Nintendo recently updated its quarterly performance, revealing insights about its future console, likely to follow the Nintendo Switch. This includes a strategy to enhance access to its beloved franchises, contributing to impressive sales figures. The company is also expanding its brand beyond gaming through cinematic ventures, theme parks, and mobile apps, aiming to strengthen its relationship with fans. Notable sales figures include Pokémon and Mario franchises, while merchandising efforts continue to grow globally.
Nintendo’s Future Console and Business Expansion Insights
This Tuesday brought us our regular update on Nintendo’s quarterly performance, but what caught us off guard was the fresh information regarding the upcoming console set to succeed the Nintendo Switch. This news, shared via social media, originates from the Corporate Management Policy Briefing and a public document. In this report, Nintendo revisits the factors contributing to the success of the Switch, especially in light of recent structural changes we discussed in our earlier article. A key focus of the document is the company’s strategy to broaden access to its beloved licenses. Let’s delve deeper into this, as it’s fascinating to observe how Nintendo plans to evolve with the anticipated “Switch 2 / Pro” in the years to come.
One of the standout elements of Nintendo’s success is its iconic characters, which have been featured in numerous game franchises. The continued popularity of these characters has driven impressive sales figures for the Switch, with the numbers as of September 30, 2024, highlighting their impact. While Mario and Pokémon lead the sales charts, other noteworthy franchises have also made significant contributions:
– **3D Super Mario Series (Odyssey, 3D World + Bowser’s Fury):** 42 million copies sold.
– **Mario Kart Series (MK8 Deluxe):** 64.27 million copies sold.
– **2D Super Mario Series (Maker 2, SMBU Deluxe, Super Mario Bros. Wonder):** 41 million copies sold.
– **Mario Party Series (Super Mario Party, Superstars):** 34 million copies sold.
– **Animal Crossing Series (New Horizons):** 46.45 million copies sold.
– **Super Smash Bros. Series (SSBU):** 35.14 million copies sold.
– **The Legend of Zelda Series (Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom):** 53 million copies sold (excluding Link’s Awakening and Echoes of Wisdom).
– **Splatoon Series (Splatoon 2 and 3):** 26 million copies sold.
– **Main Pokémon Series (Let’s Go, Pikachu and Eevee, Sword and Shield, Shining Diamond and Shimmering Pearl, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Scarlet and Violet):** 99 million copies sold.
For certain franchises, such as Pikmin, Kirby, Metroid, and Xenoblade Chronicles, the sales figures only account for physical copies, excluding digital-only games.
Expanding the Nintendo Brand Beyond Gaming
To reach a broader audience, Nintendo has strategically expanded the use of its licenses beyond gaming, starting with cinematic ventures. Last year, audiences enjoyed the fantastic “Super Mario Bros. The Movie,” with a sequel already announced for April 3, 2026, in the U.S. and April 24 in Japan. Additionally, a live-action “The Legend of Zelda” film directed by Wes Ball is in the works, promising to debut before the decade’s end.
Moreover, the Super Nintendo World theme parks are enhancing Nintendo’s brand presence, with the Osaka location opening in 2021 and a Donkey Kong area set to debut this year. Universal Studios Hollywood welcomed visitors in 2023, and an upcoming park in Orlando is scheduled to open on May 22, 2025, followed by plans for a location in Singapore. Fans are hopeful that a European park will eventually come to fruition.
Mobile gaming has also seen substantial growth, with Nintendo’s apps available in 164 countries and over 920 million downloads recorded by September 30, 2024. Notably, while some titles like Dragalia Lost and Dr. Mario World have been discontinued, popular games like Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp continue to thrive.
In addition to digital efforts, Nintendo is focusing on merchandising, with official stores in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and New York, with a new store slated to open in San Francisco in 2025. Temporary pop-up shops have appeared in cities like Seoul and Singapore, with more planned for Paris and Zurich in 2024. The recently opened Nintendo Museum in Kyoto showcases the company’s rich history and legacy.
In summary, Nintendo aims to foster a long-lasting relationship with fans through these initiatives, encouraging them to engage with Nintendo games and create accounts. Since 2015, over 366 million accounts have been registered, including mobile players, indicating a growing community.
If you’re considering adding to your gaming collection, the Nintendo Switch OLED model is currently available on Amazon for €310.49.