The Nintendo Switch is a video game console created by Nintendo. It was released worldwide on March 3, 2017. It was introduced during the eighth generation of home consoles and replaced the Wii U. It competed with Sony’s PlayStation 4 and Microsoft’s Xbox One. It also competes with newer ninth-generation consoles, such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
The Switch is a portable device that can be connected to a docking station for use at home or played without the dock. This makes it a hybrid console. Its wireless Joy-Con controllers can be split into two separate controllers or combined into one. They include buttons, analog sticks for movement, motion sensors, and vibrations. The controllers can be attached to the sides of the console for handheld play, connected to a grip accessory for a traditional gamepad style, or used separately. The system allows online gaming through the internet and local wireless connections with other Switch consoles. Games for the Switch are sold on physical flash-based cartridges and through the Nintendo eShop. The console does not restrict games to specific regions. Two versions of the Switch were released: the Switch Lite, a handheld-only model launched on September 20, 2019; and a more advanced version with an OLED screen, released on October 8, 2021.
The Switch was announced on October 20, 2016. Its development followed Nintendo’s financial challenges from weak sales of the Wii U and competition from mobile games. At the time, Nintendo’s president, Satoru Iwata, encouraged the company to focus on mobile gaming and new hardware. The Switch was designed to appeal to a wide range of players through its flexible use. Nintendo worked with many third-party game developers, publishers, and independent studios to grow its game library alongside its own games. The console uses common electronic parts, such as a chipset based on Nvidia’s Tegra line, to help game developers create software more easily and ensure compatibility with existing tools.
The Switch received mostly positive reviews for its user-friendly design and variety of games. However, some critics pointed out issues with its hardware and controllers. It became a major commercial success, with over 155 million units sold worldwide by December 2025. It is the second-best-selling console, after the PlayStation 2, and the most successful Nintendo console. A newer version, the Nintendo Switch 2, which works with most Switch games, was released on June 5, 2025.
History
Nintendo had high income, sales, and profits in 2009 because of the Nintendo DS and Wii, which were released in 2004 and 2006. However, its income later decreased. In 2012, Nintendo had its first loss as a video game company before the Wii U was released that year. The company had similar losses in the following years because the Wii U was not well received. The New York Times said Nintendo lowered its financial goals in 2014 because of weak sales of its hardware compared to mobile gaming. Earlier, Nintendo was not interested in mobile gaming, as then-president Satoru Iwata believed joining this market would cause the company to "lose what makes Nintendo unique." About three years before the Switch was announced, Iwata, Tatsumi Kimishima, Genyo Takeda, and Shigeru Miyamoto created a plan to improve Nintendo's business. This plan included entering the mobile market, making new hardware, and using Nintendo's popular game characters. Iwata formed a business partnership with a Japanese mobile company called DeNA before his death. This partnership made mobile games based on Nintendo's own game franchises, believing this would not harm Nintendo's identity. After Iwata died in July 2015, Kimishima became president of Nintendo, and Miyamoto was given the title of "Creative Fellow."
The idea for the Switch began shortly after the Wii U was released in 2012. Kimishima said Nintendo wanted to create a new type of hardware, not just a replacement for the Nintendo 3DS or Wii U. She told The Asahi Shimbun that the Switch was designed to offer a "new way to play" that could have a bigger impact than the Wii U. Reggie Fils-Aimé, president of Nintendo of America, said the Switch would allow players to play at home or on the go and let game developers create new kinds of games. This approach continued Nintendo's strategy of making unique devices instead of competing directly with other consoles. Miyamoto said the Switch's design was inspired by Gunpei Yokoi's philosophy of using old technology in new ways.
The failure of the Wii U pushed Nintendo to develop the Switch. Early sales of the Wii U were weak compared to the Wii, and companies like Electronic Arts and Ubisoft stopped supporting the console after its first year. Fils-Aimé said the Switch became a "make or break product" for Nintendo after it became clear the Wii U would not meet expectations.
The Switch was designed to bring together different types of gamers. According to Shinya Takahashi and Yoshiaki Koizumi, the Switch could support both casual and serious games. It also aimed to meet the different gaming habits of Japanese and Western players. Japanese players often play on the go with friends, while Western players often play alone at home. The Switch's ability to work on a TV or as a portable device, along with its detachable controllers, helped it appeal to both groups. The name "Switch" was chosen because it reflects the console's ability to switch between handheld and home modes and to change how people experience entertainment.
Part of the Switch's design came from player feedback on the Wii Remote. Players wanted a smaller version of the remote, which led Nintendo to imagine a smaller, portable console. The Switch's design also addressed issues with the Wii U GamePad, which became useless if players moved away from the console. Nintendo developed five prototypes before finalizing the Switch's design, testing different ways to connect the Joy-Con controllers, such as using magnets.
Nintendo had to balance the Switch's power, battery life, and size while working with limited resources and tight deadlines. Instead of creating a new system on a chip (SOC), the team used an existing one to make it easier for game developers to create games for the Switch. Koizumi said this decision helped attract more third-party support. Nintendo focused on balancing features like battery life and size rather than using the most powerful hardware. Koizumi said the hardest part was finding the right balance among all these factors.
Koizumi was the general producer of the Switch during its development. Miyamoto said younger employees led the project, as they brought fresh ideas and diverse interests. He emphasized hiring people who were not just gamers but had varied skills and hobbies. Junior developers also helped plan the Switch's long-term success. Miyamoto, Takeda, and Iwata had less direct involvement but oversaw costs for new features. Miyamoto spent more time on other games like Super Mario Run during this time.
The first public information about the Switch's hardware came in March 2015 when Nintendo announced its partnership with DeNA. At this time, the console was called "NX" and described as a "brand new concept." In April 2016, Nintendo said it planned to release the NX worldwide in March 2017. Although Nintendo did not show the NX's hardware at E3 2016, it announced The Legend of Zelda: Breath…
Hardware
The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid video game console that includes a console unit, a dock, and two Joy-Con controllers. Nintendo describes the system as "a home console that you can take with you on the go." While the company has not called the Switch a direct replacement for the Wii U or Nintendo 3DS, it has taken over their roles as Nintendo's home and handheld console. The Wii U was discontinued before the Switch launched in 2017, while the 3DS remained in production until 2020, serving as an option for younger players.
The main part of the Nintendo Switch is the console unit, a battery-powered tablet with a 6.2-inch (160 mm) LCD touchscreen, the same size as the Wii U GamePad. It measures 173 millimeters (6.8 in) wide, 102 mm (4 in) tall, and 14 mm (0.55 in) deep, and weighs 297 grams (10.5 oz). The screen supports 720p resolution (1280×720 px) with ten-point touch controls and haptic technology from Immersion Corporation.
The unit includes a 3.5 mm audio jack, stereo speakers on the bottom edge, a USB-C charging port, and a rear. A game card slot is on the top edge, and a microSD card slot is beneath the kickstand. Volume controls and the power button are also on the top, while side rails allow Joy-Con controllers to attach. An ambient light sensor automatically adjusts screen brightness.
The Switch supports three gameplay modes: "TV mode," where the console is connected to a television; "Tabletop mode," where the kickstand allows play on a flat surface; and "Handheld mode," where the console is used as a portable device. Switching between modes is easy—users simply connect or disconnect the console, adjust the kickstand, and attach or remove the Joy-Con controllers. Some games are designed for specific modes; for example, Voez initially required touchscreen controls and lacked TV mode support until a 2018 update, while Super Mario Party does not support Handheld mode.
Nintendo describes the Switch as a "single-screen experience," displaying content on the console when not connected to a TV or on a television when connected. Unlike the Wii U's GamePad, it does not support dual-screen gameplay.
Nintendo patented a method for linking multiple Switch consoles to create a multi-monitor setup, first used in Super Mario Party to expand gameplay.
The Nintendo Switch console can be placed into the Switch dock, a station that charges the console and connects it to a television. The dock includes two USB 2.0 Type-A ports on the left side. Under a rear cover are one USB 3.0 Type-A port, one USB-C port (for power only), and one HDMI port. The dock included with the OLED model replaces the USB 3.0 Type-A port with an Ethernet port for wired internet.
When connected, the console supports resolutions up to 1080p at 60 frames per second, though performance varies by game.
The dock measures 173 millimeters (6.8 in) wide, 104 mm (4.1 in) tall, and 54 mm (2.1 in) deep, and weighs 327 grams (11.5 oz). The OLED model's dock is larger and has a revised design.
The Nintendo Switch includes two controllers, called Joy-Con, with left and right versions. The controllers attach to the console via side rails with a locking mechanism, and a release button on the back allows removal. When attached, the Joy-Con recharge automatically.
When separated, the controllers can be used in different ways: together with a grip accessory to form a traditional gamepad-style controller, separately as small gamepads for two-player input, or individually as motion controllers. Straps can be added for better handling when used separately.
A single Switch console supports up to eight Joy-Con connections at once.
Nintendo offers charging grips that allow connected controllers to charge via USB-C, as well as straps that can be used with AA batteries for times when the controllers are not attached to the console.
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a separate wireless controller with a traditional design, similar to the Wii Classic Controller Pro and Wii U Pro Controller. It connects via Bluetooth and charges through a USB-C port.
The Nintendo Switch supports many accessories. Kimishima mentioned the Switch is part of a large ecosystem of devices, with the console itself as the main component. Takahashi suggested other devices could attach to or connect with the console to serve as alternate input methods.
Nintendo offers a Joy-Con Wheel, a steering wheel-like unit that fits a Joy-Con for racing games such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Standalone docks are available, including a power adapter and HDMI cable. Third-party companies also make accessories like carrying cases and screen protectors. The 4.0.0 system update added support for GameCube controllers connected via USB using a GameCube adapter, similar to one used with the Wii U, and a new adapter for the Switch. GameCube controllers can be used with most games compatible with the Switch's Pro Controller, such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. USB keyboards are supported for tasks like typing.
In January 2018, Nintendo announced Nintendo Labo, a platform for children that combines games with DIY cardboard projects. These projects, called Toy-Con, attach to the Switch and Joy-Con to create toys that interact with games. Examples include a remote-controlled car, a fishing rod, and a toy piano.
In September 2018, Nintendo launched Nintendo Switch Online, a service that includes classic games and NES-style Joy-Con controllers. In September 2019, SNES games were added, along with wireless SNES controllers. In September 2021, Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games were added, with wireless versions of their respective controllers released.
In October 2019, Nintendo released Ring Fit Adventure, which includes a Leg Strap to mount a Joy-Con on a leg and a Ring-Con, a flexible ring with Joy-Con mounting. Players perform exercises like running in place or squatting to control in-game actions. This aligns with Nintendo's goal to include physical activity in gameplay, similar to past games like Wii Fit.
In February 2017, Nintendo president Tatsumi Kimishima said the company was studying virtual reality solutions but was concerned about comfort. Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé also mentioned that existing VR solutions were not "fun" or "social." Nintendo later introduced a Labo VR kit.
Software
The Nintendo Switch uses a special operating system called Horizon, which is built using a type of system design. The Switch's interface shows tiles that display games either inserted into the game card slot or stored on the console's internal storage. It includes buttons for quick access to a News feed from Nintendo, the eShop for purchasing games, and a photo album for screenshots taken during gameplay. The 4.0 software update in October 2017 added the ability to capture and share video from select games. A single Switch console can support up to eight user profiles, each linked to a Nintendo Account. At launch, profiles could use pre-made avatars from an internal gallery or Mii characters. Compared to earlier Nintendo consoles, the Mii editor on the Switch allowed more color choices for features like hairstyles and was included in system settings instead of being a separate app. In February 2022, Nintendo introduced a "Missions and Rewards" system for Switch Online subscribers, allowing users to complete tasks, such as backing up save data or playing trial games, to earn points redeemable for icon parts from various Nintendo games. These parts can be combined to create custom icons.
Before the 4.0 update, users discovered an Easter egg in the Switch's firmware that allowed playing the NES Golf game using a built-in emulator. While Nintendo did not officially confirm this, many believed it was a tribute to Satoru Iwata, who programmed the game. The Easter egg could only be accessed if the system clock was set to July 11, the day Iwata died in 2015, and the Joy-Con controllers were moved in a specific way. Some Japanese users called this a charm left by Iwata. The Easter egg was removed with the 4.0 update.
In August 2018, a Twitter user found files in the Switch's firmware that suggested Nintendo was testing VR features. The user activated a hidden "VR Mode," which split the screen into two displays. Hackers later confirmed that VR-related code had been hidden in the firmware for over a year.
Nintendo continued its security program with HackerOne, offering up to $20,000 to users who identified vulnerabilities that could impact piracy, cheating, or the sending of inappropriate content to younger users. The reward amount depends on the severity of the issue.
In April 2018, two groups discovered an exploit in the Tegra chip that allowed running other software on the Switch. This exploit could not be fixed with a software update because the chip's BootROM cannot be changed after manufacturing. Both groups informed Nintendo and Nvidia before sharing their findings. Nintendo can permanently ban consoles used for unauthorized software downloads, as each Switch has a unique device ID linked to the Nintendo Network. Games downloaded from the Network include encrypted data tied to the console, allowing Nintendo to track and address unauthorized downloads. Nintendo reportedly fixed this issue in newer Switch units by July 2018.
In June 2018, hackers found a way to run the Switch's developer software menu on non-developer consoles, enabling users to load games onto SD cards or create custom avatars, including content that violates Nintendo's terms of service. A Nintendo spokesperson stated that "Modified Nintendo Switch systems have been banned."
After the launch of Nintendo Switch Online in September 2018, hackers found a way to run unauthorized ROMs on the NES emulator. A hacker named DevRin first discovered the method and shared it on YouTube, prompting further research by a modder named KapuccinoHeck, whose findings were later posted on Twitter.
Nintendo Switch user profiles can be linked to a Nintendo Account, granting access to online features and the ability to download games from the eShop. A Nintendo Account can be created using a third-party social network account or an existing Nintendo Network ID from a 3DS or Wii U. Nintendo does not plan to offer its own social networking services, like Miiverse or StreetPass, on the Switch. Instead, profiles can be linked to external platforms such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), though X integration was later removed.
Players can register friends using Friend Codes, local network searches, past multiplayer interactions, or through Nintendo Account profiles on mobile apps like Mario Kart Tour and Super Mario Run. In March 2017, Nintendo announced plans to add friend registration methods via third-party social media and Nintendo Network IDs. Support for Facebook and X was added in March 2018 as part of the 5.0.0 update. The Switch does not natively support Nintendo Network IDs, but users can link their credentials to a Nintendo Account to add friends from previous systems and share eShop balances across platforms.
Like Microsoft and Sony consoles, a subscription is required for online multiplayer in most Switch games. The Nintendo Switch Online subscription includes access to online play, voice chat, a library of classic games from the NES, SNES, and Game Boy, cloud storage for save data, and special offers. A premium expansion pack, launched in 2021, added support for Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games, followed by Game Boy Advance games in 2023. The expansion also includes access to paid downloadable content, such as Mario Kart 8 Booster Course Pack and Animal Crossing: New Horizons Happy Home Paradise. Free-to-play games like Fortnite Battle Royale and Warframe do not require a subscription for online play.
The Nintendo Switch Online mobile app provides voice chat and access to game-specific microsites for subscribers. Unlike competitors, voice chat is not available on the console itself and requires the app on a smartphone. A separate app offers parental controls for the console.
The Switch did not include multimedia features like a web browser, messaging system, or support for video calls at launch.
Games
Nintendo Switch games can be purchased through stores or downloaded from the Nintendo eShop. Games sold in stores come on special cartridges, similar to those used for Nintendo 3DS games but smaller and thinner. The Switch is the first major hybrid console and the first home console to use cartridges since the Nintendo 64. Each cartridge is coated with denatonium benzoate, a bitter, non-toxic substance that helps prevent children from eating them. At launch, Nintendo suggested a price of $60 for Switch games, matching the prices of games on Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Publishers can set prices, but the list price must be the same for physical and digital versions if a physical copy is available. Some games cost more on the Switch due to manufacturing costs, a practice sometimes called the "Switch tax." This tax also affects games originally released on other platforms, where the Switch version may keep the original price instead of the current one. As of August 2018, Switch games cost about 10% more on average than other formats.
At launch, game cartridges had a 32 GB storage capacity. Nintendo planned to increase this to 64 GB by mid-2018 but delayed the change. Some physical games require additional content to be stored on the Switch’s internal memory or a microSD card. Games with large content, like NBA 2K18, may need a microSD card to play and are marked on their covers.
The Switch supports cloud gaming, allowing players to run games that need more powerful hardware by using servers online. These games may be limited to specific regions. Early examples included Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, Phantasy Star Online 2, and Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey, which were mostly available in Japan. Later, games like Control and Hitman 3 became available globally through cloud gaming starting in 2020.
Unlike earlier Nintendo consoles, the Switch is region-free, meaning games and digital content from any country can be used, except for Chinese games, which only work on Switch units made for China. Nintendo recommends using the correct regional eShop for better post-purchase support. The region-free design reduces costs and work for Nintendo and developers by avoiding separate production processes for different regions. Digital purchases are tied to a Nintendo Account, not a specific Switch console. Users can download all previous purchases after re-registering their account on a new Switch, but only one console can be linked to an account at a time. With the 6.0.0 system update in September 2018, users could play purchased games on a second Switch, though this required an online connection and had other restrictions.
The Switch does not use optical discs and cannot play games from previous Nintendo consoles. It also cannot run digital games from older consoles. However, emulated versions of older games are available through the eShop and Nintendo Switch Online service, now called "Nintendo Classics." In 2017, Nintendo’s president said the Switch is powerful enough to emulate games from earlier systems.
The Wii U faced challenges due to limited support from third-party developers, resulting in fewer games. Nintendo worked closely with third-party developers early in the Switch’s development to ensure a strong game lineup. Executives like Takahashi and Koizumi reached out to companies like Electronic Arts to gain support. Nintendo also helped independent developers bring games to the Switch, starting in 2016. They provided tools and support to make it easier for indie developers to create Switch games. Games like Snipperclips were used as examples of successful indie titles. Some developers, like Yacht Club Games, learned about features like the Joy-Con only shortly before the Switch’s 2017 launch. Nintendo partnered with companies like Chucklefish, Team17, and Devolver Digital to expand the Switch’s game library. Nintendo carefully selects games for the Switch and times their releases to maintain a steady flow of new content. Once approved, developers can update games quickly without extra costs. Nintendo offers dev kits for $450, much cheaper than other consoles, helping smaller developers create games for the Switch. Many indie games are sold as "Nindies" through the eShop. Nintendo expected at least 60 indie games by 2017 but saw over 320 by year’s end due to the Switch’s popularity. Nintendo also helps promote indie games, using them to advertise the Switch and connect fans with games that build on classic Nintendo titles from the NES, SNES, and Game Boy eras.
Marketing
Nintendo focused on clear communication when promoting the Switch to avoid problems that happened with the Wii U. The Wii U was meant to be a home console, but people often thought the Wii U GamePad was more like a tablet, making other features less noticeable. Some believed the GamePad was an accessory for the older Wii console, not the main part of a new system. For the Switch, Nintendo clearly explained that it is a home console that can be used anywhere, anytime.
In October 2016, Nintendo released a trailer that showed how the Switch could be used in different ways, helping people understand that each use offers unique gaming experiences. The trailer aimed to show the Switch was for all ages, including both serious gamers and casual players. Nintendo’s marketing heavily featured the game Breath of the Wild, which was part of the Zelda series. This helped attract older fans who grew up with the series and younger players who enjoy modern games.
Nintendo aired its first Super Bowl ad during Super Bowl LI, set to the song "Believer" by Imagine Dragons. The ad highlighted the Switch’s different play modes and games, including Breath of the Wild and upcoming titles. A previous Super Bowl ad for the 20th anniversary of Pokémon was paid for by The Pokémon Company, not Nintendo. Nick Chavez, a Nintendo marketing executive, said the Super Bowl was the best place to promote the Switch, showing confidence in the system.
More TV ads followed the Super Bowl, showing how the Switch works for different groups, including casual and serious gamers. These ads appeared during events like the 2017 NCAA basketball tournament, the 2017 Kids’ Choice Awards, and on channels like Nickelodeon and Comedy Central. Chavez said Nintendo’s marketing was not a short campaign but a long-term effort lasting 15 months, with plans for 2018.
Nintendo also let people try the Switch before its release through events. Kimishima, a Nintendo leader, believed it was important for players to experience the Switch firsthand, especially for serious gamers, to understand how it differs from older systems. Nintendo used a marketing plan with many events to let players try the Switch.
In January 2017, Nintendo held special events for press in North America, Europe, and Japan after a Tokyo presentation. Demonstrations were held at gaming events like PAX South and SXSW. In February 2017, Nintendo set up living-room-style spaces in the U.S. for people to try the Switch, inviting figures like John Cena.
In June 2018, Nintendo partnered with Disney Channel to create Nintendo Switch Family Showdown, a TV competition where families played games on the Switch. The show aired in August 2018.
Reception
Market analysts had different opinions about the Nintendo Switch after it was announced in October 2016. Some worried the Switch did not solve the problems that caused the Wii U to sell poorly and would only appeal to a small group of people. Others were more hopeful, thinking the Switch could work well in Japan, where space for TVs and consoles is limited, and could later be successful in Western countries. A financial analyst named John Taylor supported the decision to release the Switch before the holiday season, when competitors like Microsoft and Sony usually try to attract casual gamers.
After the January 2017 press conference, where the Switch’s price and release date were announced, journalists were concerned about the high cost, which was similar to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One but without some of their features. They also worried about the cost of the Nintendo Switch Online service and the limited number of games available at launch. However, other analysts believed the pricing showed the Switch was a stronger console than the Wii U and could sell better, especially with the release of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. These analysts also thought the Switch filled a need for people who wanted more complex games than mobile devices offer but did not want a large, powerful console. Most analysts agreed that the Switch’s success would depend on Nintendo’s support and avoiding the mistakes made during the Wii U’s marketing.
Nintendo’s stock price dropped after the Switch was announced but before it was released, showing investors were unsure about the console’s chances. Analysts thought investors were worried the Switch was too risky and might not attract new customers. Some companies predicted the Switch would have a slow start due to its high price and risks but might sell up to 40 million units by 2020.
Game and hardware developers were more positive about the Switch, seeing it as a way to combine handheld and console gaming experiences. However, they were concerned about unclear hardware details and how Nintendo would market the console to attract developers. Hideo Kojima, a game designer, compared the Switch to his 2011 idea of "transfarring," which allowed games to move between home and portable devices. He called the Switch an evolution of that idea. Todd Howard from Bethesda said Nintendo was the only company that could make such a device work. Microsoft’s Phil Spencer praised Nintendo for creating a product that matched its bold vision.
Retailers were generally positive about the Switch. GameStop’s CEO said the console was a major change in the gaming market and could grow the audience for games. Pre-orders for the Switch were very high, with Nintendo reporting they sold nearly all the units ready for launch.
The October 2016 reveal trailer became Nintendo of America’s most-watched video on YouTube in one day and was the top trending video for about a day.
When the Switch was released, reviewers praised its potential but were disappointed by the limited number of games available at launch, which did not fully show the console’s abilities. They also noted problems with the initial software and hardware, such as Bluetooth issues with the Joy-Con (L) controller and scratches on the screen. Nintendo said they were investigating these problems and later fixed the Joy-Con (L) issue by adding conductive foam inside the controller. They also stated that small screen defects were normal and not considered a problem. Companies like Sony, Microsoft, and others, as well as fast food brands like Arby’s and Domino’s Pizza, praised the Switch.
About six months after release, Nintendo shared usage data. They found that 30% of users played the Switch mostly in handheld or tabletop mode, over 50% used both TV mode and handheld mode equally, and the rest preferred TV mode. Nintendo said this showed people played in ways that suited them. They also noted that most U.S. buyers were men in their 20s and early 30s.
After firmware version 5.0.0 was released, some users reported their Switch consoles stopped working when used with third-party docks made by Nyko. Nintendo warned against using unlicensed docks. A user named Michael Skiathitis sued Nyko, saying the dock caused problems. Other users also had issues with third-party docks from companies like FastSnail and Insignia.
The Verge gave the Nintendo Switch Lite a score of 8 out of 10, praising its longer battery life, design, and D-pad but noting it lacked TV mode and some games were not compatible with the base model. PC Magazine criticized the quality of the Switch Lite’s analog sticks, which could drift like the Joy-Cons on the original Switch. A game developer named Tyrone Evans Clark said the gaming industry is focusing more on handheld devices and apps. Jon Porter from TechRadar said the Switch is a unique device that combines the best of handheld and console gaming. In 2021, PCMag described the Switch as a large but comfortable handheld system, thinner than the Wii U gamepad and easier to use.
Legal issues
In August 2017, a company called Gamevice, Inc. from Los Angeles filed a lawsuit against Nintendo in a U.S. court in California. Gamevice claimed that the design of Nintendo’s Switch console was similar to its patent for the Wikipad, a gaming device with a tablet and a detachable controller. Gamevice asked for money from Nintendo for selling the Switch and wanted to stop Nintendo from selling the console. In October 2017, Gamevice dropped the case.
In March 2018, Gamevice filed another lawsuit against Nintendo, this time over different patents. Gamevice also asked the U.S. International Trade Commission to stop the import of the Switch into the United States under a law called Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930. The case ended in October 2019, with no violations found. By March 2020, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office reviewed Gamevice’s patents and decided they were not valid, which supported Nintendo. Gamevice said it would challenge this decision.
While challenging the Patent Office’s ruling, Gamevice filed a third lawsuit against Nintendo in March 2020, based on a new patent it had obtained in August. This patent was for a game controller that could wrap around a smartphone. Gamevice wanted to stop the import of the Switch from Japan during the lawsuit. The case was decided in favor of Nintendo.
In July 2019, a class action lawsuit was filed in a U.S. court in Washington state. The lawsuit was about a problem with the Joy-Con controllers on the Switch, called “drift,” where the controllers registered movement even when not touched. The lawsuit claimed Nintendo knew about the defect but refused to repair the controllers for free. Three days later, a leaked internal message from Nintendo told customer service workers to offer free repairs for drifting Joy-Cons, regardless of warranty status. The lawsuit continued, and after the release of the Nintendo Switch Lite, complaints about the same drift issue were added. In March 2020, the court ruled that the case should go to arbitration, as outlined in the Switch’s End User License Agreement.
In December 2019, Nintendo won an injunction against a company that sold a device called Team Xecuter, which allowed users to run pirated Switch games. In 2020, Nintendo sued several sellers of Team Xecuter products. In one case, the seller agreed to pay $2 million. In October 2020, members of Team Xecuter were arrested and charged with 11 felony counts by the U.S. Department of Justice. Nintendo then sued Gary Bowser, one of the arrested members, for two counts of trafficking and one count of copyright infringement.
Successor
The successor console, Nintendo Switch 2, was officially announced on January 16, 2025, and released on June 5, 2025. A Nintendo Direct presentation on April 2, 2025, provided more details, confirming the June 5 release date. Similar to the original Switch, Nintendo hosted events in multiple locations worldwide during the second half of April for people to try the console.
Industry rumors about a new console began in July 2023, when Nintendo’s development partners reported receiving tools to create games for the new system. Nintendo mentioned the possibility of a successor console, such as continuing to use Nintendo Accounts, but did not confirm specific details about the new console.
Eurogamer and other sources learned from insiders that Nintendo showed features of the new console to game developers at Gamescom 2023. In mid-2023, documents from a legal case involving Microsoft revealed that Activision was informed about the "Switch NG" (next generation) console in late 2022. The console’s performance was described as similar to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
Confirmed changes to the Switch 2 include a larger screen, a redesigned stand, and new Joy-Con 2 controllers that connect through a plug-like slot instead of a sliding rail. The console’s system on a chip, called the Nvidia Tegra T239 ("Drake"), was leaked in a 2022 cybersecurity incident. It includes a powerful processor, graphics unit, and memory system. Later reports suggested the console has 12 GB of high-speed memory and 128 GB of internal storage. Sharp Corporation stated it began supplying Nintendo with screens for the new console in mid-2023, and a technology firm named Omdia estimated the screens to be 8 inches in size. Some reports said the console will support advanced features like DLSS and ray tracing, with game demonstrations showing titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild running at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second.
Early rumors suggested the Switch 2 would launch in late 2024, with Nintendo working to ensure enough units were available. A company named Altec Lansing claimed in January 2024 that the successor would release in September 2024, though they later said this was only a guess. An analyst from Kantan Games in January 2024 said the "pro" version of the Switch would be an improved version of the current console, likely priced at $400, with new games costing $70. However, by February 2024, sources said Nintendo had delayed the release to early 2025 to ensure enough supply and reduce issues with resellers. Accessories for the new console were shown at the January 2025 Consumer Electronics Show, and reports mentioned a planned April 2025 launch.
The Switch 2 supports most physical and digital games from the original Switch, and will continue using the Nintendo Switch Online service. Some games, like Breath of the Wild, may be released in improved versions that use the new console’s features. The new console includes magnetic Joy-Con controllers (with a new button on the right controller) and a redesigned docking station. A new Mario Kart game was shown during the reveal, featuring a style similar to Super Mario Bros. Wonder and The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
In February 2025, Furukawa, a Nintendo executive, said the company plans to continue supporting the original Switch console after the Switch 2 launches, as long as there is demand for it.