Nintendo has unveiled its latest global sales forecast for the eagerly awaited Nintendo Switch 2 console, outlining an ambitious plan that equally balances optimism with caution. The company’s fiscal report to shareholders reveals a target of 15 million units shipped worldwide over the 2025 fiscal year, which runs through March 2026.
While this projection falls just shy of Wall Street analysts’ consensus of 16.8 million units, Nintendo’s leadership insists that this figure reflects careful consideration of both market demand and geopolitical pressures, particularly potential new tariffs in the United States.
Switch 2 Global Sales Forecast
Nintendo’s forecast of 15 million Switch 2 consoles for fiscal 2025 underscores the company’s confidence in its next-generation hybrid platform. This target represents a substantial growth over the original Switch’s first-year sales, which landed at around 12 million units.
Key factors driving this optimistic outlook include a strong software lineup at launch, broad third-party support, and an ongoing wave of high-profile exclusives. Nintendo expects early adopters to be drawn in by major franchises like Zelda and Mario, as well as an expanding third-party catalog featuring everything from indie gems to blockbuster multiplatform titles.
U.S. Tariffs Could Pressure Pricing
A significant unknown in Nintendo’s calculations is the possibility of fresh tariffs on electronics imports into the United States. With the Trump administration signaling intentions to impose higher duty rates, Nintendo warns that the console’s U.S. MSRP of $349.99 could climb by as much as $30–$50 per unit.
The potential cost bump forced Nintendo to delay American pre-orders earlier this year, as executives weighed the final sticker price amid shifting trade policy. Many analysts now believe that even a moderate tariff could dampen launch enthusiasm, especially if rival consoles like Xbox and PlayStation maintain stable pricing.
Consumer Budget and Spending Outlook
Beyond tariffs, Nintendo’s CEO Shuntaro Furukawa highlighted broader inflationary pressures affecting American households. Rising costs for everyday essentials—groceries, rent, utilities—may shrink discretionary budgets, leaving less room for gaming hardware purchases.
Economic data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the Consumer Price Index for food and energy has climbed nearly 8% year-over-year in early 2024. Nintendo believes that even loyal fans could postpone their Switch 2 purchase if they feel squeezed by everyday living expenses.
Game Software Sales Projections
Complementing its hardware forecast, Nintendo expects to sell a total of 45 million Switch 2 game units during the same fiscal period. This figure is based on an average attach rate of three games per console, reflecting strong aftermarket sales similar to those enjoyed by the original Switch.
The software projection accounts for major first-party releases throughout the year, alongside a steady cadence of downloadable content and subscription-based services like Nintendo Switch Online. Observers note that high software sales margins are critical to Nintendo’s overall profitability, especially if hardware margins tighten under tariff pressure.
Video Coverage and Hands-On Impressions
We’ve also published an in-depth video walkthrough on YouTube covering every Switch 2 announcement from the latest Nintendo Direct. Our editors spent time with a pre-production unit and shared early impressions of the console’s upgraded OLED touchscreen, enhanced Joy-Con controllers, and improved battery life.
Our hands-on review highlights key differences from the original Switch, including a more powerful custom NVIDIA chipset, faster load times, and a redesigned dock with 4K video output support. Viewers can expect detailed comparisons, unboxing footage, and expert commentary on performance across flagship titles.
Looking Ahead: Pre-Orders and Launch Plans
Despite lingering uncertainties, major retailers in the U.S. have now opened pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2, with estimated delivery windows beginning October 2025. Fans are encouraged to check listings at Amazon, GameStop, and Best Buy for updated stock information.
As the launch date approaches, Nintendo will likely ramp up marketing efforts with live events, digital demos, and in-store activations. With a robust ecosystem that blends home console capabilities with portable play, the Switch 2 is poised to build on its predecessor’s remarkable success—provided external headwinds remain manageable.
Stay tuned for further updates as Nintendo releases quarterly results and provides additional clarity on pricing, availability, and game lineups. The Switch 2’s performance this coming year will not only shape the company’s financial outlook but also influence the broader trajectory of the gaming industry.
