Netizens Worry Switch 2 Might Follow Wii U’s Fate?
POWKONGAfter Nintendo officially announced the Nintendo Switch 2, discussions about the console and game prices have dominated online forums. While many fans remain confident that loyal Nintendo supporters will continue backing the new system, some netizens openly express skepticism about its potential to replicate the original Switch’s success.
Many believe the Switch 2’s sales might only reach half of the original Switch’s lifetime numbers, calling that outcome "decent enough." Some attribute the original Switch’s success to the pandemic-era surge in stay-at-home demand, while others fear the Switch 2 could suffer the same fate as the ill-fated Wii U.
Following the Switch 2’s pricing reveal, discussions resurfaced about the Wii U—a console seen as the Switch’s predecessor. The Wii U introduced the GamePad for off-TV play and maintained backward compatibility, capitalizing on the Wii’s massive popularity. However, due to poor third-party support, overreliance on first-party titles, high pricing, and underwhelming hardware, the Wii U was discontinued in under five years, selling just 13.56 million units before being replaced by the Switch.
For the Switch 2, early signs of strong third-party support—including multiple AAA ports at launch—suggest better hardware capabilities and developer confidence. Still, critics argue surpassing the original Switch’s 140-million-plus sales is unrealistic. They cite the Switch’s "artificially boosted" early performance, fueled by ports of underappreciated Wii U games that few players had experienced.
On the flip side, some remain optimistic. They note that the PS5 Pro’s recent announcement and the Xbox Series X/S’s mid-lifecycle status leave a 3–4-year gap before next-gen rivals emerge. This window, they argue, gives the Switch 2 a competitive edge.
Netizens’ predictions remain divided:
- "With the global economy struggling and unemployment rising, non-essential purchases like gaming consoles might face challenges…"
- "Nintendo’s ‘curse’—alternating between hit and flop consoles. Can the Switch 2 break the cycle?"
- "It might sell well, but surpassing the Switch? No way."
- "Regardless of hardware or games, the economic climate could impact everything."
