Recent data indicates that the Nintendo Switch achieved a remarkable milestone in 2023 with an unprecedented number of game releases on the popular hybrid handheld console.
According to sales data analyzed by gaming industry experts, the Nintendo Switch experienced a record-breaking year with the launch of 2360 games in 2023, marking a new high for the console. As the hybrid handheld console entered its sixth year, fans held high expectations, and it appears that these expectations were not only met but surpassed. While the Nintendo Switch has had strong years in the past, 2023 is being hailed as potentially its most robust year to date.
The first-party lineup for the Nintendo Switch in 2023 comprised a blend of delightful surprises and eagerly anticipated releases. While The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom emerged as a strong contender for Nintendo’s game of the year (achieving this status for many fans), unexpected titles like Super Mario RPG, Pikmin 4, and Metroid Prime Remastered also captured the audience’s attention. Additionally, the console’s library was further enriched by the inclusion of third-party AAA releases and indie games. Sales analyst Mat Piscatella of the NPD group pointed out that, according to the data, the Switch secured the second spot for the most games released in 2023.
Piscatella shared this information via a tweet on his account, where he discussed the remarkable success of Steam in 2023. The data, sourced from SteamDB and a report by GamesRadar, revealed that a staggering 14,532 titles were launched on the Steam platform. The Nintendo Switch closely followed as the second-highest platform in the United States, with its 2360 releases, showcasing a noteworthy accomplishment despite the significant disparity in numbers compared to Valve’s output in 2023.
Best-Selling 2023 Nintendo Switch Games in Japan
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder
- Pikmin 4
- Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
- Momotaro Dentetsu World
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Kirby’s Return to Dreamland Deluxe
- Dragon Quest Monsters 3: The Dark Prince
- Splatoon 3
- Super Mario RPG
The Nintendo eShop has witnessed some unexpected digital successes on the Switch, such as Suika Game, which managed to surpass Tears of the Kingdom in sales in Japan. This achievement can be attributed to its affordability and the game’s rising popularity facilitated by Japanese streamers playing it online. Other titles ranking among the top five in digital sales include Pikmin 4, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince. A recent Famitsu report highlights that Tears of the Kingdom claimed the top spot for physical game sales in Japan in 2023.
Looking ahead to 2024, Nintendo’s Switch lineup appears robust, featuring highly anticipated first-party releases like a remake of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, a Princess Peach-centered game, and a remake of Mario vs. Donkey Kong. The inclusion of third-party games like Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown and Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy further strengthens the lineup, with both set to launch in January. Although rumors suggest the development of a successor console to the Switch, no official details have been confirmed. Additionally, there are speculations about Nintendo unveiling surprise titles throughout the year. Ultimately, the sustained success of the Switch indicates that Nintendo is likely to maintain strong support for the system in the foreseeable future.
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