One year ago, Nintendo unveiled its riskiest gamble yet to revitalize its console business. The Switch, a handheld tablet-console hybrid, could have been another gimmicky device, at a time when a big hardware flop would have translated to a unmitigated disaster. Instead, after nine months on the market, the Switch has been a huge success story, and Nintendo is once again at the forefront of the gaming conversation. Here’s how the company pulled it off.
Host: Nick Statt
Director/Editor: Felicia Shivakumar
Camera: Tyler Pina
Sound Design: Andrew Marino
Director of Audience Development: Ruben Salvadori
Social Media Manager: Mariya Abdulkaf
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Wade Samford
The host continually mentions limited supply, but every place I went this past week had plenty of them. I purchased mine at GaneStop. Initially they only had the grey version, but two days later got a shipment of the blue / oranges. I wonder if this ‘limited supply’ narrative is artificial or incorrect.
Based Kaneki
I went to target to get mine and they had 30 of each color
inSein
they have orange ones?
J M
Wade Samford drove 3hours and flew 1.5hours for mine. No joke.
MootNub
There are 3 stores around me that sell the Switch: Wal-Mart, EB Games and Shoppers Drug Mart. I wasn’t able to get one until the end of September because they were just out of stock constantly. When I was able to find one it was the last one.
Thanus Hehehe
Now animal crossing is released it is out of stock everywhere
XDPLUS NG
Just got my switch😀
Hugo Stiglitz
Me too!!! I love it.
Who am I?
XDPLUS NG I want it 🙂
Vanessa Morales
I’m getting a switch in the summer which is 9 weeks and I’m really excited 😃😃😃😃
RhythmGrizz
Congratulations! Enjoy!
cool braze 77
In my country it’s worth 400 dollars
Johnathan Hernandez
I agree! Nintendo has been killing it with the Switch. The home console game experience that can be brought with you on the go is a simple yet important concept that appeals to gamers like me who grew up in gaming but have become busy over the years with adulting. With home console gaming not really changing much over the years (controller, console, game, more graphics, repeat) it’s refreshing to see Nintendo tap into something new for home console gaming that portable handheld game systems (and smartphones for that matter) can only dream of.
Jinsei Cast
randomguy8196 Yeah, it sounds nice, but the console itself has the power of a tablet. Not, at least not of the current, home consoles.
Erik Bueno
randomguy8196 portable zelda and mario is bs? Tf?
And people are exaggerating over doom. It isn’t that much of a hassle as people make it seem like. Though I will admit that it is less powerful and it is noticeable. However, it never becomes unplayable.
randomguy8196
Er Bueno depends on you definition of unplayable. Harder difficulties of Doom had slow downs in the Switch due to enemy numbers ..,
Erik Bueno
randomguy8196 if it were unplayable, it would not have been released…
randomguy8196
Er Bueno LOL. Oh sweet summer child.
Retro Dodo
1:47 – What aeroplane has that much space? I’m flying with the wrong guys! 😂
Ozzan
Brandon Salt ”
Vanessa Morales
Airplane aeroplane hmmmm🧐
Ben Payne-Hunt
Aeroplane is used in the UK, South Africa and Australia. It’s only the US and Canada that use airplane.
Emilio Torres
Etihad
Chigga Moment 4000
*Turbulence*
Screen: no pls
Donald
Im just happy Nintendo is doing great again.
RhythmGrizz
Me too
GameDjeenie
All you need is Switch + PC. No need for the two underpowered wannabe PC. It’s wasted money at this point.
Everything i say is a fact
@GameDjeenie well i was saying that too but Marvel’s Spiderman came, and the last of us 2 will come too
YoUr OpInIoN dOeSn'T mAtTeR
They’re still not doing good. They have not made a good console since the GameCube. The Wii was kiddy and gimmicky, the Wii U speaks for itself, the Switch has no games. Just shoddy ports, painfully average new titles, and for most people, it became a Smash Bros machine once it came out.
Unknown_Gamer 17
Gotta say, the Wii U era was a… weird one…
Romoló Potassio
I will always think that the switch is what the wii u was supossed to be, they just didn’t have the technology to make it happen
Logic
They could have made it back then just not at a reasonable price.
pINKprotege
You can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs. I’m just happy Nintendo survived long enough for the omelet to happen…
Chris Stephenson
Satoru Iwata would have been so proud and happy if he got to witness Nintendo in the past 3 years.
Fire Angel Z
At least my WiiU didn’t give me constant problems like the Switch did.
Fire Angel Z
@Youtube Channel nope. It’s crappy.
Kevin Ramirez
Nintendo Switch Games available now:
The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild
Fast RMX
Snipperclips
Shovel Knight
Super Bomberman R
Blaster Master Zero
Mario Mart 8 Deluxe
Puyo Puyo Tetris
Disgaea 5 Complete
Ultra Street Fighter 2
ARMS
Splatoon 2
Fate/Extella: The Umbral Star
Sonic Mania
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
NBA Playgrounds
Azure Striker Gunvolt Striker Pack
Rayman Legends Definitive Edition
Pokken Tournament DX
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2
NBA 2K18
Golf Story
Stardew Valley
Nights of Azure 2
Fire Emblem Warriors
Super Mario Odyssey
DOOM
L.A. Noire
Rocket League
The Elders Scrolls 5 Skyrim Remastered Special Edition
Resident Evil Revelations 1 and 2
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Brawlout
Tiny Metal
Upcoming Nintendo Switch Games/Titles:
Bayonetta 1+2
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle
Shin Megami Tensei 5
Project Octopath Traveler (Demo out now)
Valkyria Chronicles 4
Bayonetta 3
Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection
PayDay 2
Mega Man Legacy Collection
Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 Plus
Fear Effect Sedna
Seasons of Heaven
Attack on Titan 2
Mega Man Legacy Collection 2
Blossom Tales: The Sleeping King
Arena of Valor
Crazy Justice
Dragon Marked for Death
Senran Kagura
Dragon Quest 11 (Nintendo should publish it)
WarGroove
Blade Strangers
Shakedown Hawaii
Metroid Prime 4
Super Smash Bros
Kirby Star Allies
Wolfenstein 2 The New Colossus
Yoshi 2018
Mega Man 11
Fire Emblem 2018
Pokemon
No More Heroes: Travis Strikes Again
Bloodstained Ritual of the Night
Games we would love to see on Nintendo Switch:
Kingdom Hearts 3
Final Fantasy 7 Remake
Resident Evil 2 Remake
Soul Calibur 6
Final Fantasy X-X2 HD Remaster
Kingdom Hearts HD Remix Collections
Mega Man Zero HD Collection
Dragon Ball Fighter Z
Nintendo dominated 2017 in the biggest way ever and it’s their greatest comeback/redemption. Quality over quantity! The marketing/advertising of the Nintendo Switch and all the games is so much better. It feels much like how Nintendo marketed/advertised their other systems like NES, SNES, N64, Gamecube, Game Boy Advance, etc back in the day. But, we still have 2018 and more coming from Nintendo, their developers, and from 3rd parties for the Nintendo Switch. From new Nintendo Directs (The rumored one in January), E3 2018, etc. The Nintendo Switch being a “Home Console Hybrid” is what everyone needs to buy. Playing home console level games from the TV (Traditionally) and on-the-go in Handheld Mode is perfect. Especially if/when you want to local and online multiplayer games. We all need to let other developers know that we want to see their new games come to the Switch.
Mario
Kevin Ramirez thank you
Nintendex
This comment deserves more likes
Boiled Frog
Kevin Ramirez no gta online =no games
Alex Dxdbnt
Honesty love the switch, mostly cuz i got addicted to the Mario Odyssey
Jorgey Porgey
mrbee1551 Wii U is officially dead. Get over it.
Fire Blades
it isn’t dead until all functions of the system shut down, you idiot.
Stupid plush productions
May I please have your swi- oh never mind.
Chris Stephenson
Odyssey is nintendo magic.
DeMarcus
I’ve been playing on the Nintendo 3ds for YEARS but ever since I got my Nintendo switch I’ve been on it CONSTANTLY like I’m addicted like I don’t spend an hour off it it’s so good
Micah
Who wants portal 2 on the switch
Jackimo
Team Fortress 2
True Roman
I could beat it 1,000 times and still want it… @Audry Mendoza
bababear
@Audry Mendoza why not wanna have it on the go?
traps r nut gai
I WANT EVERYTHING ON THE SWITCH
Chris Stephenson
I want wind mother freakin’ waker.
SekaiDesu
Not the most powerful but innovative indeed
Lain
Well it *is* powerful. The Tegra is the strongest chipset ever used in a mobile device. The phones that are stronger than the Switch only have access to more power because they have better battery life.
Solaxe S
there’s nothing innovative about it, it’s just a portable console
Tony K
Solaxe S It’s really innovative and has never been seen before. Detachable controller, can be used has a home and portable console, use the detachable controllers as separate controllers, yeah it’s pretty innovative.
Fabian Georgeanu
Vanildoge The PC gamer The Nintendo Switch is the most powerful handheld device. It’s a lot more powerful than smartphones and it is a lot more powerful than a Xbox 360 and Ps3. That’s amazing for such a small device which you can take anywhere.
YourAverageToenail
The switch is surprisingly quite powerful actually…
Mdog5
I’m now a Nintendo Switch and PS4 gamer. I just get PS4 for call of duty by Switch is better
Manny G
I bought the switch after a friend at work wouldn’t stop talking about how awesome it is. Took the plunge and GLAD I did it’s FANTASTIC. It sounds kinda weak on paper but TOTALLY surprised me in the clever design and instant play and put down ability. BRAVO NINTENDO
lelyline74
I bought the wii-u in its last days with every best game they had. I tell you i had more fun on it then i had with my ps4 or xbox on. If you sold it halfway i understand, but at the end it did not feel as a dissapointment. Ashame the project failed on the ever demanding specs.
I sold it too, because there was nothing on it anymore, but not because i did not enjoyed the wii-u.
lelyline74
You cannot compare te switch with the wii-u.
This system is open for any 3th party developer, with no seal of quality borders, and friendly for indie developers, unlike microsoft. And also its a state of the art handheld system with graphics almost compared to the xbox one, you wont find that.
Nintendo is like apple, and this generation they have learned from their mistakes, youll see
Spearra
Tidal Yacht those lootboxe practices say otherwise
Aziz Aja
Tidal Yacht you should look at the sales report
Chris Stephenson
Everyone must play botw. That game alone is worth buying the switch for.
Master Knife
And yet more adults own the Switch than kids and teenagers. I guess kids still think Nintendo is for 5 year olds
pittim
Because Nintendo profits on nostalgia.
Wak Pijor
pittim Wii U would not failed according to your logic
Styxx
@Master Knife Sir, borderlands is rated M too.
SznMally
Sadly…. Guess I’m the only teen my age that has one.
Thanus Hehehe
Master Knife GTA 5 seems good when people talk about it but it was one of the worst games I have ever played
Marfor (Son Of Lucifer)
“it’s still pretty hard to get your hands on one.”
(Here’s my story.)
**Walk into GAME**
“Do you have any Nintendo Switch consoles in stock?”
“Yeah, brand new or second hand?”
“I’ll take a new one.”
**Walk out of GAME several seconds later with a Switch**
Super Chris
I don’t know what its like after the Holiday Season, but running up to it it has been well stocked in my area.
Don Lim
Hahaha, my country have switch selling every but too expensive ~$420 USD….
Fire Blades
$420 usd?
it should be $300 usd :/
Misty Peaks
In my area the Switch was sold out. So I literally drove all the way to OKC and they had a TON of Switches. I just bought my Neon Switch and was fine.
PanDorA
(Here’s my story.)
**Nintendo Switch doesn’t exist in my country**
Tsynami
Switch: A hybrid console
PS4: A stronger PS3
Xbox one: A PC that can’t play PC games
CalasTyphon
Vendetta162X someone’s a bit bias
dNsROBLOX
Soulja boy: best console ever.
SUI LAT
👍👍👍👍
RockinRay3305
Mobile: A wannabe console but underpowered
RhythmGrizz
Best comment
AKA Izzy
Quickly becoming my favorite console of all time… Haven’t touched my other consoles since March 3rd, no lie.
NerdyNooki
And you call yourself a gamer.
…or maybe not…honestly same here😂 I love my consoles but the Switch is new, j wanna get the feel for it bore I go back
Ram Rosales
Jeremy Smith it’s because you don’t own a PC, ps4 and xbox
Dirty Asian Mafia
Ram Rosales wtf kinda response was that lol
PLAYwithGregg
Same
unkono
Hopefully it won’t have a load of shovelware like the wii did.
Jack Thomas
People talk about the Switch only being successful because of Zelda and Mario and nostalgia (obviously while two games that have sold in the millions are ARMS and Splatoon 2 and hopefully Xenoblade 2 bc the game is fire), but don’t really understand it’s greatness as a console in itself. These are the innovative things it does:
1. First handheld that can support 2-4 player local multiplayer (one system)
2. An HD dedicated handheld that supports a pro controller
3. Most convenient system ever made with it’s speed and versatility
4. You can bring your home console anywhere as long as there’s a dock – bring it to a friend’s house and play on the TV (effortlessly) or have multiple docks in a home for all your TVs
5. You have the option to never stop playing home console games regardless of where you are
6. The joycons are wii remotes on steroids (gyroscopes, HD rumble, 1:1 motion controls)
7. Don’t need your hands connected to play
8. You can play triple As on the toilet
It’s not an upgraded Wii U. They could’ve made a handheld without detachable controllers without the same convenience or versatility. It’s not a low-setting laptop gaming device – It has several exclusives already and it’s the best place to play indie games. It’s the best place for local multiplayer. Competitive games are made better because you can practice anywhere. Think of how easy it’ll be to host tournaments. Docks with projectors maybe soon (there’s a company making them).
This system is INNOVATIVE, c’mon people.
David Vila
And now it runs the complete collection of Bioshock and also Borderlands which is so impressive. Imagine what’s coming next. Switch is the best portable ever to date.
Jar Jar Binks
The switch was the worst console out of all the consoles that came out in 2017
Thanus Hehehe
Jar Jar Binks The xbox one X is worse than the Nintendo Switch because features are more important than specs
Cargo
Now Nintendo just needs to stop being backwards on the rest of all things…
Tom Diepeveen
If anyone would ask me to choose between my ps4 and my switch I’d take the switch over the ps4 anyday same counts for my brother. The switch has the local multiplayer what most people miss about systems like ps4 and xbox.. Nintendo will always run the local mulitplayer and coop business. But now they made the ultimate hybrid for single and multiplayer for home and on the way.. I think nintendo found a real gap in the gaming market and filled it with the switch and nobody is around to compete with them.. This is an total win.
Smoke Gaming Channel
Tom Diepeveen and u can actually play outside
Smoke Gaming Channel
Tom Diepeveen handheld divison and home console divison from nintendo merge to make switch the best console ever better watch out switch sold 23 million in 1 year and 8 months
Denis N
@jda 123 na
Lorx San
Ram Rosales I grew up with Nintendo and I like The portability it’s my opinion as well. We are all gamers so many people are salty tho
Pickle Rick
I have PS4 and switch… Both great consoles
Joseph Garfield
The impact of the switch is going to be huge. Hardware developers will go where the money is. Expect more hybrids, cartridges, smaller systems, split controllers. It’s the wii all over again. Will it last? Well have to see.