5 reasons why Nintendo Switch is the most popular gaming handheld?

Nintendo Switch is the most popular handheld gaming device. It was launched in March 2017 followed by the OLED model in October 2021. Despite being a 7-year-old console, its popularity hasn't waned even after the handheld gaming segment has seen powerful releases like the Steam Deck and the Rog Ally.

The Switch comes with a 6.2-inch LCD 720p screen capable of multi-touch functionality on the 2017 model and a 7-inch OLED 720p screen with multi-touch functionality on the 2021 model. Both these models are powered by a custom-made NVIDIA Tegra processor that handles both processing and graphics.

Despite being only moderately powerful compared to handhelds like the Rog Ally, the Switch's popularity never seems to fade away. And this massive hold over the market can be attributed to five major factors. This article lists those factors and does a comprehensive deep-dive into the popularity behind Nintendo's Switch.

Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinions.

5 reasons responsible for the massive popularity of the Nintendo Switch

1) Hybrid Functionality

Nintendo being used as a console (Image by Ke Vin on Unsplash)

One of the main reasons for the popularity of Nintendo Switch is its versatility. It doubles down as both a handheld and a great gaming console. The main body of the Switch is made up of the screen and the Joycons. These Joycons give the console its versatility.

The Switch can be used as a handheld when the Joycons are attached on either side of the console. It can be used like a mini console when the joycons are detached from the body and are used separately. Each Joycon comes with independent functionality which means you can play PvP matches with your friends or family sitting together.

Furthermore, the Switch can be docked to display on a bigger screen like a TV and the two Joycons become two separate controllers giving a console-like experience. These features make the Nintendo Switch very desirable for many gamers because they don't have to spend too much money a dedicated console.

2) Exclusive Nintendo titles

Mario is one of the most successful game characters (Image by Luke Galloway on Unsplash)

Nintendo's game library features a diverse list but among them, Nintendo's exclusive games shine the brightest. Nintendo exclusives like the Zelda series, Mario series, and the Pokemon series are some of its most-played games. Mario Kart 8 is the most-sold Nintendo exclusive grossing over 61 million units sold.

Mario is arguably the most famous character in the gaming genre. Every person who is remotely familiar with the gaming world has heard of Mario. This fictional Italian plumber has generated memes, cartoons, animations, and songs and has contributed to almost every field of pop culture. This speaks volumes about the popularity of the game.

Nintendo was the publishing studio behind Mario Bros. the first game to ever feature Mario and his brother Luigi. Since then, these two brothers have gained a massive army of loyal fans. It is pretty evident these massively well-received exclusives heavily contribute to the popularity of the Switch.

3) Strong performance

Animal Crossing sold 45 million units in the Nintendo store (Image by Sara Kurfe on Unsplash)

The NVIDIA chip that powers the Switch does not scream high benchmarking scores and extreme power. However, it can play games Mortal Kombat 11 and Witcher 3 smoothly at 60 frames per second. The main reason behind this performance is the optimizations that go into porting these PC and console titles to Nintendo.

Developers have found a new initiative to port their games to the massively popular Nintendo to maximize the sales of their games. This is because when they release their game in a new ecosystem for the first time, the title inevitably makes massive sales, regardless of how old the game is in other ecosystems.

The developers put hours into optimizing the game and the resulting game experience turns out to be smooth and stutter-free when playing on the Switch. This is how Nintendo offers a great performance and thus is a popular choice for every gamer.

2) Support for retro and indie games

A model of a retro Nintendo console (Image by Pablo Arenas on Unsplash)

The Nintendo Switch is favored by two types of developers: independent, and those who want to re-release their old titles. Nintendo's user base isn't comprised of hardcore gamers. Ultra-realistic ray-traced visuals aren't what these gamers want. They want a casual, fun gaming experience. As a result, the console is loved by kids as well as adults.

And this favors the developers. Independant games that don't boast high visuals but a fun playing experience thrive in the Nintendo ecosystem. The same is true for retro games that have been dropped in the PC world due to weak visuals.

Nintendo acts as a safe space for independent developers. As a result, Nintendo gamers are introduced to promising titles that boast good storylines and are good for casual gaming. This undeniably adds to the popularity of the Switch handheld.

1) Nintendo's fans

A guy cosplaying as Mario (Image by Egor Ivlev on Unsplash)

Nintendo's fans are the prime contributor to its popularity. Nintendo has been releasing handhelds and consoles since 1983, slowly building up its reputation. It remained undefeated over every other console release and has dominated the market for almost four decades.

The first-ever competitor of Nintendo was Sega. Sega wanted to beat Nintendo and take over the North American market. It gave tough competition to Nintendo. Nintendo's SNES saw severe price cuts just a year after its release to compete with Sega's Genesis. There were times when it seemed like Sega would emerge victorious in the war but in the end, Nintendo won.

However, the war was not yet over. A new competitor was stepping into the console gaming market. Sony introduced the PlayStation in 1995 which today is the most popular console series in the market. Sony was raking in users exponentially which compelled Nintendo to switch its strategy. Their focus shifted to developing handhelds.

This decision solidified their position in the handheld gaming market. Sony attempted to take over that space as well through all of the 2000s but ultimately failed with Nintendo emerging victorious again. It survived two wars and they owe it all to their fans. Nintendo has arguably the most loyal fans in the entire gaming sector. These fans have carried the Nintendo Switch towards phenomenal popularity and success.