The Nintendo Switch is definitely a big deal, especially following the Wii U, and according to Reggie Fils-Aime, it was a make or break product for the company. Being the former Nintendo of North America president, he should know.
In 2021, it’s hard to imagine anyone at Nintendo ever worrying about the future, but cast your mind back a few years and after the disaster that was the Wii U it was a real possibility. Personally, I did enjoy the Wii U and the great games it offered, but compared to Nintendo’s previous console, the Wii, the sales were catastrophic.
Speaking at the New York Gaming awards Reggie Fils-Aime talked about how the Wii U was one of the worst-performing consoles in Nintendo history (nothing can compare to the Virtual Boy), one that “underperformed pretty radically in the marketplace.” He also stated that following on from this the Switch is one of his proudest achievements during his time with Nintendo.
Regarding just how important the Switch has been to Nintendo, he had this to say:
When your only business is video games that next had to be successful and the Switch continues to be a dynamic platform – selling exceptionally well. Along with so many of the other things I was part of, but the Switch really was a make or break product for the company and luckily it was a hit.”
It’s mad to think that such a well-loved company could have been in trouble, even if the Wii U underperformed badly. Although sometimes, it’s these failures that can lead to huge success. The Nintendo Switch is probably my favorite console at the moment and my second favorite Nintendo product after the Game Boy. Thankfully, the future is bright and disaster was averted. Let us know your favorite console from the Japanese giants, and how much you love the Switch in the comments below.
