Nintendo has once again adjusted its financial projections downward after Switch console and game sales fell short of targets during the crucial holiday period.
The company reported a 31.7% year-over-year decline in console revenue to ¥895.5 billion ($5.7 billion) for the first nine months of fiscal 2024, driven by weaker-than-expected performance from both hardware and software. Mobile and IP-related income also dropped 33.9% to ¥49.7 billion ($320 million), partly due to tough comparisons against last year's successful Mario Bros. movie.
Nintendo's Challenging Transition Period
This marks Nintendo's second consecutive downward revision for its fiscal year ending March 2025. The company now anticipates selling:
- 11 million Switch consoles (down 1.5 million from previous forecast)
- 150 million software units (10 million fewer than prior estimate)
While declining sales are expected for an eight-year-old console, the drop exceeds Nintendo's original projections. The Switch has already surpassed 150 million lifetime sales, putting Nintendo's handheld record (DS at 154 million) within reach, though catching PlayStation 2's 160 million may prove difficult.
Silver Linings in the Report
Recent game releases showed promising performance:
- Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (3.91 million copies)
- Super Mario Party Jamboree (6.17 million)
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (5.38 million additional sales)
The company also revealed encouraging engagement metrics, with 129 million annual active users in 2024 - demonstrating lasting appeal as Nintendo prepares for its next-generation console.
The Switch 2 Factor
Nintendo confirmed plans to release its successor console in 2025, with more details coming during an April showcase. Meanwhile, several major first-party titles remain in development for the current Switch, including:
- Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition (March 20)
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A (2025)
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (2025)
As the gaming community awaits Nintendo's next move, the company continues demonstrating the Switch's remarkable staying power in the market.
