Nintendo Switch 2 Sales Lag Behind Original in US and Europe, Outperform in Japan: Year-End 2025 Breakdown
Nintendo has long maintained a dominant presence in the video game console market, with the original Nintendo Switch establishing itself as one of the top-selling systems worldwide since its 2017 launch.
As the Nintendo Switch 2 rolled out across global markets, industry analysts have been closely monitoring its reception and sales trajectory, particularly in light of shifting economic conditions and the evolving landscape of the gaming industry.
Recent third-party data highlights a complex picture for Nintendo Switch 2 sales at the close of 2025, revealing both regional challenges and areas of growth. Lower Sales Figures in US and Europe According to The Game Business, sales of the Nintendo Switch 2 in the United States and Europe during the final weeks of 2025 were notably lower than its predecessor.
In the US, the console saw a 35 percent decrease in holiday unit sales compared to the original Nintendo Switch during the same period.
These figures reflect broader industry trends, as market research firm Circana reported that overall gaming hardware sales in North America suffered their worst November performance since 1995. In the United Kingdom, Nintendo Switch 2 sales for the last eight weeks of 2025 dropped 16 percent when measured against Switch 1 sales in the corresponding timeframe.
France also experienced a downturn, with Switch 2 sales reportedly more than 30 percent lower than the original model’s benchmark for the period. Sales Trends and Contextual Factors Despite the decline in new generation console sales alone, total Nintendo hardware sales in the UK, when combining Switch 1 and Switch 2 figures, actually surpassed the numbers from 2017’s November and December by 7 percent.
Moreover, on an annual basis, Nintendo Switch 2 UK sales outpaced the original’s first-year tally by 6 percent, even when considering that the earlier model benefited from 14 additional weeks on the market. Industry insiders attribute these trends to a challenging economic environment, increased retail pricing for new hardware, and the absence of high-profile, Western-developed game releases during the Christmas season.
A senior Nintendo spokesperson, speaking to The Game Business, cited these factors as key contributors to the subdued performance of the Switch 2 in Western markets. Strong Launch and Sustained Sales in Japan Japan stands out as a positive market for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Compared to the original Switch’s launch year, Switch 2 sales in Japan climbed by 11 percent, demonstrating the platform’s enduring appeal in its domestic market.
However, a closer look at the final nine weeks of 2025 reveals Switch 2 sold 1.32 million units in Japan, slightly behind the original’s 1.39 million units during the same period—a testament to both the fierce competition and the strength of Nintendo’s brand. Looking Ahead While the Nintendo Switch 2 has encountered headwinds in Western markets, robust success in Japan and healthy combined hardware sales reflect the continued relevance and adaptability of the Nintendo ecosystem.
Industry watchers will be paying close attention to how Nintendo responds to shifting market dynamics with upcoming content releases and strategic initiatives, all of which will influence the company’s performance into 2026 and beyond.
As the Nintendo Switch 2 rolled out across global markets, industry analysts have been closely monitoring its reception and sales trajectory, particularly in light of shifting economic conditions and the evolving landscape of the gaming industry.
Recent third-party data highlights a complex picture for Nintendo Switch 2 sales at the close of 2025, revealing both regional challenges and areas of growth. Lower Sales Figures in US and Europe According to The Game Business, sales of the Nintendo Switch 2 in the United States and Europe during the final weeks of 2025 were notably lower than its predecessor.
In the US, the console saw a 35 percent decrease in holiday unit sales compared to the original Nintendo Switch during the same period.
These figures reflect broader industry trends, as market research firm Circana reported that overall gaming hardware sales in North America suffered their worst November performance since 1995. In the United Kingdom, Nintendo Switch 2 sales for the last eight weeks of 2025 dropped 16 percent when measured against Switch 1 sales in the corresponding timeframe.
France also experienced a downturn, with Switch 2 sales reportedly more than 30 percent lower than the original model’s benchmark for the period. Sales Trends and Contextual Factors Despite the decline in new generation console sales alone, total Nintendo hardware sales in the UK, when combining Switch 1 and Switch 2 figures, actually surpassed the numbers from 2017’s November and December by 7 percent.
Moreover, on an annual basis, Nintendo Switch 2 UK sales outpaced the original’s first-year tally by 6 percent, even when considering that the earlier model benefited from 14 additional weeks on the market. Industry insiders attribute these trends to a challenging economic environment, increased retail pricing for new hardware, and the absence of high-profile, Western-developed game releases during the Christmas season.
A senior Nintendo spokesperson, speaking to The Game Business, cited these factors as key contributors to the subdued performance of the Switch 2 in Western markets. Strong Launch and Sustained Sales in Japan Japan stands out as a positive market for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Compared to the original Switch’s launch year, Switch 2 sales in Japan climbed by 11 percent, demonstrating the platform’s enduring appeal in its domestic market.
However, a closer look at the final nine weeks of 2025 reveals Switch 2 sold 1.32 million units in Japan, slightly behind the original’s 1.39 million units during the same period—a testament to both the fierce competition and the strength of Nintendo’s brand. Looking Ahead While the Nintendo Switch 2 has encountered headwinds in Western markets, robust success in Japan and healthy combined hardware sales reflect the continued relevance and adaptability of the Nintendo ecosystem.
Industry watchers will be paying close attention to how Nintendo responds to shifting market dynamics with upcoming content releases and strategic initiatives, all of which will influence the company’s performance into 2026 and beyond.
