Switch 2 is the “Most Iterative Console Nintendo Has Launched in Some Time” – Industry Veterans

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Studio Virtuos, known for its long-standing presence in the gaming industry and contributions to acclaimed titles such as Cyberpunk 2077, Horizon Zero Dawn, Dark Souls Remastered, and L.A. Noire, has shared their insights on the success of the potential Nintendo Switch 2. In a conversation with WCCFTech, Alex Heise, director of business at Virtuos North America, and Eoin O’Grady, technical director at Black Shamrock, a subsidiary of Virtuos, discussed how anticipation for the Switch 2 was already significant, but the console shattering sales records still took them by surprise.

When inquired about his prediction that the Switch 2 would break records as the fastest-selling console within its initial four days, O’Grady offered insight into his reasoning. He highlighted Nintendo’s dedicated fanbase and the expansion of the handheld gaming market due to systems like the original Switch, the Steam Deck, and the Asus ROG Ally. Essentially, he suggests that gamers seek the convenience of playing top-tier games on portable devices. Furthermore, O’Grady expressed confidence in the Switch 2 overtaking its predecessor’s sales.

According to O’Grady, the remarkable achievement of the Nintendo Switch has set a high bar for the anticipated sales of the Switch 2. Nintendo boasts a vast community of dedicated fans, but it’s not just that – the overall market for handheld gaming is currently expanding. This growth isn’t confined to smartphones; rather, it encompasses devices like the original Switch, the Steam Deck, and other top-tier handheld gaming systems, which have all played a significant role in this expansion.

More and more gamers are seeking high-quality games they can play anywhere, which leads me to believe that the Switch 2 will outperform its original version. This is due to the fact that it’s a Nintendo console, known for its groundbreaking innovations and distinctive gaming experiences, and because it caters to the expanding market of portable gaming — providing indie games, exclusive Nintendo titles, and now even major blockbuster productions.

As a gaming enthusiast, I couldn’t help but be blown away by the incredible success of Nintendo’s Switch 2 during its initial launch. While it’s difficult to predict such phenomenal results, I have to admit that my expectations were sky-high, given Nintendo’s knack for refining and improving their ideas over decades – from the NES all the way to the Super NES. What’s more, the Switch 2 feels like a polished evolution of concepts that were first introduced with the Wii U. It’s fascinating to see how they continue to innovate in the gaming world!

Heise pointed out that the Nintendo Switch 2 stands out as the most innovative console Nintendo has released in a long time, since the shift from NES to SNES. Interestingly, no Nintendo console has ever been named with a “2”, but this time, they opted for a strategic move by enhancing the successful and well-known original Switch with an even more captivating product. The allure of the Switch 2 is instantly apparent to gamers, outshining past console launches like the Wii U in terms of improvements.

Additionally, Heise pointed out that Nintendo demonstrated impressive supply chain management skills in preventing potential sales shortfalls for the Switch 2, as was the case with the initial sales of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, which suffered losses due to stock scarcity resulting from global pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions.

He emphasized that a significant factor behind the successful launch was meticulous supply chain management, ensuring there were enough units to go around. Previous console launches by competitors were hindered by supply shortages, which curtailed sales and left products out of stock for extended periods. On the other hand, Nintendo seemed to have anticipated the high demand for the Switch 2 by securing new partners and fine-tuning manufacturing locations in advance.

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2025-07-04 18:41