As it stands now, the Nintendo Wii is one of the highest selling video game consoles of all time. Since its initial launch in November of 2006, the Wii has sold a little over 100 million units worldwide. Though, in just three short years, the Nintendo Switch has already sold a little over fifty million in worldwide sales, but in other regions of the world, the Nintendo Switch has surpassed the Wii in terms of sales.
The Nintendo Switch has gained quite a bit of traction since its release back in March of 2017. The amount of exclusive games for the system has continued to rise year after year, giving consumers additional reason to purchase the system. Not to mention the recent spike in worldwide sales due to the recent outbreak of COVID-19.
This sudden increase in sales has now caused the Nintendo Switch to surpass the Nintendo Wii in commercial sales within Japan. The Nintendo Switch has now sold 12.8 million units, outselling the Nintendo Wii by about a hundred thousand units. The COVID-19 pandemic has also increased the sales of various Switch exclusive games.
In addition, within the last week alone, the Nintendo Switch has sold over three hundred and ninety thousand units in Japan, likely due again to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this has unfortunately led to a shortage of Nintendo Switch units worldwide. So much so that it has sadly caused a resale spike through sites like eBay.
It is somewhat sad to see the Nintendo Wii dethroned as the highest selling Nintendo console in Japan. Despite its shortcomings, the Wii was a revolutionary console and set the precedent for how motion controls can impact video games as a medium. Not to mention its extensive library with numerous hidden gems and some incredible games. A full seven years after its discontinuation and there are still numerous reasons for gaming enthusiasts to own this console.
As for the Nintendo Switch, it is the perfect system for those currently under quarantine, due to its portable nature. In addition, the Switch offers an incredibly extensive library of games to choose from and with the recent release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, there will be plenty of games for every kind of player to enjoy. It truly is amazing how quickly the Switch was able to surpass the Wii in Japan.
The Nintendo Switch is available now.
Source: GameSpot