A shareholder is concerned that NS2’s pricing may reduce children’s access to it. Per usual, Furukawa gave a non-answer.
Enthusiasts often forget that Switch Lite still exists and may now play a bigger role. In the 4 weeks post NS2 launch, 39% of NS1 sold in Japan were Lites, up from 16% in 2022 (image 1 below). Since the OLED release, Lite’s quarterly sales ratio hovered btw 10-24% (img. 2) and 13-19% moving AVG (img. 3). But now ~40% of NS1 buyers in Japan got a Lite (img. 4). Granted the sample size is small, nonetheless it suggests that Lite’s low cost lends it staying power, attractive to adults buying for children.
Judging from Nintendo’s software roadmap, they’re cognizant of the product-market misfit btw NS2 and children, and have designs to extend Lite’s product lifecycle.
- Tomodachi Life and Rhythm Heaven are planned for 2026. This isn’t just a nostalgia play, but to create a new generation of fans.
- DK Bananza’s kid-friendly co-op mode and GameShare feature may also be a harbinger of similar supports in future titles. (Click here for a deeper dive on the product strategy behind GameShare)
On the hardware front, Nintendo’s patent filings revealed their R&D in a miniaturized game device—possibly a Switch Micro that can play NS1 games and be tethered to NS2 via GameShare. See these patents here.
[Originally posted on 2025-07-04 Pacific Time]
