The Nintendo Switch is a video game console made by Nintendo and released worldwide on March 3, 2017. It came out 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, the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
The Switch is a tablet that can be connected to a docking station for home use or used as a portable device, making it a hybrid console. Its wireless Joy-Con controllers can be split into two separate controllers or used together as one. They have buttons, analog sticks for movement, motion sensors, and vibration feedback. A pair of Joy-Cons can be attached to the sides of the console for handheld play, connected to a grip accessory to form a single gamepad, or used separately. The system allows online gaming through internet connections and local wireless play with other Switch consoles. Games for the Switch are sold on physical flash-based ROM cartridges and digitally through the Nintendo eShop. The console does not have region restrictions. Two versions were released: the Switch Lite, a handheld-only model launched on September 20, 2019, and a higher-end 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’s design aimed to appeal to a wide range of players through its flexible use. Nintendo worked with many third-party developers, publishers, and independent studios to grow its game library alongside its own games. Standard electronic parts, such as a chipset based on Nvidia’s Tegra line, were used to make game development easier for programmers and more compatible with existing tools.
The Switch received mostly positive reviews for its simple design and strong software library, though some criticized its hardware and controller issues. 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 strong financial results in 2009 because of the Nintendo DS and Wii, which were released in 2004 and 2006. However, its earnings dropped after that. In 2012, Nintendo had its first financial loss as a video game company before the Wii U was released that year. The company faced similar losses in the next few years because the Wii U was not well received. The New York Times reported that Nintendo lowered its financial goals in 2014 due to weak sales of its hardware compared to mobile gaming. Earlier, the company was unsure about entering the mobile market. At the time, Nintendo’s president, Satoru Iwata, believed joining the mobile market might cause Nintendo to lose its identity. About three years before the Switch was announced, Iwata, along with Tatsumi Kimishima, Genyo Takeda, and Shigeru Miyamoto, created a plan to help Nintendo grow. The plan included entering the mobile market, making new hardware, and using Nintendo’s popular games more effectively. Before Iwata died in 2015, he helped Nintendo form a partnership with a Japanese mobile company called DeNA. This partnership helped create mobile games based on Nintendo’s own games, which the company believed would not harm its brand. After Iwata’s death, Kimishima became Nintendo’s president, 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 newer version of the Nintendo 3DS or Wii U. She explained 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, who led Nintendo in North America, said the Switch would let players enjoy games at home or on the go. He also said it would allow game developers to make new kinds of games. This approach followed Nintendo’s strategy of making unique devices instead of competing directly with other consoles. Miyamoto said the Switch’s design was influenced by the creative thinking of Gunpei Yokoi, a Nintendo designer known for using old technology in new ways.
The failure of the Wii U pushed Nintendo to develop the Switch. Sales of the Wii U were much lower than those of the Wii, and many game companies stopped supporting it. Fils-Aimé said the Switch became a crucial product for Nintendo’s future because the Wii U did not meet expectations.
The Switch was designed to connect different types of gamers. Some games on the Switch are relaxing, while others are more intense. According to Nintendo’s leaders, the Switch would also appeal to both Japanese and Western players. Japanese players often play with friends, while Western players often play alone at home. The Switch was designed to work on a television or as a portable device, and it used detachable controllers. The name "Switch" was chosen because the console can switch between handheld and home console modes. It also represented a change in how people experience entertainment.
Some ideas for the Switch came from feedback about the Wii Remote. Players wanted a smaller version of the remote that could be worn on the body. This led Nintendo to imagine a smaller controller and a portable console. Other ideas came from criticism of the Wii U. Fils-Aimé said players found the Wii U GamePad less useful when they moved away from the console. This inspired Nintendo to create a console that could be taken anywhere. Five different prototypes were tested before the final design was chosen. These prototypes explored different ways to attach the Joy-Con controllers, such as using magnets.
Nintendo also had to balance the console’s power with its size, battery life, and limited resources. Instead of making a new chip, the team used an existing one, which made it easier for other game companies to support the Switch. Koizumi, a leader in Nintendo’s development team, said the goal was to create a well-rounded system that worked within the company’s limits. He said the hardest part was finding the right balance between different features.
Koizumi was the main leader for the Switch’s development. Miyamoto said younger employees at Nintendo were responsible for designing the system. He said these employees had diverse interests and skills, not just a love for games. Junior developers also helped plan the Switch to last longer than typical consoles, which usually last five to six years. Miyamoto, Takeda, and Iwata were involved but focused more on cost and features. Miyamoto spent more time on other games like Super Mario Run.
The first public information about the Switch’s hardware was shared when Nintendo announced its partnership with DeNA on March 17, 2015. At that time, the console was called "NX" and described as a new idea. In April 2016, Nintendo told investors it planned to release the NX in March 2017. Nintendo did not show the NX’s hardware at E3 2016 but announced The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild would be released on the Switch.
Hardware
The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid video game console that includes a console unit, a dock, and two Joy-Con controllers. Nintendo calls it "a home console that you can take with you on the go." Although Nintendo has not labeled the Switch as a direct replacement for the Wii U or 3DS, it has taken over their roles as Nintendo's home and handheld console. The Wii U was no longer sold before the Switch launched in 2017, while the 3DS stayed in production until 2020, serving as a budget option for younger players.
The main part of the Nintendo Switch is its console, a battery-powered tablet with a 6.2-inch (160 mm) LCD touchscreen. It measures 173 millimeters (6.8 in) wide, 102 mm (4.0 in) tall, and 14 mm (0.55 in) deep, and weighs 297 grams (10.5 oz). The screen has a 720p resolution (1280×720 pixels) and supports touch controls with ten points. It includes haptic technology from Immersion Corporation, which provides vibration feedback. The console has a 3.5 mm audio jack, stereo speakers, a USB-C charging port, and a kickstand on the back. It also has a game card slot on top and a microSD card slot beneath the kickstand. Volume controls and a power button are on the top, while side rails let Joy-Con controllers attach or detach. An ambient light sensor automatically adjusts screen brightness. The original model number is "HAC-001."
The Switch supports three gameplay modes: "TV mode," where the console connects to a television via the dock; "Tabletop mode," where the kickstand lets the console sit on a flat surface for shared play; and "Handheld mode," where the console is used as a portable device. Switching between modes is simple—users dock or undock the console, adjust the kickstand, and attach or remove Joy-Con controllers. Some games are designed for specific modes; for example, Voez initially required touchscreen controls and did not support TV mode until 2018, while Super Mario Party does not support Handheld mode.
Nintendo describes the Switch as a "single-screen experience," showing content on the console when undocked or on a TV when docked. Unlike the Wii U's GamePad, the Switch does not support dual-screen gameplay.
Nintendo patented a way to connect multiple Switch consoles to create a multi-monitor setup, first used in Super Mario Party for extended gameplay.
The Switch console, with or without Joy-Con attached, can be placed into the Switch dock, which charges the console and connects to a TV via HDMI. The dock has two USB 2.0 ports and one USB 3.0 port. When docked, the console supports up to 1080p resolution and a maximum frame rate of 60 frames per second, though actual resolution depends on the 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 version included with the OLED model has a redesigned housing and a built-in Ethernet port for a wired internet connection.
The Nintendo Switch includes two controllers called Joy-Con, labeled as "Joy-Con (L)" and "Joy-Con (R)." These attach to the console via side rails with a locking mechanism, and a small button on the back allows them to detach. When connected to the console, the Joy-Con recharge automatically. When detached, they can be used together by one player, attached to a grip accessory to mimic a traditional gamepad (which also allows charging via USB-C), or used separately for two players. Straps can be added for better grip, and a charging grip powered by AA batteries is available. A single Switch console can connect to up to eight Joy-Con simultaneously.
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 said the Switch is part of a larger ecosystem of devices, with the console as the main unit. Takahashi mentioned the possibility of other devices that 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 for racing games such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Standalone docks with a power adapter and HDMI cable are available. Third-party companies also make accessories like carrying cases and screen protectors. A 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 made 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 do-it-yourself cardboard projects that attach to the Switch console and Joy-Con. These projects, called Toy-Con, include items like a remote-controlled car, a fishing rod, and a toy piano. The game software guides users in building the Toy-Con and controls them during gameplay.
In September 2018, Nintendo released Nintendo Switch Online, a service with classic games. It included 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.
In October 2019, Nintendo released Ring Fit Adventure, which includes a Leg Strap to attach a Joy-Con to a leg and a flexible ring called Ring-Con. Players perform exercises like running in place
Software
The Nintendo Switch uses a special operating system called Horizon, which is built on a microkernel architecture. The Switch's user interface allows users to access games either inserted into the game card slot or stored in the console's internal storage through tile-based navigation. The interface includes quick access buttons for a News feed from Nintendo, eShop access, 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 user ID. At launch, profiles could be represented by pre-made avatars from an internal gallery or by using a Mii. Compared to earlier Nintendo consoles, the Mii editor on the Switch allowed more color options for features like hairstyles and was integrated into the system settings rather than being a separate application. In February 2022, Nintendo introduced a "Missions and Rewards" system for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers. This system lets users complete tasks, such as backing up save data or playing Game Trials, to earn Platinum Points, which can be used to purchase icon parts from various Nintendo games and franchises. These icon parts, such as backgrounds, borders, and characters, can be combined to create custom icons.
Before the 4.0 update, users discovered an Easter egg in the Switch's firmware that allowed them to play the NES Golf game using a built-in emulator. While Nintendo has not officially confirmed this feature, journalists and players believed it was a tribute to Satoru Iwata, Nintendo's former president. Iwata programmed the game, and it could only be accessed if the system clock was set to July 11, the day Iwata died in 2015, and the Joy-Con were moved in a way similar to how Iwata gestured during Nintendo Direct presentations. Some Japanese users referred to this as an omamori (charm) left by Iwata. With the 4.0 update, the code for this Easter egg was removed by Nintendo.
In August 2018, a Twitter user found files in the Switch's firmware during reverse-engineering that suggested Nintendo was testing VR functionality. 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 white hat security program, which it had used with the Nintendo 3DS. Through the third-party website HackerOne, Nintendo offers up to $20,000 to the first user who identifies a vulnerability that impacts piracy, cheating, or the sending of inappropriate content to younger users, with the reward depending on the severity of the flaw.
In April 2018, two groups discovered an exploit chain in the Tegra chip system that allowed other software to be run on the Switch. This exploit could not be patched through a software update because the Tegra X1 chip's BootROM cannot be modified after leaving the factory. Both groups informed Nvidia and Nintendo of the exploit before sharing their findings publicly. Users determined that Nintendo could permanently ban specific Switch consoles used to access unauthorized software through the Nintendo Network, as each console has a unique device identification code used for validation. Games downloaded from the Nintendo Network include encrypted data linking the Nintendo ID to the console, which Nintendo can use to track unapproved software downloads and take action. Nintendo reportedly fixed this vulnerability in newer Switch units by July 2018.
In June 2018, two hackers found a way to run the Switch's developer software menu on non-developer units. This allowed users to load games directly onto SD cards or create custom avatars, including content that violated Nintendo's terms of service. A Nintendo spokesperson stated that "Modified Nintendo Switch systems have been banned."
Shortly after the release of Nintendo Switch Online in September 2018, hackers and modders discovered how to run unauthorized ROMs on the Switch's NES emulator. A hacker named DevRin was the first to share this discovery on YouTube, prompting another modder, KapuccinoHeck, to investigate and post findings on Twitter.
Nintendo Switch user profiles can be linked to a Nintendo Account, enabling access to online features and the ability to download and purchase software from the Nintendo 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 first-party social networking services like Miiverse or StreetPass on the Switch, as it positions the console primarily for home use. Instead, profiles can be linked to social networks such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) for sharing features, though X integration was later removed.
Players can register friends using Friend Codes, as with previous Nintendo systems, through local networks, past multiplayer interactions, or 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 through third-party social media and Nintendo Network IDs. Support for Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) was added in March 2018 as part of the 5.0.0 system update. The Switch does not natively support Nintendo Network IDs, but users can link their credentials to a Nintendo Account, allowing them to add friends from their 3DS or Wii U and share eShop balances across all three platforms.
Like Microsoft and Sony consoles, most games on the Nintendo Switch require a subscription to access online multiplayer. The Nintendo Switch Online subscription includes online play, voice chat, a library of classic games from the NES, SNES, and Game Boy systems, cloud storage for save data, and special offers. A premium expansion pack, launched in October 2021, added support for Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games, followed by Game Boy Advance games in February 2023. The expansion
Games
Nintendo Switch games can be purchased through stores or digitally via the Nintendo eShop. Retail games are stored on special cartridges, similar in design to those used for Nintendo 3DS games but smaller and thinner. As the first major hybrid console, the Switch is the first major home console to use cartridges since the Nintendo 64. Each cartridge is coated with denatonium benzoate, a bitter, non-toxic substance that prevents children from eating them. At launch, Nintendo suggested a retail price of US$60 for Switch games, the same as for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 games. Publishers set prices for games, but they must be the same for physical and digital versions if a physical version is released. Some games on other consoles cost more on the Switch because of the cost to make the cartridges, a practice sometimes called the "Switch tax." This tax also affects games previously released on other platforms, where the Switch price reflects the game's original price instead of its current price. By August 2018, Switch games were estimated to cost about 10% more than other formats on average.
At launch, game cards for the Switch had a 32 GB capacity. Nintendo planned to increase this to 64 GB by mid-2018 but delayed the change. Some physical games require content to be installed on the Switch's internal storage, which can use a large amount of space if a microSD card is not used. Other games, like NBA 2K18, need a microSD card to be inserted and are marked on their covers to show this requirement.
The Switch supports cloud gaming, allowing players to run games that need more powerful hardware by using servers over the internet. These games may be limited to specific regions. Early examples include Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, Phantasy Star Online 2, and Assassin's Creed: Odyssey, which were mostly available in Japan. More recent games like Control and Hitman 3 are available globally through cloud gaming starting in 2020.
Unlike previous Nintendo consoles, the Switch is region-free, meaning games and digital content from any region can be used, except for Chinese games, which can only be played on Switch units made for China. Nintendo recommends using the appropriate regional eShop for better post-purchase support. Going region-free reduces costs and work for Nintendo and developers by avoiding separate certification and production processes. 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 and the launch of the Online service in September 2018, users can play purchased games on a second Switch, though this requires an online connection and has other restrictions.
The Switch does not use optical discs and is not backward compatible with games from previous Nintendo consoles or other digital games. Emulated versions of older Nintendo games are available through the eShop and Nintendo Switch Online service, now called "Nintendo Classics." In February 2017, Nintendo said the Switch is powerful enough to emulate games from earlier systems.
The Wii U faced criticism for weak third-party support, leading to a limited game library. Nintendo worked aggressively to attract third-party developers early in the Switch's development. Executives like Takahashi and Koizumi directly contacted companies to gain support. Electronic Arts noted Nintendo's efforts to involve developers in the Switch's creation. Nintendo also supported indie developers starting in 2016, offering tools and assistance to help them create Switch games. They reached out to companies like Chucklefish, Team17, and Devolver Digital. Nintendo curates games for the Switch, using its past portfolio as a guide, and carefully plans releases to maintain a steady stream of new content. Once a game is approved, developers can quickly release updates at no cost. Nintendo offers dev kits for $450, much cheaper than other consoles, making it easier for smaller developers to create games. Many indie games are sold as "Nindies" through the eShop. Nintendo expected at least 60 indie games by 2017 but had over 320 by year's end. Nintendo promotes indie games heavily, helping them reach a global audience and supporting fans in discovering games they might enjoy.
Marketing
Nintendo made a clear effort to explain the Switch's features and purpose to avoid confusion, as happened with the Wii U. The Wii U was meant to be a home console, but unclear messaging led many to think the Wii U GamePad was more like a tablet, which made people overlook other features, such as dual-screen play. Nintendo also believed some people thought the GamePad was an accessory for the older Wii console instead of the main part of a new system. For the Switch, Nintendo focused on clearly showing that it was a home console that could be used anywhere, anytime.
In October 2016, Nintendo released a trailer that showed how the Switch could be used in different ways, helping viewers understand that each use offered unique experiences. Kimishima explained the trailer aimed to show the Switch was for all ages, including both longtime gamers and new players. Many marketing efforts for the Switch highlighted the game Breath of the Wild, which Nick Chavez, a Nintendo marketing executive, said was chosen to attract older fans familiar with the Zelda series and younger players who enjoy modern open-world games.
Nintendo aired its first Super Bowl ad during Super Bowl LI, set to the song "Believer" by Imagine Dragons. The ad showed the Switch's different play modes and games, including Breath of the Wild and upcoming titles. A similar ad for the 20th anniversary of Pokémon was shown during Super Bowl 50, but that ad was produced by The Pokémon Company, not Nintendo. Chavez said the Super Bowl ad was a key opportunity to promote the Switch.
Additional ads followed the Super Bowl spot, targeting different groups, including casual and core gamers. These ads appeared during events like the 2017 NCAA basketball tournament, the 2017 Kids' Choice Awards, and on TV channels like Nickelodeon and Comedy Central. Chavez emphasized that Nintendo's marketing for the Switch was a long-term plan, not just a short campaign.
Nintendo also planned events where people could try the Switch before its release. Kimishima believed it was important for players, especially longtime gamers, to experience the Switch firsthand to understand how it differed from previous systems. The company held many events, including a "guerrilla marketing" program, to give players opportunities to try the console.
In January 2017, Nintendo held special events for press in North America, Europe, and Japan after a Tokyo presentation. The company also demonstrated the Switch at gaming events like PAX South and SXSW. In February 2017, Nintendo launched the "Unexpected Places" campaign, setting up living-room-style spaces in three U.S. locations where fans, including John Cena, could test the Switch.
In June 2018, Nintendo partnered with Disney Channel to create Nintendo Switch Family Showdown, a televised competition where families played games on the Switch. The show aired in August 2018.
Reception
Market analysts had different opinions about the Nintendo Switch announced in October 2016. Some were worried the Switch did not solve the problems that caused poor sales for the Wii U and would only appeal to a small group of people. Others were more hopeful, believing the Switch would work well in Japan, where space for consoles and TVs is limited, and could later succeed in Western markets. Stock analyst John Taylor supported Nintendo’s decision to release the Switch before the holiday season, when competitors like Microsoft and Sony would try to attract casual gamers.
After the January 2017 press conference, which shared the Switch’s price and release date, journalists worried the system was expensive compared to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, even though it had fewer features. They also noted 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 strong console and could sell better than the Wii U. They pointed to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild as a major factor in its success. These analysts also thought the Switch filled a need for players who wanted more complex games than mobile or tablet games but did not want a large, traditional console. Most analysts agreed the Switch’s success would depend on Nintendo’s support and avoiding past marketing mistakes with the Wii U.
Nintendo investors were cautious about the Switch, as its stock price dropped after the announcement but before its release. Analysts thought investors saw the Switch as a risky product and were unsure if it could 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 generally positive about the Switch, calling it a way to connect their handheld and console divisions. However, they had questions about unclear hardware details and how Nintendo would market the system to attract developers. Hideo Kojima, a game developer, compared the Switch to his 2011 idea of "transfarring," which allowed games to move between home and portable platforms. He said the Switch was an evolution of that idea, letting players take games from home to outside. Todd Howard of Bethesda said Nintendo was the only company capable of creating such a product. Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft’s Xbox division, praised Nintendo for creating a product that matched its bold vision.
Retailers were also optimistic about the Switch. GameStop’s CEO said the system was a major change in the market and could grow the gaming audience. Pre-orders were high, with Nintendo reporting nearly all available units were pre-ordered before launch.
The October 2016 reveal trailer became Nintendo of America’s most-watched YouTube video within 24 hours and was the top trending video on YouTube for a day.
When the Switch launched, reviewers praised its potential but were disappointed by the limited number of games available at launch, which did not fully show the console’s capabilities. They also noted early software bugs and hardware issues, such as Bluetooth problems with the Joy-Con (L) controller and scratches on the screen. Nintendo’s leaders said they were investigating these problems. Later, they found the Joy-Con (L) issue was due to a small manufacturing problem that could be fixed with a conductive foam patch. Nintendo also said 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, congratulated Nintendo on the Switch.
Six months after release, Nintendo shared usage data. They found 30% of users played the Switch mostly in handheld or tabletop mode, more than 50% used both TV and handheld modes equally, and the rest preferred TV mode. Nintendo said this showed users played in ways that suited them. They also noted 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 after using a third-party dock made by Nyko. Nyko said the issue might be related to how the Switch handled A/V output, while Nintendo warned users not to use unlicensed docks. A user named Michael Skiathitis filed a lawsuit against Nyko, saying the dock caused problems for buyers. Other users also reported issues with third-party docks made by FastSnail and Insignia.
The Verge gave the Nintendo Switch Lite a score of 8 out of 10, praising its longer battery life and design but criticizing the lack of a TV mode and some game incompatibility. PC Magazine criticized the Switch Lite’s analog sticks for being prone to drifting, similar to the Joy-Con on the original Switch. A game developer named Tyrone Evans Clark said the gaming industry is focusing more on handheld devices and apps on televisions. Jon Porter of 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 handheld system that feels large but comfortable, thinner than the Wii U gamepad but thicker than a tablet.
Legal issues
In August 2017, Gamevice, Inc., a company based in Los Angeles that makes tablet accessories, filed a lawsuit against Nintendo in a U.S. federal court. Gamevice claimed that the design of the Nintendo Switch conflicted with its patent for the Wikipad, a gaming device that includes a tablet and a detachable controller. The lawsuit asked for money from Nintendo’s sales of the Switch and a ban on selling the console. Gamevice dropped the case in October 2017.
In March 2018, Gamevice started 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 lawsuit ended in October 2019, with no violations found. By March 2020, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office reviewed Gamevice’s patents and decided all of its claims were not valid, which supported Nintendo. Gamevice said it would challenge this decision.
While appealing the Patent Office’s ruling, Gamevice filed a third lawsuit against Nintendo in March 2020, based on a new patent it received in August. This patent was for a game controller that wraps around a smartphone. Gamevice tried 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. federal court in Washington state. The lawsuit claimed that Nintendo knew about a defect in the Joy-Con controllers, called "drift," which caused the controllers to register movement without being touched. It also said Nintendo refused to repair the controllers for free. Three days after the lawsuit was filed, a leaked internal memo showed Nintendo employees in North America were instructed 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 drift in the Lite were added. In March 2020, the court agreed to move the case into arbitration, as outlined in the Switch’s user agreement.
In December 2019, Nintendo won an injunction against a distributor of a hacking device made by Team Xecuter, which allowed users to run pirated Switch games. In 2020, Nintendo sued several sellers of Team Xecuter products. In one case, a seller agreed to pay $2 million to settle the lawsuit. In October 2020, members of Team Xecuter were arrested and charged with 11 felony counts by the U.S. Department of Justice. Nintendo then filed a lawsuit against Gary Bowser, one of the arrested members, who faces charges of trafficking and 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 on April 2, 2025, provided more details, including the June 5 release date. Similar to the original Switch, events where people could try the console were held worldwide in the second half of April.
Rumors about a new console began in July 2023, as Nintendo’s development partners reported receiving tools to create games for the new system. Nintendo mentioned a future console, such as continuing to use Nintendo Accounts, but did not confirm details about the new system.
Eurogamer and other sources reported that Nintendo showed features of the new console to developers at Gamescom 2023. In mid-2023, documents from a legal case involving Microsoft revealed that Activision learned about the “Switch NG” (“next generation”) in late 2022, with performance similar to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
Confirmed changes to the Switch 2 include a larger screen, a redesigned kickstand, and Joy-Con 2 controllers that connect through a plug-like slot instead of a sliding rail. The console’s system on a chip, the Nvidia Tegra T239 (codenamed “Drake”), was leaked in 2022 during a ransomware attack. It has an octa-core ARM Cortex-A78C CPU, a 12 SM Ampere GPU, and a 128-bit LPDDR5 RAM interface. Later reports suggested it has 12 GB of LPDDR5X-7500 RAM and 128 GB of UFS 3.1 internal storage. Sharp Corporation stated it began supplying Nintendo LCD screens for the new console in mid-2023, and Omdia estimated these screens would be 8 inches in size. Other reports mentioned the console will support DLSS and ray tracing, with tech demos like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild running at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second, as well as The Matrix Awakens from Unreal Engine 5.
Early rumors suggested the new system would launch in late 2024, with Nintendo working to ensure high production levels. A press release from Altec Lansing in January 2024 claimed the Switch successor would release in September 2024, but later social media posts said this was a guess. An analyst from Kantan Games in January 2024 stated the “pro” model of the Switch would be an upgrade, not a complete change, and likely cost $400, with new games priced at $70. However, by February 2024, sources said Nintendo had delayed the release to early 2025 to ensure enough supply and reduce scalping. Accessories for the new console were shown at the January 2025 Consumer Electronics Show, with reports of a planned April 2025 launch.
The Switch 2 supports most physical and digital Switch games and will continue using the Nintendo Switch Online service. Some Switch games, like Breath of the Wild, may be released in enhanced versions for the new hardware. The console uses magnetic Joy-Con (with a new button on the right controller) and has a redesigned dock. A new Mario Kart game was revealed in the Switch 2’s launch trailer, featuring an art style similar to Super Mario Bros. Wonder and The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
In February 2025, Furukawa, during a company earnings report, stated Nintendo plans to continue supporting the original Switch console after the Switch 2’s release as long as there is demand.