Nintendo Switch 2 After One Year: 19.86M Sales, Price Hikes, and a Cautious Forecast — First Year Analysis
Nintendo Switch 2 launched in June 2025 and became one of the fastest-selling consoles in history by March 2026. But ahead lie price increases and cautious forecasts. What happened?
19.86 million in the first year — better than any Nintendo console in history. But price increases and memory shortages cast doubt on year two.
Nintendo's financial results for fiscal year 2025–2026 (April 2025 – March 2026) revealed the complete picture of Switch 2's first year. The numbers are impressive — and simultaneously concerning.
19.86 Million — What It Means
Nintendo Switch 2 sold 19.86 million units in its first year. For comparison, the original Switch sold approximately 14.86 million in its first year. Switch 2 outpaces its predecessor by 33%. Key drivers: the console's June 2025 launch, Animal Crossing: New Horizons Switch 2 Edition (January), and Pokémon Pokopia (March 2026).
The original Switch reached a cumulative 155.92 million — an absolute Nintendo record. Switch 2 is attempting to set a new benchmark.
Why Only 16.5 Million in the Forecast?
The lowered forecast reflects several factors:
- Price increases — the US price rising from $449.99 to $499.99 (September 2026) will inevitably reduce the addressable audience.
- Early adopter exhaustion — a console's first year is always its strongest for hardware sales. The second year is harder.
- Memory shortage — production costs are rising, margins shrinking.
Western Market: Catching Up
Interesting note: Nintendo stated that sales in western markets are "picking up." Switch 2 historically started stronger in Japan and Asia; now the western market (US, Europe) is gradually evening out — a positive long-term signal.
Software as the Main Driver
Nintendo promises "a wealth of new titles" for Switch 2. Scheduled: Yoshi and the Mysterious Book (May), Star Fox (June), Splatoon Raiders (July). However, Bloomberg noted that the software sales forecast also disappointed investors accustomed to more aggressive numbers.
The Long-Term Bet
Nintendo's president expressed ambition: Switch 2 should replicate the long lifecycle of the original Switch (8 years). If successful, 16.5 million in a "stagnation" year is just part of the journey, not the end of the story.