Nintendo Switch 2 Sales Slow in Western Markets During Christmas Period
Sales of the Nintendo Switch 2 slowed during the Christmas period, especially in western markets. This occurred after a strong start in June when the console sold over 3.5 million units in four days, becoming the fastest-selling console in Nintendo history.
In the U.S., the situation was most noticeable. According to The Game Business, Switch 2 sales in November and December were about 35% lower than those of the original Switch for the same period in 2017. This matches a Circana report stating that November was the worst month for the U.S. console market since 1995.
In Europe, the results were mixed. In the UK, Switch 2 sold 16% fewer units in the last eight weeks of the year compared to Switch 1 in late 2017. However, considering both consoles, Nintendo's total device volume in November-December 2025 was 7% higher than eight years ago. For the full year, Switch 2 in the UK performed 6% better than the first Switch, even though its predecessor had been on the market longer.
France unexpectedly became the worst market, with Switch 2 sales for the year over 30% lower than the Switch 1 debut. All key European countries reported a slowdown in sales during the Christmas window.
A Nintendo executive attributes this to a "challenging economic environment," the higher price of the device, and the lack of a new major game for the western audience during the holidays. Nevertheless, he emphasized that the company is satisfied with the results achieved in a difficult year.
In Japan, the "Big N" had a better picture. In the last nine weeks of 2025, 1.32 million Switch 2 units were sold, only 5.5% less than the Switch 1 in the same period. Over the year, the console showed an 11% growth compared to its predecessor's debut. Contributing factors included a more affordable domestic version (about $335) and a successful lineup of games targeted at the local audience. For example, Kirby Air Riders exceeded 420,000 physical copies sold.
Analysts also note that the success of Switch 1 in 2017 was largely due to high-profile releases like Super Mario Odyssey. Switch 2 lacked a similar hit at the year's end.
For 2026, Nintendo's lineup of exclusives looks modest so far: announced titles include Mario Tennis Fever, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, The Duskbloods, and Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave. The company is also preparing updates for Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and promises to unveil new projects soon, including games for the 30th anniversary of Pokémon.
Nintendo's biggest release in the first half of 2026 will be a film, not a game — "Super Mario: Galactic Movie," premiering in April.