Nintendo Switch 2 Projected as Top-Selling Next-Gen Console
Market research firm DFC Intelligence forecasts robust sales for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, estimating 15-17 million units sold in its launch year (2025), outpacing competitors. This prediction positions the Switch 2 as the "clear winner" in the next-generation console race, as stated in their 2024 Video Game Market Report and Forecast.
Dominating the Market by 2028
DFC Intelligence projects Nintendo to lead the console market, surpassing Microsoft and Sony. This projection stems from the Switch 2's anticipated earlier release (rumored for 2025) and limited immediate competition. The report anticipates sales of over 80 million units by 2028, suggesting potential manufacturing challenges for Nintendo to meet the projected demand.
While Sony and Microsoft are reportedly developing handheld consoles, these remain in early stages. DFC Intelligence anticipates new consoles from these companies by 2028. However, the three-year head start for the Switch 2 (barring unexpected releases) is expected to maintain its market dominance. The report suggests only one of the post-Switch 2 consoles will achieve significant success, potentially a hypothetical "PS6," leveraging PlayStation's established player base and strong intellectual properties.
Nintendo's Switch has already achieved remarkable success, surpassing the PlayStation 2's lifetime US sales. Circana (formerly NPD) reported that the Switch has sold 46.6 million units in the US, making it the second best-selling console in US history, behind only the Nintendo DS. This is notable despite a reported 3% year-over-year sales decline.
Positive Outlook for the Video Game Industry
DFC Intelligence's report paints a positive picture for the video game industry. After a period of decline, the industry is poised for renewed growth, with 2025 expected to be a particularly strong year. This resurgence is attributed to new product launches, including the Switch 2 and Grand Theft Auto VI, which is expected to boost sales significantly.
The video game audience is also projected to expand, exceeding 4 billion players by 2027. The rise of "high-end gaming-on-the-go," esports, and gaming influencers are contributing factors to this growth, driving hardware sales across PCs and consoles.
