Nintendo Switch 2 Nears as Sales of Original Model and Games Dive

Nintendo has once more adjusted its hardware sales forecast downward, citing Switch and game sales that fell short of projections.

During the first three quarters of this fiscal year, revenue from Nintendo's dedicated video game console business dropped 31.7% year-over-year to ¥895.5 billion (approximately $5.7 billion). This decline was driven by significantly lower sales of both the Nintendo Switch console and its software.

Similarly, income from mobile and intellectual property decreased by 33.9% compared to the previous year, totaling ¥49.7 billion (around $320 million). This dip is largely attributed to the challenging comparison with 2023’s hit film, The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

Consequently, the company's gross profit fell 27.3% year-on-year to ¥565.5 billion (roughly $3.6 billion).

What Are the Top Nintendo Switch Games?

Choose a Winner

New Competition1ST2ND3RDView Your ResultsComplete the activity for your personalized outcome or check the community's choices!Keep PlayingSee Results

Nintendo has revised its financial forecast for the fiscal year ending in March 2025 for the second consecutive time. The company now anticipates selling even fewer Nintendo Switch consoles than previously projected, lowering its hardware sales estimate by 1.5 million units to 11 million. The software sales forecast has also been cut by 10 million units, now set at 150 million.

Given that the Nintendo Switch is in its eighth year on the market, a sales decline is expected, though the drop has been steeper than the company predicted. Despite this, the Switch has surpassed 150 million units sold, marking a phenomenal success for Nintendo. While catching up to Sony’s PlayStation 2, which sold 160 million units, to become the best-selling video game console of all time may now be out of reach, the Nintendo DS's record of 154 million is within sight.

Nintendo itself described Switch and software sales for the quarter ending December 31, 2024, as "steady considering the platform's age."

Total sales for the entire Nintendo Switch family of systems dropped 30.6% compared to the previous year, totaling 9.54 million units. Software sales also declined by 24.4% year-on-year to 123.98 million units. However, Nintendo highlighted strong sales for new releases during the three-month period, including The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (3.91 million), Super Mario Party Jamboree (6.17 million), Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (5.38 million), and Nintendo Switch Sports (2.63 million). Mario & Luigi: Brothership sold 1.4 million copies.

Super Mario Party Jamboree appears to be a major success. Nintendo reported that in the first 11 weeks following its October 17, 2024 release, the game outperformed the initial sales pace of previous Mario Party titles on the Nintendo Switch, such as Super Mario Party and Mario Party Superstars.

Moreover, as Nintendo prepares to launch the Switch 2 later this year, a key positive is the growing player base. The number of 'annual playing users' reached 129 million in 2024, indicating that fans remain engaged with the Switch nearly eight years after its debut.

"While Nintendo Switch unit sales declined compared to the previous year, the console continues to capture consumer interest even in its eighth year since the March 2017 launch," Nintendo stated. "Sales during certain weeks of the holiday season even exceeded those of the same period in the prior year."

Do you plan to buy a Switch 2?

Yes, on launch day! No, I'm happy with my current console.I'm waiting for more details – games, specifications, and more!

VoteView Poll Results

In light of Nintendo's most recent financial results, investors are eager for the Nintendo Switch 2 to launch as soon as possible. However, Nintendo also highlighted several upcoming titles for the original Switch: Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition launches on March 20, while Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond are scheduled for a 2025 release.

The Nintendo Switch 2 was also mentioned, though no new information was provided. "On January 16, we confirmed that the Nintendo Switch 2, the successor to the Nintendo Switch, will be released in 2025," Nintendo said. "On the same day, we released a video offering a first look at the new hardware."

Nintendo has scheduled a Switch 2 Direct presentation for April 2 to share further details. The company also plans to host hands-on events for the console in various cities worldwide.