2021 was an interesting year for not only the world of gaming and the world as a whole. While the COVID-19 pandemic raged on and many people continued to stay home, Sony and Microsoft were fresh off the release of the two hardware juggernauts' newest consoles, the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Withchip shortages and other materialsmaking vital console components scarce, the newest PlayStation and Xbox consoles saw significant shortages and supply issues throughout the year. However, with Sony and Microsoft struggling to keep up with demand, Nintendo reigned as one of 2021’s biggest winners.
Nintendo saw several high-profile titles hit stores over the course of last year with some of the developer’s biggest franchises and several third-party blockbusters hitting the console.Pokemon,Metroid, andSuper Mario Bros.saw major releases hit the console withMetroid DreadandSuper Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Furybeing some of the most highly-anticipated games of the year, whileMonster Hunter Risesaw massive success for Capcom as a Switch exclusive. Now, a recent report from GSD shows that Nintendo’s hybrid console dominated the market throughout 2021.
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A recent report from the European GSD detailed that the Nintendo Switch was the best-selling game console in Europe during 2021, coupling with earlier reports that listed the Switch as the number-one console in both Japan and the United States. The report goes on to note that, while the Switch was the best-selling European console throughout the calendar year, sales for the Switch actually went down by 6% from 2020, following a year that saw not only therelease ofAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsbut the onset of the previously mentioned pandemic.
The GSD report also lists the top 20 best-selling games in Europe throughout 2021 with several Nintendo properties slotting in amongst gaming’s elite for the year. While new titles like3D WorldandPokemon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearldid make the cut, Switch staples once again remain as popular as ever, with console mainstays likeMario Kart 8 Deluxecracking the top 5 andAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsfalling just outside the top 10. It should be noted that, due to Nintendo not disclosing digital sales data, Nintendo’s placements on the list include only physical versions.
While Nintendo saw a 2021 jam-packed with plenty of high-profile releases, 2022 looks to be another strong year for the iconic Japanese developer. The Switch recently saw the high-profile release ofPokemon Legends: Arceusand is currently scheduled to welcome even more new entries into some of its biggest franchises withKirby and the Forgotten Landand the highly-anticipatedThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildsequel set to arrive in 2022. 2021 was a year filled with success for one of gaming’s biggest names and 2022 is looking to be much of the same for Nintendo.
