Nintendo to Produce Up to 30 Million Nintendo Switch Units in 2018

The Nintendo Switch is off to a good start already. The hybrid console hasn’t even been on the market for a year and it has already moved over 5 million units.

According to a recent Wall Street Journal story, that number is set to increase exponentially in 2018. Nintendo is looking to produce 25-30 million Nintendo Switch consoles next year, with room to grow these numbers to meet additional demand. It’s been a tad difficult to track down the new machine in 2017. Despite a relatively small user-base, the console still built a fantastic library of games.

Hopefully, the console’s second year will be just as strong, seeing the release of new titles, both first and third party. If Nintendo plans on producing nearly 30 million Switches, the company clearly has high expectation for their newest system. The Wall Street Journal reiterated that this plan is still in its early stages, and the console’s performance during the holiday months will greatly influence what steps will be taken moving forward.

Super Mario Odessey, which released in late October, has already sold over 1 million units, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild crossed a similar milestone. Doom launched on the console today, bringing one of 2016’s best shooters to the system, with the legendary Skyrim following closely next week. By all accounts, the Switch is going to be expanding in multiple ways. It has become a great home for indie games and is letting players approach old classics in new ways thanks to its power and portable nature.

The only major first-party Switch title still to come in the year is Xenoblade Chronicles 2, offering players a massive fantasy world to explore during the holiday break. The next few weeks, including Black Friday, will help paint a clearer picture of the console’s position in the market next year.

Stay tuned to The Nerd Stash for more news on the Nintendo Switch as we near the end of the year.

Matthew Herst

Steadfast Nintendo fan who loves to expand his knowledge of the gaming industry. Follow him on Twitter to hear his musings on games and life in general.