Nintendo Switch Successor Shipments Set to Soar in '25

Gaming analyst Mat Piscatella forecasts robust US sales for the Nintendo Switch 2, projecting approximately 4.3 million units sold in 2025, contingent on a first-half launch. This prediction echoes the original Switch's impressive 4.8 million unit sales by the end of 2017, a figure that exceeded initial projections and necessitated air-freighting additional consoles to meet demand. The anticipation surrounding the Switch 2 is palpable, frequently trending on social media. However, translating this buzz into substantial sales hinges on several critical factors.

Key to the Switch 2's success in 2025 will be its launch timing, ideally before summer to capitalize on periods like Japan's Golden Week. The console's game lineup will also play a pivotal role, competing against a strong contender: the PlayStation 5.

Piscatella's analysis suggests the Switch 2 will capture roughly one-third of the US console market (excluding handheld PCs), but anticipates potential supply chain challenges. While acknowledging the possibility of Nintendo mitigating these issues through proactive stockpiling, the analyst remains cautious.

Despite the optimistic sales forecast, Piscatella predicts the PlayStation 5 will retain its position as the leading console in the US market. The highly anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6 in 2025 could significantly bolster PS5 sales, posing a challenge to the Switch 2. Ultimately, the Switch 2's performance will depend heavily on the quality of its hardware and the strength of its initial game offerings. The level of excitement is high, but success isn't guaranteed.