Nintendo reported exceptionally strong initial demand for its Switch 2 gaming console, confirming sales of over six million units during the seven weeks following its global launch on 5 June, Reuters reported.
The successor to the groundbreaking hybrid home-portable Switch entered the market amidst ongoing global trade tensions under US President Donald Trump’s administration, presenting significant supply chain challenges that the company successfully navigated.
“The six million units sold are a testament to the incredible pent-up demand for an update of the first Switch,” observed Serkan Toto, founder of Kantan Games consultancy, highlighting the consumer enthusiasm driving these figures.
Despite the robust early performance, Nintendo maintains its original forecast of selling 15 million Switch 2 units within the current financial year ending March 2026.
The Kyoto-based gaming giant revealed a 4% year-on-year increase in operating profit, reaching ¥56.9 billion ($378 million) for the April-June quarter, surpassing analysts’ projections. The company stated that US tariff measures and broader market fluctuations had not materially impacted its earnings outlook.
Software sales proved equally impressive, with 8.67 million Switch 2 game units sold during the quarter. The launch title Mario Kart World contributed substantially to this figure. Subsequent releases have maintained momentum, with Donkey Kong Bananza achieving universal critical acclaim since its 17 July launch, earning a Metacritic score of 92/100.
Toto emphasised that Nintendo must capitalise on both its current sales trajectory and the unexpected delay of a major competitor:
“Nintendo must use the momentum and the absence of blockbuster GTA 6 this year to carry the Switch 2 through to the holidays,” said.
This commentary references Rockstar Games’ recent confirmation that Grand Theft Auto VI, originally slated for 2025 and anticipated to boost rival consoles like Sony’s PlayStation 5, has been postponed until May 2026.
Despite the positive earnings, Nintendo’s shares experienced a slight dip of 0.75% ahead of the financial announcement.
