was a failure: It sold only about one-fifth as many units as the Wii and was discontinued after just five years on the market. The Nintendo Switch falls awkwardly in between those poles. The hybrid home-and-away device launched with strong demand but has failed to maintain strong sales throughout its first year on store shelves. That means no sales or price drops in sight – at least for now. But will it ever go on sale? Read on to find out!
Will The Nintendo Switch Go On Sale?
The Nintendo Switch is currently only on sale through the Nintendo online store, which may be inconvenient for some people. However, it can be purchased through Amazon and eBay sellers, at a slight markup from the retail price.
Why Hasn’t The Nintendo Switch Gone On Sale?
1. Nintendo Switch Announcement Details
As mentioned, the Nintendo Switch is an entirely new console. It’s not an updated version of the Wii U, Wii, or any of their predecessors. It’s a completely new concept, with Nintendo wanting to make core gamers happy after their Wii U disappointment. The Switch is a hybrid console, splitting into two parts for home and portable use. Games can be played on the go, but the unique nature of this console means that you can simply plug it into the TV if you don’t feel like taking it out.
2. The Hardware
The Nintendo Switch’s hardware is quite impressive, in that it can do more than simply stream video games. In fact, the Switch is a fully-fledged home console, able to connect to the internet, download software, and even voice chat with friends. It’s also a fully-fledged portable console, with a 6-inch 720p touchscreen and detachable controllers. The Switch’s control scheme is unique, as it has two buttons on each side (one on the left, one on the right). This allows gamers to slide their fingers across to the side of the controller, keeping their thumbs in the center and pressing the buttons.
3. Battery Life Issues
The Nintendo Switch’s battery life issues are something that Nintendo will have to solve before the console hits shelves. Early versions of the hardware put the battery life at just a few hours off the plug. While this isn’t a massive issue on the go, it’s a massive issue in the hands of core gamers who prefer to play at home. We expect Nintendo to solve this issue before the Nintendo Switch is officially released, but it’s something to keep in mind for now.
4. Online Services
The Nintendo Switch’s online services are a tricky subject. Nintendo is a company that has traditionally shied away from the likes of Xbox Live and PlayStation Network, with their paid monthly services. Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch will have online services but has remained mysterious about how that will work. Will we see a monthly fee for online play? Will there be additional features for those who subscribe? Nintendo will likely be pushed to clarify its position on this before the Switch goes on sale.
5. Virtual Console Games
Another issue that has plagued Nintendo’s core hardware is a lack of retro games. While Xbox, PlayStation, and even Wii have offered a range of retro games, Nintendo’s consoles have been sorely lacking in this department. With the Nintendo Switch, we have hopes that Nintendo will finally offer a Virtual Console service. The company has yet to confirm if this will happen, but it’s something we expect will come soon. After all, the Switch can be used both as a home console and a portable device. This gives Nintendo the opportunity to offer a Virtual Console service that spans both platforms.
When Will The Switch Go On Sale?
- The Nintendo Switch has been out for about a year now, and it’s possible that Nintendo is waiting to see if holiday sales will boost the console’s popularity. If the trend continues and sales remain stagnant, Nintendo might offer the Switch at a bargain price in the hope that it can spur more demand.
- If the company is concerned about the launch of the Switch’s successor, however, it’s possible that it will wait until the new console comes out and starts to take away attention from the Switch.
- Another possibility is that Nintendo will try to reduce the inventory of Switch consoles currently sitting in warehouses around the world, something that the company has struggled with since the Switch’s launch.
Why Does The Nintendo Switch Cost So Much?
1. The Nintendo Switch Has A Lot Of Hardware Inside.
The Nintendo Switch has two parts that work together to play games. The main unit contains the console itself and a number of ports for connecting controllers, headphones, and other accessories. The second part is the dock, which turns the console into a handheld device that you can place on your TV. You’ll need both parts to play games on the Nintendo Switch, but you don’t need both parts at once. For example, you can take off the dock and use it as a portable handheld device while playing games on the main unit in your living room or on your commute home from work. You can also use one part while using another part as a stand-alone gaming system without connecting it to its dock or vice versa. This makes it easy to take your Nintendo Switch with you when you travel or leave it in one place while you use another part of the console in another location.
2. The Nintendo Switch Has A Rechargeable Battery Inside.
The Nintendo Switch has a rechargeable battery inside, which means you’ll have to charge the system occasionally throughout the year so it can keep playing games. For example, if you plan to play your games for more than an hour at a time, you’ll want to charge your console every couple of days so that it stays charged up and plays games for as long as possible before needing a recharge. You can also plug your Nintendo Switch into an external power source if you need to charge it faster than what the built-in battery provides. The Nintendo Switch has two different battery sizes: one that lasts around three hours and another that lasts around six hours. This means that most gamers will probably want to use the smaller battery size that lasts around three hours, but some people may prefer to use the larger battery size that lasts around six hours instead. Of course, you can always purchase a Nintendo Switch battery pack if you want to keep your console powered up for longer periods of time.
3. The Nintendo Switch Includes A Lot Of Accessories.
The Nintendo Switch comes with a variety of accessories that you can use to customize your console and make it look better than it did out of the box. The list includes two Joy-Con controllers that attach to the sides of the main unit, one Joy-Con controller that attaches to the main unit itself, two extra Joy-Con controllers that attach to each side of the main unit and one pair of Joy-Con wrist straps that let you play games with one or both Joy-Con controllers easily without having them attached to your hands. You also get an HDMI cable, an AC adapter, and a USB charging cable with your Nintendo Switch so that you can quickly plug in any accessories or peripherals when they run out of power. In addition, you get two special controllers called “
Bottom Line
The Nintendo Switch is a great console, but it’s also very expensive – especially when you consider the cost of games. If you’re interested in purchasing a Switch, it might be a good idea to wait a few months to see if Nintendo reduces the price. If you want to maximize your chances of getting a good deal, wait another three months or so to see what Nintendo does with the hardware. If the Switch isn’t selling as well as expected, we expect to see sales or price drop sometime before the holidays..
