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

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

Market research firm DFC Intelligence forecasts the Nintendo Switch 2 to dominate the next-generation console market, projecting sales of 15-17 million units in its launch year (2025) and over 80 million units by 2028. This prediction positions Nintendo as the console market leader, surpassing competitors Microsoft and Sony.

DFC Intelligence's 2024 Video Game Market Report, released December 17th, highlights the Switch 2's anticipated success due to its earlier release (rumored for 2025) and the relatively limited initial competition. The report suggests Nintendo may face manufacturing challenges due to high demand.

While Sony and Microsoft are reportedly developing handheld consoles, these remain in early stages. DFC Intelligence anticipates new consoles from these companies by 2028, but the three-year head start for the Switch 2 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 fanbase and strong intellectual properties.

The Switch's enduring popularity is underscored by its surpassing of the PlayStation 2's lifetime US sales, reaching second place in all-time US console sales behind only the Nintendo DS, according to Circana (formerly NPD). This achievement is noteworthy despite a reported 3% year-over-year sales decline for the original Switch.

Positive Outlook for the Video Game Industry

DFC Intelligence's report paints a positive picture for the video game industry, projecting sustained growth through the end of the decade after a recent slowdown. 2025 is anticipated to be a particularly strong year, fueled by new releases like the Switch 2 and Grand Theft Auto VI. The global gaming audience is projected to exceed 4 billion players by 2027, driven by the increasing accessibility of "high-end gaming-on-the-go" and the growth of esports and gaming influencers. This, in turn, is expected to stimulate further hardware sales across both PC and console platforms.