Would you consider the Switch the NIntendo handheld equivelant to the PS4?

[TheMisterManGuy]

The Nintendo Switch is a massive hit at over 143 million units sold worldwide. With an engaging hybrid concept, versatile control and convince options, and a massive software library, the Switch not only re-established Nintendo as the king of dedicated portable game consoles, but a major force in all of gaming. But I think you can make a case that the successes of the Switch mirror a similar story for Sony and the PlayStation 4.

• Both are systems that came off successful, but troubled platforms that only got good after a series of price cuts, hardware revisions, and quality exclusives (PlayStation 3 and Nintendo 3DS)
• Both had a game developer as their lead architect, who helped bring a fresh perspective to console design (Mark Cerny for PS4, Yoshiaki Koizumi for Switch)
• Both opted to use more standardized, and readily available components that were closer to PC development and more compatible with modern game engines and development tools, to make development much easier than their predecessors (x86 and Tegra X1)
• Both systems opted to integrate first party game teams and third party publishers into the development process from the very beginning.
• Both cut the excess bloat of their predecessors to focus on a more streamlined, social experience (Switch with its Tabletop mode and Joy-Con 2-player, and PS4 with its share button and posting features)
• Both systems managed to repair most third party relations, and have gained tons of third party interest because of it (Switch returned to GBA/DS levels of support, while PS4 brought back PS1/PS2 levels)
• Both have that one controller gimmick that went fairly underused and didn't seem to have much of a point (Switch's IR motion camera, and PS4's Lightbar)
• Both systems bet heavily on indie games and developers, landing multiple big games and timed/console exclusives, becoming indie darlings.
• Both were the most consistent and refined periods for their first party development (EPD and Worldwide Studios)

There were a few key differences though

• The Switch not only re-established Nintendo's strength in portables, but also helped rescue Nintendo's historically struggling home console business after the Wii U was a bust. Meanwhile, Sony had effectively abandoned the Handheld market by killing the PlayStation Vita once the PS4 success started rolling in.
• The Switch had the best first year on any game console, while the PS4 needed a good year or two to really get going.
• Switch has sold a bit more than PS4 within the same amount of time.

But overall, you can make a strong case that the Switch did for Nintendo in dedicated portable consoles, what the PS4 did for Sony in major home consoles.