Between my laptop and cellphone, I have unlimited gaming for nearly free.
It really makes me wonder what the point of consoles are, they are inferior computers but heavily marketed.
The Switch is also huge for being the most successful example of letting people play "real" not-mobile games in a portable device. With pretty much any modern indie release, my choices are to buy it on my computer, where I can play on my TV or my monitor, or buy it on Switch, where I can play it at home but also on the subway, when traveling, etc. That's huge.
It also means local multiplayer with my friends is way easier than it's been before. My Switch case (which comfortably fits in my bag) has 4 controllers, and because the Switch itself is so portable, it's also easy to play games where my friends each bring their own Switches. The combination of the Switch's mass-market success, and (again) the fact that these are "full" console-sized releases instead of smaller "portable" releases, make it feel meaningfully better at this than e.g. the various Game Boys/DSes or PSP / PS Vita.
Nintendo holds some of the most valuable gaming IP in the world and their games sell consoles. It doesn't matter what crazy format they make, people will buy it if they make a smash and Mario game on it.
I unfortunately don't see them ever releasing Mario Cart 74 on steam or any other pc platform, it just goes against everything they believe in (gaming is a social and family activity). But Tbh, I probably wouldn't want them too either.
People have been saying this for decades but consoles seem to be doing better than ever.
It doesn’t hurt that Nintendo is also one of the better game developers on the planet.
Also, it's mainly the social aspects of Nintendo games that get me to buy the consoles and games.
Also: inexpensive. Price has always been one of their strongest features.