“A record for a Nintendo console”: the Japanese giant sold 3.5 million Switch 2s in 4 days

The excitement led to the temporary cancellation of some pre-orders due to insufficient stock, particularly in the United Kingdom. Despite the much higher prices, Nintendo expects to sell 15 million Switch 2s by March 2026, roughly as many as the Switch sold in its first year on the market. "Sales momentum will be difficult to maintain in the long term," warns Darang Candra of market research firm Niko Partners. "Consumers may want to buy ahead of possible price increases due to possible tariffs imposed by the United States," he said.

Consoles destined for North America are primarily produced in Vietnam, which is subject to a 46% surcharge, currently suspended until early July. "Its long-term success will depend on Nintendo's ability to maintain (public) enthusiasm with new games" and attract casual gamers in emerging markets such as the Middle East and Asian countries outside Japan, Candra added.

Another potential obstacle: what are considered expensive retail prices. The Switch 2 sells for €469.99 in Europe ($449.99 in the United States), while its predecessor launched at €329.99. Switch 2 titles like "Donkey Kong Bonanza" and "Mario Kart World" will also be more expensive. "In the range offered is the Mario Kart World Bundle for Switch 2, which includes a Switch 2 console in Japanese (available in Japan only) and a digital version of Mario Kart World released on the same day. This is an affordable offer," Nintendo defended itself on Wednesday.

Nintendo hopes to match the Switch's runaway success: released in March 2017, it has since sold more than 152 million units, making it the third-best-selling console of all time behind Sony's PlayStation 2 and the Nintendo DS. But after eight years, sales had slowed (they plunged 22% in 2024-2025), as fatigue set in while waiting for its next version. The stakes are high for Nintendo: although it is diversifying into theme parks and blockbuster movies, around 90% of its revenue comes from its flagship console.