The initial sales numbers for the Nintendo Switch Lite have been revealed and they are lower than expected, to the point where Nintendo's stock value has dropped by over 4%.

The Nintendo Switch Lite was released on September 20 to positive reviews from critics, as many people praised the system for offering an affordable alternative to the regular Nintendo Switch. The only main sticking point with the Nintendo Switch Lite is that it seems to be using the same joysticks that have appeared in the Joy-Cons, which means that they may suffer from drifting issues in the future.

Related: Nintendo Switch Lite: How To System Transfer From Your Old Switch

It seems that the general public has not been so receptive to the Nintendo Switch Lite, as the system has underperformed in both Japan and the UK, causing Nintendo's stock to drop by 4.3%. According to Game Streetthe Nintendo Switch Lite sold around 160,000 units in Japan, which is slightly over half of what was initially projected. The Nintendo Switch Lite also only sold under 14,000 units in the United Kingdom during the same time period.

Via nintendo.co.uk

It would have made a lot more sense for Nintendo to save the release of the Nintendo Switch Lite until November so that it could be sold alongside Pokémon Sword & Shield as part of a push for the 2020 holiday season. The reason Nintendo has rushed the system out of the door is likely due to an upcoming 10% sales tax increase that is coming into effect in Japan on October 10.

The only major game release alongside the launch of the Nintendo Switch Lite (apart from Untitled Goose Game) was The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, which is a game that would appeal more to the diehard Nintendo fans who are already likely to own a Nintendo Switch. It's likely that the Nintendo Switch Lite won't see much of demand until the 2019 holiday season and the run-up to Pokémon Sword & Shield, along with a similar boost when Animal Crossing: New Horizons is released in 2020, both of which will likely be huge system sellers for Nintendo.

Source: Gaming Street

Next: Nintendo Switch Lite Already Showing Drift Issues