Japan's Nintendo said Thursday it sold 21 million Switch units in the year ended March, smashing its forecast of 19.5 million units, with hit title Animal Crossing: New Horizons shifting 13.4 million units in its first six weeks.
Ciara Lee reports
Even before gamers around the world were forced to stay home, Nintendo was having a record busting year.
The Japanese gaming giant said on Thursday (May 7) it sold 21 million Switch units in the year ending in March.
Operating profit soared by 200% in the January-March quarter.
Reuters calculations put it at 89.4 billion yen or over 840 million dollars, smashing analyst forecasts.
Nintendo has defied scepticism over its ability to draw in consumers beyond its hardcore base in the Switch's fourth year.
The major hit has been the game Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
It shifted 13.4 million units in its first six weeks.
Many say it's appealing to consumers looking for escapism in crisis-hit economies around the world.
Thursday's news is a boost for Nintendo at a time when some investors have accused it of conservative management.
The firm expects to sell 19 million Switch consoles in the current financial year.
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