The Nintendo Switch has finally surpassed Sony's PlayStation 4 in sales this 2023. Currently, it's now the third best-selling console on the planet.
Aside from outselling PS4, it also outperformed Game Boy in sales. The Japanese gaming giant recorded 122.55 million units sold in late 2022.
At the time, Nintendo looked forward to outselling PS2 and DS in lifetime sales records.
Nintendo Switch Outsells PS4 For a New Record
Despite surpassing PS4 in sales, Nintendo sees a drop in the unit sales of Switch last quarter.
As written on the Nintendo earnings report, the Switch outsold PS4 in sales at the end of 2022. However, it's the only thing that gives a positive record for the company last year.
According to a report by Engadget, despite this good news, Switch sales have significantly dropped from 19.85 million units to 14.91 million units as of December 31, 2022.
Additionally, Nintendo also recorded a decrease in its revenue during the fiscal year in March 2022. There was a 5.6% decline in the said record.
With the release of "Pokemon Scarlet and Violet" games on Switch, the company managed to sell 20.61 million units of the mainline titles. However, game sales plunged by 4% during the period.
With the ongoing issue of semiconductor shortage globally, Nintendo said that the decline in unit sales was attributed to this problem. When the console sales drop, the sales for the software or games fall short, as well.
Meanwhile, Sony showed no signs of slowing down on PS5 sales as it sold more than 7 million units last quarter. The year-on-year sale was up by 82%.
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Nintendo Switch Needs to Improve its Hardware
Another problem that might be plaguing the Switch's sales is the old hardware on the console. Some users think that Nintendo just made a minor upgrade for the OLED by updating its screen. By merely doing that, the main problem remains unsolved at present.
With the arrival of more games that demand high graphics, the Switch needs to keep up with the system. There might be a need to upgrade its hardware in the future so it can compete with PS5 and Xbox Series consoles when it comes to performance.
Could We See a New Nintendo Console Anytime Soon?
The demand for the new console is becoming evident as more players want the company to step up with regard to the hardware improvement.
With this, we might potentially see new plans for Nintendo to tease the upcoming console that might be dubbed "Nintendo Switch 2" or "Nintendo Switch Pro." This could be the next "major" project that the company needs to focus on.
Back in January 2023, Tech Times reported that Nintendo filed a patent for the "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of Kingdom." This installment is expected to launch in May 2023.
According to the report, the console maker plans to bring enhanced image processing in the upcoming game.
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