JAPANESE gaming giant Nintendo today reported a leap in annual sales and profits, fuelled by demand for its popular Switch console and titles, including the blockbuster Animal Crossing.

The firm said its net profit rose 33.3% on-year to ¥258.6 billion (RM10.5 billion) for the fiscal year to March on sales of ¥1.3 trillion, up 9%.

“Nintendo Switch performed very well without losing momentum,” said the company in a statement.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons, released in March, has sold 11.77 million units, which Nintendo said is the best debut ever for a Switch title.

The Switch, launched in March 2017, has become a huge global seller, helped by innovative, family-friendly titles that have wowed critics and gamers alike.

But the company forecasts smaller sales and profits for the current fiscal year as its Switch games have entered a “crucial” fourth year.

For the fiscal year to March 2021, net profit is projected at ¥200 billion, down 23% from the previous year, with annual sales seen at ¥1.2 trillion, down 8.3%. – AFP, May 7, 2020.