Nintendo Switch 2 Launch vs. Original Nintendo Switch: Comparing the First-Year Lineups and Success

Nintendo has cemented its reputation as an industry leader with innovative hardware and unforgettable gaming experiences.

The release of the Nintendo Switch in March 2017 marked a turnaround for the company, following the underperformance of the Wii U.

Now, the subsequent launch of Nintendo Switch 2 in June 2024 builds on this legacy, prompting a direct comparison between the original Nintendo Switch and its successor’s launch year performance.

The Launch of the Original Nintendo Switch The original Nintendo Switch debuted at a critical moment in Nintendo's history.

After the Wii U's commercial struggles—selling fewer than 14 million units lifetime—expectations were high for Nintendo to deliver a platform that would restore its dominance.

The Switch’s hybrid design, allowing seamless transitions between handheld and docked play, captured gamers’ imaginations worldwide. A significant factor in the Switch’s early success was its lineup of launch titles.

While the system launched with games like 1-2 Switch, Snipperclips, Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove, Super Bomberman R, I Am Setsuna, and Fast RMX, the centerpiece was The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

The game’s open-world design and innovative physics engine set new standards for the franchise, earning widespread acclaim and securing the Game of the Year award at The Game Awards 2017.

Its viral presence online and massive player engagement made it one of Nintendo’s most celebrated titles. The Switch’s momentum continued throughout 2017 with releases such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 2, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, and Super Mario Odyssey.

According to Nintendo, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe went on to become one of the platform’s all-time best-sellers.

Super Mario Odyssey, offering a return to sandbox platforming, was similarly lauded and is consistently ranked among the greatest 3D platformers by critics and fans alike.

The diverse lineup ensured the Switch’s strong commercial performance, ultimately making it Nintendo’s best-selling console to date. Nintendo Switch 2: A New Era in Gaming Nintendo Switch 2 launched in June 2024 and quickly found its footing, surpassing six million units sold in its debut months.

Unlike the transition from Wii U to Switch, the Switch 2 benefited from the enormous install base of its predecessor and introduced backwards compatibility—a feature enhancing the new hardware’s library from day one. Unique to the Switch 2 launch are exclusive titles like Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and Kirby Air Riders.

The console also introduced enhanced ports of beloved Switch titles including Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, and Super Mario Party Jamboree.

Furthermore, notable games such as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokemon Legends: Z-A are launching on both platforms, with the Switch 2 versions offering improved performance.

Mario Kart World played a pivotal role in the Switch 2’s early adoption rates, achieving strong sales despite differences in course variety compared to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

Donkey Kong Bananza, which arrived in July, has been widely praised as a standout 3D platformer, marking a triumphant return for the franchise. In an official statement, Nintendo emphasized its commitment to delivering strong first-party software support and capitalizing on player demand for upgraded versions of critically acclaimed games.

This strategic approach has been key to Switch 2’s positive reception. Looking Ahead By the end of its launch year, the original Nintendo Switch offered a remarkably robust lineup: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Mario Odyssey, Splatoon 2, and Xenoblade Chronicles 2.

Nintendo Switch 2, while delivering exciting exclusives and upgrades, faces the challenge of matching the impact of its predecessor’s first-year library.

Upcoming 2025 releases including Pokemon Legends: Z-A, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Kirby Air Riders, and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, signal continued support and expansion for the Switch 2 ecosystem. Overall, both the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 exemplify Nintendo’s ability to innovate and adapt to the evolving gaming landscape.

The Switch 2’s focus on exclusive releases, backwards compatibility, and enhanced classics positions it for ongoing success, while gamers and industry insiders alike watch with anticipation for what’s next.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch 2 Switch Success console The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Mario Kart World Donkey Kong Bananza Kirby Air Riders Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Pokemon Legends: Z-A Super Mario Odyssey Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Splatoon 2 Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Kirby and the Forgotten Land Super Mario Party Jamboree Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Link’s Awakening Super Bomberman R Snipperclips Just Dance 2017 1-2 Switch I Am Setsuna Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove Paper Mario: Color Splash Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash