Did they do the math with the WiiU? What about the GameCube? Did they do the math when the N64’s outdated media, blurry graphics and awkward controls caused them to drop from a dominant position to a distant second overnight? Businesses are run by people, and people can make mistakes.
Yes, the Switch 2 is doing well now off the backs of Nintendo’s cult of fanatics, but while that cult is disturbingly large it’s not enough to sustain a console on its own. Nintendo is also in a unique situation right now since they only have one system for the first time since the '80s. Previously, if their console failed they could fall back on their handheld to keep them afloat, but Nintendo only does handhelds now, having left the console market after the failure of the WiiU. If the Switch 2 falters, they’ve got nothing left.
Finally, there’s the fact that the original Switch benefited from having an effective monopoly on its market during its lifetime. The Vita had already been discontinued when the Switch launched and the Steam Deck was still a fairly niche device for enthusiasts. Now with Valve opening up Steam OS we’re seeing a lot more PC handhelds reaching the market, and there have been rumours of Sony putting out a new portable.
Like most businesses, they’ve done the math.
Whatever PR value they lose is nowhere near the amount of value they think they will retain.
Did they do the math with the WiiU? What about the GameCube? Did they do the math when the N64’s outdated media, blurry graphics and awkward controls caused them to drop from a dominant position to a distant second overnight? Businesses are run by people, and people can make mistakes.
Yes, the Switch 2 is doing well now off the backs of Nintendo’s cult of fanatics, but while that cult is disturbingly large it’s not enough to sustain a console on its own. Nintendo is also in a unique situation right now since they only have one system for the first time since the '80s. Previously, if their console failed they could fall back on their handheld to keep them afloat, but Nintendo only does handhelds now, having left the console market after the failure of the WiiU. If the Switch 2 falters, they’ve got nothing left.
Finally, there’s the fact that the original Switch benefited from having an effective monopoly on its market during its lifetime. The Vita had already been discontinued when the Switch launched and the Steam Deck was still a fairly niche device for enthusiasts. Now with Valve opening up Steam OS we’re seeing a lot more PC handhelds reaching the market, and there have been rumours of Sony putting out a new portable.