The Findings of Our 2024 Switch Summer Survey Are Here

A few months ago, we reached out to our Nintendo Life community with a detailed survey about the current state of the Nintendo Switch, as this beloved console nears its eighth anniversary. Our aim was to gauge feelings on all things Switch and Nintendo, as minds inevitably drift toward what’s next in the gaming pipeline.

This comprehensive 70-question survey covered a range of topics, from the joy (and frustration) of Joy-Con drift to your go-to games and your thoughts on the Switch eShop. We even quizzed you about your fondness for Nintendo Life as your preferred gaming site. Now that summer has concluded, our team has been hard at work analyzing the responses. It’s time to share the results!

Here’s what’s inside: Survey Results – 2024 Switch Summer Survey

1. You & Your Gaming Habits
2. Switch – Games, Online, Hardware
3. You & Nintendo (Life)
4. Switch 2 & The Future
5. And Finally…

We received answers from roughly 6,000 to 10,000 unique participants per question, so thank you to everyone who contributed. Let’s jump into the findings, starting with a bit about you.

You & Your Gaming Habits

Almost half of you reside in the US, with 20% based in the UK. The rest are scattered across the globe. Interestingly, 52% have at least one child at home, with 25% enjoying co-op gaming on the Switch—talk about family bonding!

In terms of gaming hours, about a third of respondents spend up to five hours per week gaming. Slightly more play between six to ten hours, while the rest dive deep into gaming marathons. Favorite genres include Action, Adventure, Platformer, and RPG, and a good 61% of you are mainly into single-player experiences. The games you’ve clocked the most hours in? Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Animal Crossing, and Tears of the Kingdom are leading the pack.

Regarding gaming setups, 17% own a gaming PC, 15% pair their Switch with a PS5, and 12% with an Xbox. Just a tiny fraction of 0.3% are new to Nintendo systems, preferring the charm of classics like the Wii and 3DS.

Switch – Games, Online, Hardware

Among your devices, 56% of Switches are the standard models, with 16% going for the Lite and 27% flaunting the OLED version. It seems like 128GB micro SD cards are the norm, though a substantial number have upgraded to 256GB. Meanwhile, just 18% boast 1TB of storage, which might see a boost when the next-gen console arrives.

Opinions on the eShop are mixed—though most of you find it ‘Adequate’, ‘Poor’ isn’t an uncommon sentiment. Nearly everyone has a Nintendo Account, with 17% maintaining multiple regional accounts. Interestingly, a quarter of you create your own lists or spreadsheets to track upcoming game releases.

As for online services, 20% skip Nintendo Switch Online altogether. Those who subscribe don’t frequently play retro games, with only 20% indulging weekly. Whether or not NSO presents a good value remains a debate, though many seem content.

Hardware-wise, Joy-Con drift is an all-too-common issue, affecting 53% of users. Still, the trusty Pro Controller remains a favorite for 64% of players. Battery life seems satisfactory, with 66% approving of its performance, leaning slightly in favor of docked play over handheld mode.

Collectively, all of you own a staggering number of amiibo figures, both in and out of their boxes. Notably, 58% of games in your libraries are digital purchases, a decision heavily influenced by the enduring appeal of physical copies for preservation reasons.

Modding remains relatively rare, with just 5% admitting to some firmware tinkering. As for taking consoles to rooftop parties—a modest 0.6%, but what a view that must be!

You & Nintendo (Life)

When it comes to sourcing Nintendo news, reviews, previews, and features top your list of reasons for visiting our site. Nintendo Life is the go-to choice for a solid 54% of readers, with YouTube claiming the second position.

Our reviews do carry weight, as evidenced by the 77% of you who occasionally or often let them influence your purchasing decisions. And let’s not forget your favorite Nintendo series—The Legend of Zelda, perhaps unsurprisingly, reigns supreme.

You’re all eager for the return of iconic franchises to the Switch, like Star Fox and Wario Land. A new Mario or Zelda game would undoubtedly drive many of you to upgrade when the much-anticipated Switch 2 arrives.

Switch 2 & The Future

Equipped with an inclusive mindset toward future possibilities, 31% of respondents are keen on bringing Game Pass to the Switch. Streaming apps didn’t spark much excitement, but Netflix and Disney+ topped the wishlist for some.

Your most desired feature for Switch 2? Superior performance, both docked and handheld, naturally. The return of StreetPass also appeals to a small but passionate segment of fans.

And Finally…

Thanks to all who shared their thoughts, even on the more quirky queries! Notably, 55% of you claim to never play your Switch in the bathroom; call us skeptical! And an apparently massive 71% haven’t dared to taste Switch game cartridges—missing out on that unforgettably bitter experience.

There you have it—a captivating snapshot of the Nintendo Switch community as we eagerly await the next big thing. Stay tuned for more Nintendo insights, and happy gaming!