Nintendo Boosts Switch 2 Outlook After Strong Quarter
Nintendo has lifted its sales targets for the Switch 2 after a robust stretch. In the latest results for the quarter ending September 30, the company reported that the Switch family moved 10.36 million units since the device first hit shelves in early June. That momentum has prompted a raise in the full-year forecast, with Switch 2 sales now seen at 19 million by March 31, 2026. That is more than a 25% jump from the earlier target of 15 million.
A Clear Lead Over the Original Switch
The 10.36 million figure is well above the pace seen for the first period after the original Switch launched in March 2017, which reached about 4.7 million units. The current strong showing also reflects better stock availability this time around. Nintendo could keep supply steady, letting more players simply walk into stores or click to buy the Switch 2. The old model often sold out for months after its debut.
How the Switch 2 Compares to Its Big Rivals
The Switch 2 is not just keeping up with the old line. When you stack it up against Sony’s PlayStation 5, the new console lands a faster sell-through. It took the PS5 eight months to hit 10 million in sales, while the Switch 2 hit that mark in roughly half that time. As for Microsoft, official sales data for the Xbox Series X/S remains sparse, and outside reports suggest the figures lag behind the PS5 since both systems arrived in 2020.
Holiday Titles and the Forward Look
Nintendo notes that figures from the September quarter don’t include its big holiday lineup. The company has already teased some heavy hitters. Pokémon Legends: Z-A arrived on Switch 2 and the older Switch, with about six million copies sold in the first week and a near-even split between the two systems. On the way are Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (November 6, Switch 2-only), Kirby Air Riders (November 20, Switch 2-only), and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (December 4, on both Switch and Switch 2). Together with other third-party games, these releases are set to push demand higher in the next quarter.
Launch Titles and Early Sales Highlights
Nintendo also shared strong early numbers for flagship games. Mario Kart World, the Switch 2 launch title, has sold 9.57 million copies, delivering a 92% attach rate. Of those, 8.1 million copies were bundled with the Switch 2. Donkey Kong Bananza, another Switch 2-exclusive, has moved 3.49 million copies. These results underscore the appeal of the new hardware and its most visible games.
Pricing and Perceived Value
Even with a higher price tag, the Switch 2 has drawn solid demand. The console alone costs $630, while the Mario Kart World bundle runs $700. Game pricing is up as well, with Bananza listed around $100 and Mario Kart World at about $110. The math shows Nintendo betting on stronger software sales to offset the higher hardware cost.
A Milestone for Nintendo’s Portable Era
The original Switch has now sold about 154.01 million units, just shy of the Nintendo DS’ 154.02 million. With ongoing support for the platform, many expect the Switch to pass the DS soon, if it hasn’t already in the latest data window. The PS2 remains the best-selling home or handheld console, at roughly 160.63 million units, leaving the Switch in a strong position to climb higher than most rivals despite early pricing hurdles. It marks a notable rebound after the challenges that followed the Wii U era.
The Bigger Picture for Nintendo’s Roadmap
The sales pace, the depth of the holiday lineup, and the clear interest in bundled options point to a healthy run for the Switch 2. If supply stays steady and the games lineup stays strong, Nintendo could continue to push into new sales milestones. The blend of fresh hardware, familiar favorites, and a steady stream of new titles shapes a bright phase for the company as it eyes another year of solid performance.
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