Switch 2 Predicted as the Best Selling Next-Gen Console Despite Not Even Being Out Yet

Video game industry-focused research firm DFC Intelligence projects that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be a powerhouse, selling over 15 to 17 million units in its first year alone, outpacing all competition. Dive deeper into this exciting forecast!

Switch 2 Is The "Clear Winner"

80 Million Units By 2028

Image from Nintendo

According to DFC Intelligence's 2024 Video Game Market Report and Forecast, released on December 17th, the Nintendo Switch 2 is poised to dominate the next-gen console market. The report boldly labels it as the "clear winner" in the ongoing battle for supremacy.

Nintendo's strategic early release, rumored for 2025, gives it a significant edge over competitors Microsoft and Sony, who are still grappling with their next moves. This head start, coupled with limited immediate competition, sets the stage for the Switch 2 to thrive. Projections indicate sales of "15-17 million units in 2025," soaring to an impressive "more than 80 million units by 2028." The demand is expected to be so high that Nintendo might face challenges in keeping up with production.

Image from Mario official Nintendo site

While Sony and Microsoft are reportedly exploring handheld consoles, these projects remain in the conceptual phase. DFC Intelligence suggests that these competitors "should release new consoles by 2028," but with a three-year lead, the Switch 2 is likely to maintain its dominance. The report hints that only one of these future consoles might succeed, with a potential "PS6" having a strong chance due to PlayStation's established fanbase and robust intellectual properties.

Nintendo's current success is undeniable, with the original Switch surpassing the lifetime sales of the PlayStation 2 in the U.S., as reported by Circana's executive director and analyst, Mat Piscatella, on BlueSky. "With its 46.6 million units sold life-to-date, Switch now ranks 2nd in all-time units sold across all video game hardware platforms in the U.S., trailing only Nintendo DS," he noted. This achievement is remarkable, especially considering a reported 3% decline in yearly sales for the Switch.

Video Game Industry Looking Up As Growth Soars

The future of the video game industry looks incredibly promising. According to DFC Intelligence, the sector has grown over 20 times in the last three decades. After a couple of years of declining hardware and software sales, the industry is set to rebound and grow steadily through the end of the decade. "2025 will mark the beginning of the industry’s upward trajectory," stated David Cole, DFC Intelligence’s founder and CEO.

2025 is shaping up to be a stellar year for gaming, with new releases like the Nintendo Switch 2 and the much-anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI expected to boost consumer excitement and spending. The popularity of the Grand Theft Auto franchise is sure to drive significant sales.

As the video game industry continues to flourish, the global gaming audience is projected to surpass 4 billion players by 2027. The trend towards "high-end gaming-on-the-go" with portable, handheld systems is making gaming more accessible than ever. The rise of esports and gaming influencers is also fueling hardware purchases across both PC and console platforms.