For quite a while now, there seems to be the idea that the Switch is more of a secondary system compared to other platforms like PC/Xbox/PS and the reason why it sold so well was due to it being so different and unique compared to its competitors, but not neccesarily used or viewed as a primary system.

But is this really true?

While there are certainly a good number of people I see who primarily use the Switch as a secondary system mainly for Nintendo exclusives while the bulk of their gaming is on other platforms. There also exists a number of people who are Switch-only owners which would by default make the Switch their primary system, there are also people who use the Switch more than even the other platforms they own.

One region I could almost clearly say Switch is the primary system in is Japan. Where no other console comes close to the Switch's dominance in that region selling 37 Million in that region compared to the next closest which is the 9 Million PS4. 37 Million Switch owners in Japan is over half of all Xbox One buyers globally, while of course potentially not all 37 Million Japanese players may use their Switch as their primary console, considering the dominant market share Switch has over there, it likely isn't too far off. So you can make the case there that just in Japan alone the Switch nearly comprimises all potential Xbox users who use their Xbox as a primary console.

In regions like US & Europe however, despite the Switch leading in the U.S the marketshare is definitely more tough for the Switch to be the clear primary system. There was a report I think at around 2018 or 2019 from NPD that nearly 70% of Switch users also own a PS or Xbox. Showing there's a pretty good overlap and making it less likely for the Switch to be a primary system for as many people.

Looking at software sales however, the software to hardware tie ratio also seems to point towards that potential of Switch being more of a primary system than people think. The average Switch owner purchases 9 games not including digital only games. Considering the fact that around half of the Switch's software sales are from Nintendo's 1st party games which tend to be much more pricier than the games that are purchased on other platforms on average, it gives a good indication of the amount of loyal fans for the system and shows a higher likelihood of more people using the Switch as a primary system than some may think.

And even if let's say the percentage of Switch owners using the Switch as a primary system is lower compared to other platforms. The Switch has a quite a big enough sales lead compared to other platforms to the point where we are bound to see the number of primary Switch users outnumber the amount of primary PS & Xbox users, so I think the idea that the Switch is more of a "secondary system" is a myth. It may appear that way to people since people tend to combine the number of PS/XBox/PC users in the same boat against the Switch since the Switch is so different, so it appears that the amount of primary XBox & PS users is bigger than Switch, but looking at each of them as an individual platform, the Switch is just as much if not more of a primary system than PS or Xbox is.

From my perspective hear in the U.S, there are certainly quite a bit of people who use the Switch as a secondary system, but there are also plenty of others who use the Switch as a primary system and are Switch only owners, it just doesn't seem as loud because the Switch is the only platform doing something unique while every other platform is doing something very similiar.

Whether a console is a primary or secondary device does vary from individual to individual.

...Because shock horror. We are all different and prefer different things and that extends to the games we play.

Agreed. 

For me, certify a secondary console behind my series x. 

I don't get much time to play these days though! 

It can be either. Versatility is a good selling point.

I agree completely. In my case Switch is a secondary to my ps5. I have the series S but never bought a single game for it... 

And thats the beauty of it. I know many people has it as primary, and many has it as secondary, and as you mentioned, thats a very good selling point.

There will be a significant number of people for whom the Switch is the only console, but within the "hardcore gaming" and enthusiast crowd it will be overwhelmingly a secondary console.

The thing about the Switch is that if you don't have another platform you just miss out on so many big games. No Elden Ring, Baldurs Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077, Final Fantasy, Resident Evil, Call of Duty etc etc before you even get to PS and MS first party games.

So it comes down to whether you just play nintendo games or whether you just play games. If you enjoy a broad range of games across all genres then the Switch is not a good primary console. 

I am just curious how many feel the need to make Switch 2 their Primary console during the next few years. How many will feel the need to 'upgrade' and will we see First party nintendo games being cross platform?

I can only speak for myself and the Switch is my main gaming device. Haven't touched the PS5 in months and I only play on PC when a game isn't available on Switch or if it is significantly worse to play, like Civilization for example. But all in all, PC and PS5 are my secondary systems.

It's really an individual thing though.

I think a huge part of Switch's success is coming from it being many people's only console since the PS3/360/Wii era

There's a big casual gaming audience who's interest and attention fluctuate sporadically with the wind. Switch was able to capture their attention. My ex flatmate for example got a Switch OLED, Mario Kart and Animal Crossing and he almost never touches it lol. But its a fun distraction once a blue moon. Still that is his sole gaming machine.

This is also why I'm a bit weary of anticipating that Switch 2 will replicate the OGs success. It will do 100m+ for sure. But there will be plenty of Switch users who will skip next gen because they are satisified with the occassional distraction their existing Switch brings them and will slowly work their way through its back catalogue

I consider myself a hardcore gamer and videogame enthusiast, as so many others like me ('been gaming for more than 30 years), and right now the Switch is my primary console (although in previous years I've played more on PS4 or XBox One). 

Also, the thing about Playstation and Xbox is that you just miss out on so many big games... No The Legend of Zelda, Xenoblade, Fire Emblem, Metroid, Mario, Donkey Kong, Pokemon... and so many others.

So... I would not classify things so easily. A console can be primary or secundary depending on several factors (i.e., the amount of quality titles released, or available, in a particular time frame, which can easily make it your most played system, leaving the others covered in dust...).