Akihabara News — In 2024, Nintendo not only maintained but solidified its position as a titan in the video game industry, with its iconic character Mario leading the charge. The year was marked by impressive sales figures, strategic game releases, and a robust performance of the Nintendo Switch, demonstrating the company’s enduring appeal and innovation.
The Nintendo Switch, now several years into its lifecycle, continued to sell exceptionally well, with reports indicating that it had surpassed 146 million units sold by November 2024. This number underscores the console’s massive popularity, which has not waned even as competitors introduced newer hardware. The Switch’s versatility, allowing for both home and handheld gaming, has kept it relevant and beloved among gamers of all ages.
A key factor in Nintendo’s success this year was its software lineup, with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe hitting sales of 64 million units, making it one of the best-selling games of all time. This title, alongside new releases like The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and the remastered Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, contributed significantly to Nintendo’s revenue. These games not only sold well but also received critical acclaim, with Echoes of Wisdom being particularly noted for its innovative gameplay mechanics that allowed players to control Princess Zelda, offering a fresh take on the franchise.
Nintendo’s strategic release schedule in 2024 helped keep the Switch relevant, with games like Super Mario Party Jamboree and Princess Peach: Showtime! appealing to both new and existing fans. These titles ensured steady sales throughout the year, showcasing Nintendo’s ability to leverage its rich catalog of intellectual properties like Mario, Zelda, and Pokemon to maintain market dominance.
The company’s financial performance was robust, with revenues hovering around US$11 billion, a testament to its strong market position in Japan and globally. This financial health was supported not just by console and game sales but also by Nintendo’s forays into mobile gaming and its thematic parks, which continue to expand Mario’s universe beyond the screen.
However, the year wasn’t without its speculative undercurrents; the gaming community and analysts alike were abuzz with rumors and anticipation for a potential Switch 2 or next-generation console. While Nintendo remained tight-lipped about any new hardware, the absence of an announcement did not detract from the current system’s success but rather added to the excitement for what might come next.
In summary, 2024 was a year where Mario, and by extension Nintendo, stood atop the gaming world’s mountain. The company’s ability to innovate within its established franchises, combined with the enduring popularity of the Switch, ensured that Nintendo was not just surviving but thriving in an ever-competitive market.
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