Nintendo Switch Projected Top-Selling Next-Gen Console

Predicting the Next-Gen Console Champion: Nintendo Switch 2 Projected to Dominate Sales

DFC Intelligence, a leading video game market research firm, forecasts the Nintendo Switch 2 to become the best-selling next-gen console, even before its official release. Their 2024 Video Game Market Report, released December 17th, projects sales exceeding 15-17 million units in 2025 and over 80 million units by 2028.

A Clear Winner?

The report positions Nintendo as the console market leader, surpassing Microsoft and Sony. This projection stems from the Switch 2's anticipated 2025 launch, giving it a significant head start over competitors. The limited competition in the early years further bolsters this prediction. DFC Intelligence anticipates potential manufacturing challenges for Nintendo due to high demand.

Limited Competition and Long-Term Outlook

While Sony and Microsoft are reportedly developing handheld consoles, these projects appear to be in their early stages. DFC Intelligence suggests new consoles from these companies may not launch until 2028. This three-year gap provides a substantial advantage to the Switch 2, potentially securing its dominance. The report suggests only one of the post-Switch 2 consoles will achieve significant success, with a hypothetical "PS6" mentioned as a potential contender due to PlayStation's established fanbase and strong intellectual properties.

Nintendo's Continued Success

The Switch's enduring popularity is undeniable, recently surpassing the PlayStation 2's lifetime US sales, according to Circana (formerly NPD). This achievement is particularly noteworthy considering the Switch's reported 3% year-over-year sales decline.

Positive Industry Forecast

DFC Intelligence paints a positive picture for the gaming industry as a whole. Following a period of declining sales, the market is projected to experience healthy growth through the end of the decade, with 2025 anticipated as a particularly strong year. The Switch 2 launch, alongside the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI, is expected to significantly boost sales. The global gaming audience is projected to surpass 4 billion players by 2027, driven by the accessibility of handheld gaming and the growing popularity of esports and gaming influencers.