Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch is a video game console made by Nintendo. It came out on March 3, 2017, and was designed to work both at home and on the go. Unlike most consoles, the Switch can be used in different ways. You can dock it like a regular home console, or fold it up and carry it anywhere to play games wherever you want.

The Switch looks like a tablet and has special controllers called Joy-Con that can be used together or separately. These controllers have buttons, sticks you move with your fingers, and can sense motion. Games for the Switch come in special cartridges you put into the console or can be downloaded online through the Nintendo eShop. The Switch works well with many games from different companies, big and small.

The Switch was created after Nintendo faced challenges with its earlier console, the Wii U, and wanted to reach more players. It became very popular, with over 155 million units sold by the end of 2025, making it one of the best-selling consoles ever. A new version, the Nintendo Switch 2, was released on June 5, 2025, and can play most games from the original Switch.

History

Background

Nintendo had big successes with the Nintendo DS and Wii, but later faced financial difficulties, especially after the poor reception of the Wii U. The company needed new strategies to stay strong, including exploring mobile gaming and creating new hardware.

Development

The idea for the Nintendo Switch began after the Wii U was released in 2012. Nintendo wanted to create a console that could be used both at home and on the go, offering a new way to play games. The design focused on being easy to carry and having controllers that could be used separately. This approach aimed to appeal to both Japanese and Western players, with games that could be enjoyed alone or with friends.

Announcements

News about the Switch first appeared in 2015, with the console initially called "NX." In 2016, Nintendo announced the official name, Nintendo Switch, and showed how it could switch between portable and home console modes. Details about the console’s features and launch date were shared in early 2017.

Launch

The Nintendo Switch was released worldwide on March 3, 2017. It came with the console, controllers, a dock, and other accessories. Different bundles were available, and the console was launched in various countries over the following years.

Post-launch and special editions

Since its launch, Nintendo has released special edition Switch models and bundles to celebrate popular games and events. The Switch Lite, a more portable version, was introduced in 2019 in several colors and special designs. Despite challenges like changes in tariffs, the Switch continues to be a popular console.

Hardware

The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid video game console that includes a console unit, a dock, and two Joy-Con controllers. Nintendo describes it as "a home console that you can take with you on the go." It replaced the Wii U and works as both a home and handheld console. The Wii U stopped being made before the Switch came out in 2017, but the 3DS continued until 2020 as a simpler option for younger players.

Back of a Nintendo Switch (without controllers), showing the kickstand, MicroSD slot and charging port. The Joy-Con slotting mechanism is visible on the short side.

The main part of the Nintendo Switch is a tablet with a 6.2-inch touchscreen. It has buttons, analog sticks for moving, and special technology for different kinds of input. The Switch can be used in three ways: on a TV when docked, on a table with the kickstand up, or as a portable device you carry with you. Switching between these modes is easy—just dock or undock the console, adjust the stand, and attach or detach the Joy-Con controllers.

The Switch has two controllers called Joy-Con that can be used together or separately for different games. They can also be attached to special grips to form a traditional controller shape. The console supports up to eight Joy-Con at the same time. There are also other controllers like the Pro Controller and accessories such as a Joy-Con Wheel for racing games.

Technical specifications of Nintendo Switch
System-on-chip	Name		Nvidia Tegra X1
System-on-chip	Process		20 nm
CPU	Type		Quad-core ARM Cortex-A57
	ISA		ARMv8-A
	Clock rate		1.02–1.785 GHz
	Cache	L1	48 kB + 32 kB per core
	Cache	L2	2 MB
GPU	Type		Nvidia GM20B Maxwell-based
	Clock rate		307.2–768 MHz
	Stream processors		256 (157–393 GFLOPS)
	TMUs		16 (4.9–12.3 GTexel/s)
	ROPs		16 (4.9–12.3 GPixel/s)
	Compute units		2
Memory	Total		4 GB LPDDR4 SDRAM
	Clock rate		1331.2–1600 MHz
	Bandwidth		21.3–25.6 GB/s
Storage	Main	Type	eMMC NAND flash memory
	Main	Capacity	Base: 32 GB OLED: 64 GB
	Removable	Type	microSD
	Removable	Capacity	Up to 2 TB
Media	Type		Nintendo Switch game card
Media	Capacity		1–32 GB
Display	Main	Type	Base: LCD screen OLED: OLED screen
		Size (diagonal)	Base: 6.2-inch Lite: 5.5-inch OLED: 7-inch
		Resolution	Base: 720p (237 ppi) Lite: 720p (267 ppi) OLED: 720p (210 ppi)
	External	Interface	Base: HDMI 1.4b OLED: HDMI 2.0
	External	Resolution	1080p, 720p or 480p

Software

The Nintendo Switch runs a special operating system called Horizon. Its screen shows tiles for games you can play, whether they are on a game card or saved inside the console. You can quickly see news from Nintendo, shop for games, and look at pictures you took while playing.

Each person who uses the Switch can have their own profile, linked to a Nintendo Account. At first, you could choose a picture to represent yourself or create a Mii character. Later updates let players earn points by doing certain tasks, which can be used to get special icons for their games.

Before a big update in 2017, some players found a hidden way to play an old Nintendo game called Golf. This was thought to be a special tribute to a former Nintendo leader. The hidden game disappeared after the update.

Linking a profile to a Nintendo Account lets you play online and buy or download games. You can add friends using special codes, find them nearby, or connect through mobile apps like Mario Kart Tour and Super Mario Run.

To play online with others in most games, you need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. This gives you access to classic games from older Nintendo systems, saves your game progress online, and more. There is also a premium tier that adds even more classic games and extra content for popular titles.

The Switch does not have built-in apps for watching videos or browsing the web, unlike some other consoles. However, many video services like Hulu and Funimation have made apps for the Switch. A YouTube app became available in 2018, and Twitch launched an app in 2021, though it was discontinued in 2024.

Games

Distribution

Games for the Nintendo Switch can be bought from stores or downloaded from the Nintendo eShop. Physical games come on special cards, similar to older Nintendo game cards but smaller. These cards are coated to prevent children from swallowing them.

At launch, games cost about $60, like games for other consoles. Some games cost more because of the special cards. The Switch can also play games from the internet using cloud gaming.

The Switch can play games from any country, except for Chinese games, which need special consoles. It does not use DVDs, so it cannot play games from older Nintendo consoles.

Third-party support

Nintendo worked hard to get support from other game makers for the Switch. They talked to big companies and helped smaller developers. This helped bring many games to the Switch.

Library

Main article: List of Nintendo Switch games

The Switch launched with several games, including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Nintendo planned to release games regularly to keep players interested.

Virtual game cartridges

In a Nintendo Direct livestream at the end of March 2025, Nintendo announced that the Switch consoles — including the original Switch and its successor – will support Virtual Game Cards. With this feature, users own a physical key, thereby gaining the right to activate the digitally encrypted software and transfer games between consoles. Virtual Game Cards can also be loaned to other users within a Nintendo Switch Online Family account for two weeks, after which they automatically return to their original owner. The feature was activated via a system update on April 29, 2025.

Marketing

Nintendo wanted to make sure everyone understood what the Switch could do, unlike with the Wii U. They showed how the Switch could be used in different ways, so people knew it was a home console they could also take with them.

The company used many ways to share the Switch with people. They had special events where people could try the Switch and even showed it on TV during big events like the Super Bowl. They also worked with Disney to create a fun game show for families to enjoy on the Switch.

Reception

Pre-release

When the Nintendo Switch was first announced in October 2016, people had mixed feelings. Some worried that the Switch might not fix the problems that made the Wii U not very popular. Others thought it would work well, especially in Japan where space for consoles is limited. Some analysts liked that Nintendo planned to release the Switch before the holiday season, when many people shop for games.

After the January 2017 news about the Switch’s price and release date, some journalists thought the price was high compared to other consoles. But others believed the Switch was strong enough to sell better than the Wii U. Most agreed that the Switch’s success would depend on Nintendo’s support and avoiding mistakes they made with the Wii U.

Investors at Nintendo were nervous, and the company’s stock price dropped before the Switch came out. Some analysts thought the Switch was risky and might not attract many new customers. But game developers liked the Switch, seeing it as a good mix between handheld and home consoles. Famous developers such as Hideo Kojima and Todd Howard praised the idea and design of the Switch. Stores like GameStop were excited, saying the Switch could change the market and bring in more gamers. Pre-orders were very high, showing lots of interest before the launch. The trailer for the Switch became very popular on YouTube right after it was shown.

Release

When the Switch was released, reviewers liked its potential but felt there weren’t enough games to show what it could really do. They also noted some problems with the system’s software and some hardware issues, like the screen getting scratched easily. Nintendo worked to fix some of these problems after the release.

About six months after launching, Nintendo shared how people were using the Switch. They found that many users preferred to play it in handheld or tabletop mode, while others liked to use it in both ways. Nintendo said this showed that people were playing the way they liked best.

After updating the system, some users found their Switches stopped working when used with certain third-party docks. Nintendo advised against using unlicensed docks, and some companies made docks that caused problems for the Switch.

Reviewers such as The Verge and PC Magazine talked about the Switch Lite, praising its battery life and design but noting some issues like drifting analog sticks. Overall, the Switch was seen as a unique and comfortable device to use, fitting well in many situations.

Sales

The Switch’s sales were closely tied to popular first-party games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Super Mario Odyssey. These games helped the Switch sell very well.

Initial launch

When the Switch launched, it sold very quickly. In Japan, it sold over 330,000 units in the first weekend, matching the PlayStation 4’s early sales. In its first month, over 2.74 million Switches were sold worldwide, which was more than Nintendo expected. Stores like GameStop and Best Buy saw big increases in sales because of the Switch. Japan’s console market grew for the first time in years thanks to the Switch.

Nintendo had to make more Switches and even used faster shipping methods to meet demand. They aimed to sell 10 million Switches in its first year and catch up to the Wii’s sales over time.

The Switch kept selling well throughout its first year. By the end of 2017, it had sold over 10 million units worldwide, reaching its goal early. It became the fastest-selling console in many countries, including Japan, the United States, France, and Canada. By February 2026, the Nintendo Switch had sold over 155 million units, making it Nintendo’s best-selling console ever.

Lifetime units shipped

By June 30, 2025, Nintendo had shipped 153.10 million Switch units. This includes the original Switch, the Switch Lite, and the Switch OLED. The Switch is now Nintendo’s best-selling home console and ranks third among all game consoles, behind the Nintendo DS and the PlayStation 2.

Software sales

As of December 2025, the Switch had sold just over 1.5 billion games. Popular titles include The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Super Mario Odyssey.

Financial impact

The Switch helped Nintendo’s business grow again. The company’s stock price went up, and it made strong profits in the years following the Switch’s release. New games for the Switch, like Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, helped increase sales and profits. Nintendo’s success with the Switch also led to partnerships, like one with Tencent to bring games to the Switch in China. Overall, the Switch brought Nintendo back to strong financial health.

Legal issues

In 2017, a company called Gamevice claimed that Nintendo’s Switch design was too similar to their own tablet gaming device. They asked a court to stop Nintendo from selling the Switch, but later dropped their case.

In 2019, some people said Nintendo’s Switch controllers had a problem where they moved on their own. Nintendo later agreed to fix these controllers for free.

Nintendo also took action against people who made tools to copy games, asking courts to stop them.

Successor

The Nintendo Switch 2 was shown to the public on January 16, 2025, and came out on June 5, 2025. During a Nintendo Direct on April 2, 2025, more details were shared, confirming its release for June 5 that same year. The Switch 2 will have a bigger screen, a new stand, and Joy-Con 2 controllers that connect using a special slot instead of sliding into place like the original Joy-Con. It can still play most games from the original Switch, both from physical copies and digital downloads, and will keep the Nintendo Switch Online service. Some games, like Breath of the Wild, will have special "Switch 2 Editions" that use the new hardware’s features. The Joy-Con controllers also now attach using magnets, and the dock looks different. Nintendo said they will keep making and selling the original Switch as long as people want it, even after the Switch 2 arrives.