The APU (annual playing users) churn has been ongoing since 2024 (img 1 below). Nintendo’s solution isn’t to double down on hardcore fans—which would further shrink the number—but to release updates for Switch 1 games, such as ACNH and Splatoon 3. See the latest Q&A #7 (img 2 below).
![[Q&A A7 screenshot]
Furukawa:
In January, in addition to the free update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons, we released
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Since the update, many consumers,
including those who had taken a break from the game for a while, are now playing Animal
Crossing: New Horizons. There also are consumers who have decided to play the game again,
but this time on Nintendo Switch 2. As a result, we believe we have gotten off to a good start
this year.
It is necessary to regularly release new titles to increase the installed base of new hardware.
In addition, we believe it is very important to maintain touchpoints with consumers who are
active on our gaming systems as the transition from Nintendo Switch to Nintendo Switch 2
unfolds over the next few years.
In that sense, by releasing updates for Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Splatoon 3, which
both saw high sales volumes on Nintendo Switch, we hope to create a flow where, as
consumers continue to play on Nintendo Switch, they will transition to Nintendo Switch 2 when
new titles that catch their attention are released. From this perspective, it is meaningful to
release updates for Nintendo Switch software, which has a large installed base, to maintain
user activity and encourage continued play.](https://ninpatentswatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/qa-fy26q3-7.png)
[Originally posted on 2026-02-04 Pacific Time]
