Nintendo's strategy for the Switch 2 has been flawed from the very beginning, according to a concerned gamer, with slowing sales in 2026 highlighting what they see as a catalogue of poor planning and missed opportunities.
A Fast Start Falters
While the Switch 2 launched in 2025 to record-breaking sales, becoming the fastest-selling console of all time, that initial excitement has not been sustained. The reader notes that the buzz around the launch felt oddly muted, even among long-term fans, suggesting Nintendo's core appeal may have been lost.
After a strong start with titles like Donkey Kong Bananza, the software pipeline has been criticised. Pokémon Legends: Z-A received only mildly positive reviews, and the long-awaited Metroid Prime 4 was a crushing disappointment for many. The outlook for 2026 is seen as weak, with only Mario Tennis Fever in February and Pokémon Pokopia in March on the immediate horizon—games not considered major system-sellers.
The Problem of Niche Line-ups
The reader argues the issue isn't that the games are too Japanese, but that they are too niche for Western audiences. Beyond the announced titles, upcoming games like Yoshi And The Mysterious Book and a new Fire Emblem are seen as catering to specific fans rather than the mainstream.
I can see the logic in that you had a Zelda and Kirby game for the launch year, the feature states, but I think these games are only likely to put people off the main franchises. The absence of any new mainline Mario or Zelda titles since launch is labelled a massive mistake, especially given the orchestrated success of the original Switch.
Missed Anniversaries and Complacency
Nintendo is accused of staggering complacency for failing to capitalise on major upcoming events. 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda and the 30th anniversary of Pokémon, with a new Super Mario movie also on the way. Yet, there are no announced major game releases to tie into these milestones.
Missing one anniversary is a mistake, missing three super obvious opportunities like this reeks of incompetence or being complacent, the reader writes. They suggest Nintendo is exhibiting Sony-style arrogance, believing minimal effort will suffice after the Switch's success.
The piece concludes that an upcoming Nintendo Direct in February 2026 must unveil a new Mario, a Zelda game, and ideally a new IP to restore confidence. Otherwise, fears about the Switch 2's future will only grow stronger.
