Switch 2's First Year Was Strong, But Where's Nintendo's Mascots? - Next-Gen Console Watch

Switch 2's First Year Was Strong, But Where's Nintendo's Mascots? - Next-Gen Console Watch

From Next-Gen Console Watch by IGN & Geek Media

March 27, 2026 · 18 min · Episode 275

About this episode

The episode discusses the success of the Nintendo Switch 2 in its first year and the absence of Nintendo's major mascots in its lineup.

Welcome back to Next-Gen Console Watch! This week Ryan and Max are joined by Logan Plant, host of IGN's Nintendo Voice Chat podcast to talk about the Nintendo Switch 2's Year 1, and what we're expecting for Year 2. The Switch 2 has become not only Nintendo's fastest-selling console, but the fastest-selling console of all-time, with more than 17 million units sold in less than a year. Mario Kart World has a nearly 1:1 attachment rate with the Switch 2, Donkey Kong Bananza was a hit with critics and fans, and Pokémon Pokopia is having an Animal Crossing-esque viral moment. But none of these are Nintendo's major marquee franchises, but does the Switch 2 even need them right now? Plus we have last week's poll results, and a new poll for you to vote on at IGN.com and Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Hosts: Ryan, Max

Guest: Logan Plant

Topics covered

  • Nintendo Switch 2
  • gaming sales
  • Nintendo mascots
  • poll results
  • console performance

Keywords

  • Nintendo
  • Switch 2
  • gaming
  • Mario Kart
  • Donkey Kong
  • Pokémon
  • console sales
  • poll

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Nintendo, IGN, Spotify, megaphone.fm

Products: Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, Pokémon Pokopia

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