Nintendo Switch Dominates Pre-Release Console Sales

Nintendo Switch 2 Projected as Top-Selling Next-Gen Console

Market research firm DFC Intelligence forecasts robust sales for the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, estimating 15-17 million units sold in its launch year (2025), surpassing all competitors. This prediction positions the Switch 2 as the clear leader in the next-generation console market.

Dominating the Market: 80 Million Units by 2028

DFC Intelligence's 2024 Video Game Market Report, released December 17th, highlights Nintendo's projected dominance. The Switch 2's early release (rumored for 2025) and limited initial competition contribute to this forecast. The report projects sales exceeding 80 million units by 2028, suggesting potential manufacturing challenges for Nintendo to meet the anticipated demand.

While Sony and Microsoft are reportedly developing handheld consoles, these remain largely conceptual. DFC Intelligence anticipates new consoles from these companies by 2028. This three-year head start for the Switch 2 (barring unexpected releases) is expected to solidify its market leadership. 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 success is further underscored by the Switch's surpassing of PlayStation 2 lifetime US sales, reaching second place in all-time US hardware sales behind only the Nintendo DS, according to Circana (formerly NPD).

A Resurgent Video Game Industry

DFC Intelligence's report paints a positive outlook for the video game industry, projecting healthy growth through the end of the decade after a recent slump. 2025 is anticipated to be a particularly strong year, fueled by new product releases like the Switch 2 and Grand Theft Auto VI.

The global video game player base is expected to exceed 4 billion by 2027. The rising popularity of portable gaming, esports, and gaming influencers contributes to increased hardware sales across PC and consoles.