the newest release is the least niche AC ever gameplay-wise, similar to newer MechWarrior. The controls now play similarly to an over-shoulder shooter rather than being pan/scan limited and tracking focused, and not much maneuverability is lost during any high speed segments like boosting/etc.

those control differences in the past excluded a large player-base due to perceived awkwardness, thus the reverse-controller meme associated with the franchise. Understandably a lot of fresh blood has joined now that it plays more similar to what is expected in gaming trends.

and if we're just nitpicking due to the meaning of niche, i'd argue that the entire mecha segment of entertainment is niche.