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Beyond The Switch 2: Nintendo’s Plan To Become More Like Disney
CNBC·2025-06-07 06:00

Nintendo Switch 2 Overview - Nintendo released the Switch 2, succeeding the original Switch, which nearly matched the Nintendo DS in sales [1] - The Switch's success stemmed from merging console and handheld audiences [2] - The Switch reversed Nintendo's fortunes after the Wii U disappointment [2][11] - The Switch 2 takes an iterative approach, capitalizing on the original's success [5] Market Position and Brand - Nintendo's IP, including Mario and Zelda, has the potential to surpass Disney [3] - Nintendo aims to increase consumer touchpoints through movies and theme parks [4][5] - Nintendo is expanding beyond gaming, similar to Disney, with movies and theme parks [24][25] - The Super Mario Bros movie grossed $13 billion globally [27] Pricing and Sales Expectations - The Switch 2 is priced at $450, $150 more than the original Switch [17] - Nintendo expects to sell 15 million Switch 2 units in its first year [31] - Fanboy demand in the US is estimated at $3-4 billion, with projected sales of 18 million units per year [32] Production and Trade - The US market is the most profitable for Nintendo due to the dollar-yen exchange rate, yielding 50% more profit [33] - Tariffs pose a trade uncertainty, but Nintendo may have pre-produced and shipped devices to avoid them [34][35] Online Services - Nintendo aims to expand Nintendo Switch Online penetration, currently lower than PlayStation Plus's 40%+ [22] - Switch Online may be required to play Mario Kart World, potentially generating $60 per year from 50% of Switch owners [23]