Nintendo has announced a sales forecast of 15 million units for its upcoming Switch 2 console during the 2025–2026 financial year, as the Japanese gaming firm prepares for the device’s global launch on June 5. Despite high anticipation, the projection is slightly lower than the 16.8 million expected by Bloomberg’s economist survey.
The Switch 2 will replace the original Switch console, which has sold around 150 million units since its debut in 2017, making it one of the most successful gaming consoles in history. Though Nintendo has expanded into theme parks and blockbuster films, industry experts note that the company still depends heavily on its gaming division, with approximately 90% of its revenue tied to the Switch platform.
Nintendo’s earnings for the previous fiscal year, which ended in March, saw a 43.2% decline in net profit to 278.8 billion yen ($1.9 billion), largely attributed to the market holding off for the Switch 2. Hardware sales fell to 10.8 million units, a 31.2% drop from the previous year, while game software sales declined by 22.2% to 155.4 million units.
For the current year, Nintendo expects to earn a net profit of 300 billion yen. However, the company cautioned that changes in US trade tariffs—particularly under former President Donald Trump’s policies—could impact those figures. It said it would closely monitor market conditions and respond accordingly.
The Switch 2, like its predecessor, is a hybrid console with both handheld and TV play options. It will cost $449.99 in the United States—over a third more than the original—and 49,980 yen (about $350) in Japan. Pre-orders in the US were delayed by two weeks due to tariff concerns, but demand in Japan has already exceeded expectations.
Analyst David Gibson noted that most of Nintendo’s hardware shipments to the US will likely be sourced from Vietnam, a move made in recent years to avoid Chinese tariffs. He estimates that over 70% of US-bound Switch 2 units could bypass the higher levies.
The Switch 2 will feature notable upgrades, including eight times the memory of the original, a larger 7.9-inch display, magnetic attachable controllers that double as a mouse, and a new sharing function that allows friends to play together.
Analyst Atul Goyal of Jefferies pointed out that the recent delay of Grand Theft Auto VI to May 2026 reduces the competitive pressure on Nintendo during the upcoming holiday season. He believes that the end-of-year market may now be dominated by the Switch 2 and its game lineup.
