Nintendo Switch 2 Sales Forecast: President Furukawa Outlines Strategic Launch Aims

Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has offered a comprehensive update on the company’s sales objectives and strategic planning for the Nintendo Switch 2, following the announcement of Nintendo's fiscal year financial results.

The much-anticipated successor to the Nintendo Switch is set to debut with high expectations, both from the gaming industry and investors worldwide.

As a frontrunner in hardware innovation, Nintendo’s latest handheld-console hybrid is poised to continue the momentum of its predecessor, which has shipped over 125 million units globally since its 2017 launch. During Nintendo's recent financial briefing, the Kyoto-based company revealed an initial sales forecast of 15 million Nintendo Switch 2 units for its first fiscal year.

This figure, which covers the first 10 months after launch, sparked discussion among investors, some of whom questioned whether the projection was conservative given Nintendo's track record of energizing the console market. In response, President Shuntaro Furukawa clarified the rationale behind the forecast: "Our sales expectation for Nintendo Switch 2 hardware this fiscal year is 15 million units, comparable to the performance of Nintendo Switch following its March 2017 release through December that year." He emphasized that the Switch 2’s higher price point introduces significant challenges to early adoption.

However, continuity is a key factor in the hardware's appeal—Switch 2 will support existing Nintendo Switch software, easing the transition for current owners. Furukawa noted that sales acceleration strategies include hardware bundles featuring popular software, mirroring successful tactics from the previous generation.

He added, "The projected sales are not due to production limitations, nor are they influenced by factors such as U.S.

tariffs or global economic uncertainty.

To reach our 15 million unit target, we are focused on strengthening our production system for a flexible response to market demand." Addressing software projections, Furukawa highlighted a separate forecast of 45 million units, not including copies bundled with titles such as the Mario Kart World edition.

He explained, "We considered the greater number of titles from publishing partners now compared to the Switch launch, as well as special editions like the Switch 2 Edition, in establishing this goal." Furukawa reiterated that maintaining strong sales momentum beyond launch is crucial, particularly as the company aims to carry that performance into the crucial year-end shopping season. The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to arrive on a robust foundation, benefiting from an expanded eShop marketplace, increasing publisher support, and Nintendo Direct presentations that have continually energized the fanbase.

As Nintendo navigates this generational transition, industry observers will be watching closely to see if the new console can replicate, or even surpass, the commercial success of its predecessor.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch 2 Switch Shuntaro Furukawa Mario Kart World Nintendo Direct