The Nintendo Switch 2 is a huge upgrade from its predecessor. More power, more speed, and graphics you can’t take your eyes off. However, according to recent reports, Nintendo’s greater commitment to Switch 2 third-party titles might not be paying off yet.
Mario Kart World is dominating on Switch 2. It’s also hard not to see Donkey Kong Bananza continuing the early momentum and success. These games have one thing in common: They’re first-party releases. It’s a different story for third-party games, from what reports say.
Third-Party Games Not Doing Great on Switch 2
The Switch 2’s vastly upgraded specs mean the device is well-equipped for bigger third-party games. According to The Game Business: “Most third-party Switch 2 games posted very low numbers. One third-party publisher characterised the numbers as ‘below our lowest estimates’, despite strong hardware sales.”
Data showed that there has been more attention to third-party games early on. But these figures are skewed due to certain factors: “The Switch 1 only launched with five physical games: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, 1-2-Switch, Just Dance 2017, Skylanders Imaginators and Super Bomberman R. By comparison, the Switch 2 had a wider selection, with 13 physical games available at launch.”
It’s believed a lack of reviews at launch created a sense of discomfort and distrust toward third-party media on the Switch 2—likely putting consumers off.
The Game Business continues: “One of the drawbacks for third-party publishers is the fact that Switch 2 is backwards compatible, with some older games (including popular titles like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet) receiving technical improvements on the new hardware. In other words, even if Switch 2 owners are looking at other games to play post-Mario Kart, they have other options available beyond the slate of third-party titles.”
You also have to consider that many of these Switch 2 ports have already been out for several years, and they’re not new games. Many people have already played them, lessening the urge to buy them. Newer third-party titles will likely perform a lot better.
Do you see the Nintendo Switch 2 as a console for first-party exclusives? Or is it a viable option for third-party titles? Leave your full thoughts on the Insider Gaming forum.
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Andy is Insider Gaming's Senior Evergreen Editor and has been in the games journalism sphere in one way or another for over 7 years. His video game taste is as…
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