Just under a year after its release, the Nintendo Switch 2 has already surpassed the lifetime sales of several classic consoles, including the Wii U, Sega Dreamcast, and PlayStation Vita in the UK. The data, provided by NielsenIQ, highlights a strong start for Nintendo’s latest gaming platform.
The success of the Dreamcast, despite its relatively short lifespan, is a testament to the impact of exclusive titles. Despite being discontinued after only two years in the West, the console amassed a dedicated following and a library of highly-regarded games. Recently, the largest Dreamcast group on Reddit, with nearly 100,000 members, concluded a vote to determine the platform’s greatest game – a discussion that revealed the enduring appeal of the console’s library.
The community ranked games across several categories, designating top picks, runner-ups, and honorable mentions – a category playfully dubbed “Give them their flowers.” Many of the titles were exclusive at the time of the Dreamcast’s launch, contributing to the console’s unique identity.
The list of winning titles includes well-known franchises like Sonic Adventure for best platformer, Resident Evil – Code: Veronica as the top horror game, Skies of Arcadia for best J-RPG, Soul Calibur for fighting games, and Virtua Tennis for sports. Smaller, but equally beloved titles also earned recognition, such as Chu Chu Rocket in the puzzle category, Samba de Amigo as the best rhythm game, and Ikaruga as the top shoot ‘em up. Shenmue II was crowned the greatest game of all time on the platform.
The results showcase a robust library of both blockbuster and niche titles for a console with a comparatively short market run. This highlights the importance of compelling software in driving console adoption and fostering a dedicated fanbase.
