Nintendo announced an optimistic sales forecast for its upcoming Switch 2 console, projecting approximately 13-15 million units sold in the 2025-26 fiscal year (April 2025 to March 2026). The projection, shared during an investor briefing in Kyoto, reflects confidence in the hybrid console’s appeal as a successor to the original Switch, which sold 146 million units since 2017.
The Switch 2, set for a June 2025 launch, will feature an 8-inch OLED display, enhanced processing power via a custom NVIDIA chip, and backward compatibility with most Switch games, positioning it to compete with Sony’s PlayStation 5 and Microsoft’s Xbox Series X/S.
Nintendo’s forecast aligns with analyst estimates, which predict 12-15 million units based on pent-up demand and the console’s $399 price point. The company plans to produce 10 million units by September 2025, with a ramp-up to 20 million by March 2026, supported by supply chain improvements after 2024’s semiconductor shortages. Key launch titles, including a new Mario Kart and The Legend of Zelda, are expected to drive sales, alongside third-party support from EA and Ubisoft. The Switch 2’s upgraded online service, with cloud gaming features, aims to retain 35 million active subscribers.
Despite a projected 10% decline in original Switch sales to 12 million units in 2025-26, Nintendo anticipates overall revenue growth of 8%, targeting ¥1.4 trillion ($9.5 billion). Challenges include potential competition from a rumored PlayStation 5 Pro and economic pressures in key markets like Japan and Europe, where inflation exceeds 3%. Nintendo’s stock rose 4% after the announcement, reflecting investor confidence in its strategy to dominate the handheld gaming market. The Switch 2’s success will hinge on delivering innovative gameplay and maintaining affordability in a crowded console landscape.