The tariff situation exacerbated general discontent over pricing, though. While on the higher end of estimates, the $450 price tag wasn’t unexpected, but compounded with the sticker shock of an $80 launch game, the indignance over charging $10 for an obvious pack-in title, and Nintendo taking time to clarify confusion around NS2 Editions and Game-Key Cards, conditions were perfect for a social media storm when all the accessories got price-hiked in the US. The continued threat of prices increasing over time made stressed gamers anxious to get in early, too, before the thing gets even more expensive.
‘Stressed’ is the word. It was a stressful launch for everyone, to varying degrees. But beyond the pre-order issues, for average gamers just looking to play the new Nintendo console on launch day, I get the sense that most ‘normal’ people are happy. Blimey, imagine that!
Sales numbers certainly indicate enthusiasm, with 3.5 million units sold in its first four days, setting all-time records in the US and making the system the fastest-selling ever globally. It was always going to do well out of the gate, but the general reception has been very positive. I don’t see Nintendo having much trouble hitting its forecasted sales of 15 million in the first year.
That’s not to say that every aspect of the hardware and software has hit for everyone. Sticking with the system itself for a moment, people have been disappointed by the battery life, and the screen is a point of contention, too, and not just because it seems easy to scratch. Digital Foundry’s legitimate criticism of LCD blur, in particular, saw the Nintendo Defence Force leaping to the company’s defence with all the nuanced discussion and debate you’d expect on social media.
From Team NL’s perspective, beyond missing the contrast of the OLED screen, blur isn’t something we’ve had issues with in the main. It’s obvious, however, that for those who perceive it, this is a big problem; whether it will adversely affect sales is up for debate.
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