Michael Pachter: Nintendo Should 'Get Rid of the Switch Console and Only Have the Switch Lite' - News

by William D'Angelo , posted on 01 November 2020 / 3,541 Views

Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter speaking in an interview with GamingBolt says he doesn't see the point of the hybrid console that Nintendo is using with the Nintendo Switch. He thinks only 20 percent of Switch owners play the console in both handheld and docked modes.

Pachter says Nintendo should get rid of the main Switch console and just sell the Switch Lite. For the Switch Lite he says Nintendo should sell a dongle for those that want to play it on the TV.

"I don’t really understand the whole hybrid concept," said Pachter. "I think that was something Iwata did to differentiate the Switch, and he wanted to have a console that could go back and forth from console to portable. But I don’t think most people play it in both modes, I would say that maybe 20% of Switch owners play both modes; and I think most Switch owners play it handheld only. So I honestly don’t understand the whole point of the hybrid. Who cares? Play it as a handheld.

Michael Pachter: Nintendo Should 'Get Rid of the Switch Console and Only Have the Switch Lite'

"And Nintendo isn’t that smart, so you never know what they will do next, but I think the smart thing would be to get rid of the Switch console and only have the Switch Lite, get rid of the docking station, get rid of playing on the TV; maybe offer a Fire Stick style dongle for those who do want to play it on the TV. But I just think that a portable-only Switch makes the most sense, it’s the cheapest to make, and they could make the screen nicer and the build quality better.

"I am not sure what we will see from them next generation, if there will be upgrade to processing power. They should at least put some flash memory in it so you can download some games and not have to screw around with cartridges."

The main Nintendo Switch hybrid console launched in March 2017, while the Switch Lite launched in September 2019.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let's Plays and tutorials. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.

63 Comments

SanAndreasX (on 22 October 2020)

Even for Michael Pachter, this is a shit take.

method114 (on 22 October 2020)

The only reason I was even interested and purchased a switch was because of the hybrid console. I don't understand how this guy has a job. He is completely disconnected from gamers and what they want. He's also clearly to lazy to even do minimum research on the subject he's talking about.

xMetroid (on 22 October 2020)

Can we just agree as a community to never interview him or ask for his opinion again lmao

Bofferbrauer2 (on 22 October 2020)

Well, he is helpful. But only because we know he's always wrong and the contrary will happen. Pachter is like a compass that's pointing south instead of north

okr (on 22 October 2020)

The gaming industry is - thanks to the low quality of its surrounding people (some creators, some publishers, many fans, many biased "journalists" and sites, some "analysts") - easily the world’s dumbest industry.

Supermario28 (on 22 October 2020)

Just when we thought he couldn't be less relevant, he proves us wrong.

abronn627 (on 22 October 2020)

Seriously, I need to know what he smokes and who’s it’s provider.

shikamaru317 (on 22 October 2020)

I knew that Pachter was an idiot, but this might be his dumbest take yet. There is plenty of evidence that a significant number of people uses Switch in docked mode, and the mobile only Switch lite never really set the sales charts on fire, it accounts for maybe 30% of Switch's total sales, if even that much. I do like his streaming stick idea for Switch lite owners though, hopefully something that Nintendo will look into for a possible lite model on Switch 2 at least.

rapsuperstar31 (on 22 October 2020)

Oh Pachter! I don't think I have ever agreed with one of his posts. My Switch is played 90% docked.

jagleics (on 22 October 2020)

Me too... what an idiot!

Tridrakious (on 23 October 2020)

Same

SanAndreasX (on 23 October 2020)

The only time mine is not docked is when I'm taking it with me to pass the time or on long trips. At home, it's always docked. What a concept, a home console I can take with me and play on the go.

Vertigo-X (on 22 October 2020)

If you follow the rule that everything Pachter says is reversed, you can see that he's actually quite brilliant!

/s

Spade (on 22 October 2020)

Will you shut up man?

Otter (on 22 October 2020)

All he had to do is look at Nintendo's data or the Switch sales to avoid this really bad take.

-Hybrid far outperforms light
-In 2017 Nintendo said it was around 50/50 in terms of TV/handheld usage. Considering how many Switch titles pull on the concept of family/local multiplayer fun. It makes zero sense to market it primarily as a handheld.

UnderwaterFunktown (on 22 October 2020)

This man needs to be stopped.

LivingMetal (on 22 October 2020)

Eff U Pachter!

Wyrdness (on 22 October 2020)

This has got to be a parody right did he actually say all of that while sober?

sundin13 (on 22 October 2020)

Can we just stop posting an article every time Pachter says something stupid?

Jranation (on 22 October 2020)

Look how much views and replies he gets. People just like clicking when it is about him

KratosLives (on 23 October 2020)

Have you posted this before? This feels like dejavu coming onto these comments.

Amnesia (on 22 October 2020)

I will even add : if I buy the Switch, this will be to play on my TV and sofa...I have never felt well playing handled video games. Hybrid is only a cool trick and the console attracts me even more for that even if I don't like playing portable.

Sogreblute (on 22 October 2020)

Sometimes I see the average gamer thinking they're better than veteran analysts and think to myself, "You don't know what you're talking about." Then I see this and it makes those gamers look like they have PHDs.

SKMBlake (on 22 October 2020)

I think Pachter should get rid off his "analyst" line on his resume, I don't see the point to still keeping it despite its uselessness

siebensus4 (on 22 October 2020)

I agree. His opinion is completely based on his thoughts and not on market analysis.

coolharry (on 22 October 2020)

He does not understand... We got that already.

SuperNintend0rk (on 22 October 2020)

"And Nintendo isn't that smart, so you never know what they will do next" He's totally right. They're only the longest running console manufacturer so they clearly have no idea what they're doing. Also, it takes a dumbass to know one :P

RolStoppable (on 22 October 2020)

Somehow Switch went through its first three years without a lot of analyst chatter about how bad Switch is. Sure, we've heard from analysts before Switch launched, so they could get out their low and wrong sales predictions, but afterwards it was mostly silence. Now that we get closer to the launch of the PS5 and XSX|S, good ol' Michael Pachter is back with "analyses" reminiscent of the Wii days. He looks like a paid shill because he is one.

padib (on 22 October 2020)

He is, no doubt about it.

jagleics (on 22 October 2020)

This guy is crazy! An absolute idiot how he gets any airtime amazes me. 99% my switch is docked.. I love the docking station looks good next to the TV and I don't want a dongle. Switch sells far more than light! Guess he's not happy with how all his predictions with ninte do are wrong and needs to criticise them!

padib (on 22 October 2020)

I think he's just trying really hard to keep his job as the idiot of the industry. You can't be an idiot if you don't make idiot statements.

YanisFromFrance (on 22 October 2020)

It's stupid, people mainly buy the console for that. And Nintendo Switch Lite only accounts for 14.5% of Nintendo Switch sales

javi741 (on 22 October 2020)

I legitimately wouldn't believe a sane person on this Earth could be this stupid, but Michael Pachter proved me wrong.

chakkra (on 22 October 2020)

Could somebody please explain to me why the gaming media keeps interviewing that guy?

noemie75 (on 22 October 2020)

Please, make him stop !

Dahum (on 22 October 2020)

Why is he still talking?!

S.Peelman (on 22 October 2020)

I guess he doesn’t actually look at Nintendo’s quarterlies then.

JON0 (on 22 October 2020)

LMAO... stop.

Ouroboros24 (on 22 October 2020)

Really, how is my 55inch TV supposed to be of any use if I can't connect my switch to it. Try playing multiplayer smash on a 6.5 inch screen. Total shit take. I wanna be mean. I hope this guy gets a flat tire on his way to the airport and misses his flight and has to pay an extra $200 to get to a specific location where he contractually obligated to be on time.

Slownenberg (on 22 October 2020)

Thank god this guy isn't in charge of Nintendo. That's literally the dumbest idea I've ever heard. Hey let's take the concept that made the Switch a huge smash success and get rid of it! wow. HOW is this guy an analyst?? Also the last quote - he isn't sure if there will be an upgrade to processing power on the successor to the Switch. umm what? He sounds like someone who has never heard of video games before.

Jumpin (on 22 October 2020)

“Because I don't understand it, they shouldn't do it, even if it's what made them the top selling dedicated console company in the world”
Reminds me of all the anti-Wii people.

CaptainExplosion (on 22 October 2020)

The old shit stain doesn't know what the fuck he's talking about, and he never has.

peachbuggy (on 22 October 2020)

Is there any depth to the limit of stupidity of this man? He comes across as a gibberish semi-literate fool. Perhaps a better question is, how is he even employed anywhere, even moreso, in a capacity where he is in a position to talk about anything?

dark_gh0st_b0y (on 22 October 2020)

Michael Pachter should f*** o** and leave us alone

siebensus4 (on 22 October 2020)

Sure. I mean everyone sees that Switch Lite sells better than the original model for more than a year now... There are so many "I think" in his words that I think he should just stop thinking and read more sales facts.

Ashadelo (on 22 October 2020)

He's trolling us 100%

Verter (on 22 October 2020)

And Sony should get rid of the PS5 Digital Edition, because I think only 20% of PS5 owners will buy digital games. Also, Microsoft should get rid of GamePass, because I think only 20% of Xbox Series X|S owners will subscribe to that service. Oh, and Google should keep it up with Stadia, because I think they're doing everything right.

Verter (on 22 October 2020)

So... when am I gonna get paid?

padib (on 22 October 2020)

You did it wrong Verter. You were supposed to say that Sony should get rid of the PS5 Standard Edition and only produce the digital Edition because 20% of PS5 owners will buy digital games. Then it would make you more Pachter.

I accept all forms of payment.

Verter (on 23 October 2020)

You're right. Damn... It's so hard to reach Pachter's level. He actually deserves credit.

Mr Puggsly (on 22 October 2020)

Yeah, that's stupid. The Switch is Nintendo's home and portable console. Nintendo platforms are also popular for local co-op, so connecting to TV is pretty important.

2zosteven (on 22 October 2020)

LOL!

ClassicGamingWizzz (on 23 October 2020)

Yes get rid of the main appeal of the console, the reason its called "switch", the reason it sells what it sells ya dumb moron.

freedquaker (on 23 October 2020)

Nintendo should keep selling both versions of the Switch, and the hybrid console is the MAIN reason for the overwhelming third party support for switch as it provides a chance to compete against the consoles as well as being the king of the handheld space. Nonetheless, he has a point, which is that Nintendo should release a dongle for the Switch lite owners to connect to a TV, in case they may need it, as the games are already designed hybrid in nature. However, I doubt they'd do that since such a dongle is potential loss for the hybrid switch sale. I wonder about the profits earned from selling a dongle vs an extra hybrid switch and how they'd compare. Also every additional switch sale improves the confidence on the platform, so Nintendo is not very likely to release such a dongle, as it would also necessitate extra controllers.

Bofferbrauer2 (on 22 October 2020)

Pachter doesn't understand the Hybrid concept? Seriously? One more for my bucket list of "The less the analyst knows about the matter, the more he gains" *shakes head*

super_etecoon (on 22 October 2020)

From Pachter about 5 months after the Switch launched: “If they keep the price at $300, it will sell 50 (million). If they cut the price to $200 pretty quickly, it will sell 70 million. If they cut the price to $100, it will sell 90 million. But, at a price…everything is all based on supply and demand. If demand goes up, then price goes down. So, “success”, at $300 then there’s no way they’re selling more than 50 million—no chance.”

I love that he doubles down on the "no chance" bit. Confidence and swagger.

Not trying to advertise another site, but this is where that quote is from:
#https://www.nintendoenthusiast.com/pachter-nintendo-switch-wont-copied-expects-50-million-lifetime-sales/amp/#

Chazore (on 22 October 2020)

uhh, how'bout no?.

I like having my switch dock, being able to use the joy cons separately, and also being able to use them as their own controller. Pachter doesn't know fuck all about OOG Switch uses....

dane007 (on 22 October 2020)

Not when xenoblade series on handheld has less than 200p resolution

Comments below voting threshold

yvanjean (on 22 October 2020)

People on this sites really to stop bashing Michael Pachter just because it's the cool thing to do. You simply need to look at the actual data of how many switch lite sold vs actual switch to see what is the preferred console. Nintendo actually have the stats of how many people plays docked and it's a lot less then you would think. Most people just use the dock to charge the switch. I used to play 90% undocked but my fiancé when she played Animal crossing it was 50/50. if an undocked switch pro mean I get more power... I will choose undocked.

super_etecoon (on 22 October 2020)

We dislike Pachter because we have listened to his statements for 15 years and can see he always misses the mark. I'm not sure why you assume there's some sort of peer pressure with people's reaction to his ideas, but I'm worried that you might be projecting a bit. I use my Switch as a console that when I have the time I can take with me to work (did a lot of shrines in BOTW at work), but I prefer my experience on the TV. The reality is "why can't we have both." That's the definition of the console and their strategy is obviously working...big time. Now let's hold your fellow VGC users in a bit more esteem from here. This is a great site with level headed gamers, no need to sell them short.

super_etecoon (on 22 October 2020)

looks like about 10 million Lites have been sold out of the 66 million. Hmmm, not sure your math adds up. Also, your avatar suggests you like a bit of the 'ol Microsoft home console experience, so maybe you are happily enjoying the Switch as a handheld. Kudos to you, but there are many like myself who only have a Switch and for whom it is our dedicated console experience. Bottom line, Pachter is trying to suggest Nintendo do away with a substantial, SUBSTANTIAL aspect of their console business which just seems naïve and a bit biased in favor of the HD twins, which fits his narrative. This is the guy that declared the Wii doomed even as Microsoft and Sony were aping their style with Move and Kinect. Yeah, he doesn't get a say and should have his title of analyst removed. He's just too consistently wrong, and to boot he analyzes like a Troll without the hint of non-bias in his proclamations. He knows Nintendo fans are fans of his and enjoys how much they respond to his claims. I actually think that's his main game.

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