With the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal on the imminent horizon, Nintendo finds itself at a critical juncture. Every console launch is a pivotal moment for a company, but that’s especially true for Nintendo. The first Switch proved to be a remarkable rebound from the disastrous Wii U, becoming one of the best-selling video game consoles in history over the last eight years.
Nintendo is undoubtedly facing substantial pressure to maintain this momentum with its next console. While it’s tempting to compare this transition with the move from Wii to Wii U, the company’s current situation more closely resembles its preparations to launch the 3DS, the successor to a hugely successful system.
Fourteen years ago, Nintendo hosted a media event detailing its launch plans for the 3DS. Although the company had unveiled the handheld months prior, it withheld key details, including the system’s release date, price, and launch lineup, until a key event. This reveal hinted at a challenging road ahead for the platform—missteps that Nintendo will want to avoid when it launches the Switch 2.
### Lackluster Launch Lineup
The first sign of trouble for the 3DS was its launch lineup. Although Nintendo announced exciting titles for the 3DS at an earlier event, none were available on day one. Instead, the 3DS hit the market with a few simple built-in applications and minor titles, like Nintendogs + Cats and Pilotwings Resort. Without a standout first-party release, the platform struggled initially to attract an audience.
As unique as the 3DS hardware was, it launched without a compelling “must-have” game to encourage players to upgrade, leading many to delay their purchases. Nintendo is undoubtedly keen to avoid repeating this scenario with the Switch 2.
### Pricing Miscalculations
Another critical misstep was the 3DS’s price. In 2011, the final version of the Nintendo DS lineup was priced at $170, and industry watchers expected the 3DS to retail around $200. However, Nintendo surprised consumers with a launch price of $250, significantly higher than expected.
The system’s defining feature—glasses-free stereoscopic 3D—could not be effectively conveyed without hands-on experience, making it difficult to justify the price. Early launch titles did not showcase the hardware adequately, complicating Nintendo’s efforts to convince consumers.
### Missing Features
The 3DS’s features—or lack thereof—were also concerning. Although the system was set to launch in March 2011, its digital storefront would not be live until June, three months later. While Nintendo had touted the ability to play 3D movies, little information was shared at the press event, giving the impression that the company hurried the handheld to market.
These missteps contributed to a rocky start for the 3DS, prompting Nintendo to slash the price by an astonishing $80 just months after launch. To appease early adopters, the company also provided an “Ambassador Program,” offering free games as compensation.
Despite these early challenges, 3DS sales rebounded, and the entire line sold nearly 76 million units by 2019, although this was just over half of the original DS line’s success. Early missteps can significantly impact a console’s trajectory, and Nintendo is aware of these pitfalls.
Company leadership has emphasized the need for a smooth transition to the Switch 2, leveraging the Nintendo Account system. The new system will also be backwards compatible, ensuring a deep library of games right at launch with major titles still on the way.
Despite facing similar conditions, Nintendo is in a stronger position now than it was during the 3DS launch. Recent statements indicate that the Switch 2 will be viewed as a continuation rather than a fresh start, allowing for a more seamless integration of its online service and digital storefront.
With the Nintendo Switch Online service amassing a rich collection of legacy games over the years, Switch 2 users will have immediate access to a wealth of classic titles.
As time unfolds closer to the Switch 2’s launch, it remains to be seen how it will fare, but early indications suggest that Nintendo is committed to learning from its past.
