Analysts Predict How Well the Switch Will Perform

Creepy Mario is watching you. He likes to see how well your Switch performs

Analysts can’t agree on how well the Switch will perform. Predictions from firms including IHS, SuperData, DFC and Niko Partners expect anywhere between 4.4 million and 10 million Switches to come out by the end of 2017.

While a number of key games are expected to be played with Switches this year, the line-up remains soft, while many had hoped for a hard and fast schedule. However, Nintendo doesn’t appear keen to pump out releases, which leaves analysts questioning the Switch’s stamina. When it comes to gauging how well the Switch performs, GamesIndustry.biz recommends you “keep an open mind,” something anybody considering inserting their cartridge into a Switch should give serious consideration to.

In 2017, a number of couples are expected to Switch

To summarise the analysts' expectations:

• IHS estimate that just 4.4 million people will have their own Switch by the end of the year. While a slower start than the Wii U, a bigger finish is expected with 30 million in total.
• SuperData is concerned that it will cost a bit too much to play with a Switch and questions the amount of games they’ll be able to play. They expect about 5 million by year’s end.
• DFC expects around 8.3 million Switches will be out in the wild this year; and 40 million in total before people return to a less adventurous lifestyle.
• Niko Partners, however, expect 10 million Switches to get some action this year. It is worth noting, however, that this is less than the number of people who played with their Wii in 2006.

So who knows how many Switches will get turned on and explored during 2017? Not the analysts, clutching at straws, like anywhere between 4.4 and 10 million people will be clutching at their Joy-Cons this year.