- Switch 2 sales reportedly slowed down over the 2025 Christmas period
- In the US, Switch 2 sales were down 35% compared to its predecessor's launch year over the Holidays
- A "complicated economic landscape" was probably the biggest contributing factor
The Nintendo Switch 2 may have been the fastest-selling console ever in its June 2025 launch window, but its first Christmas on shelves appears to have fallen below expectations.
According to The Game Business's Chris Dring, the Nintendo Switch 2's Christmas sales were down 35% compared to the original Switch during the same period in 2017 (the original console's launch year).
In the UK, Switch 2 sales also experienced a decline, with a 16% drop compared to the original Switch over the last eight weeks of its launch year.
However, there was slightly more interest in the Switch 2 in the UK, with overall sales 6% higher than its predecessor in its first year.
A senior Nintendo employee attributed the slowdown in sales to a "complicated economic landscape," noting that higher prices for hardware and software have dampened interest among casual gamers.
The absence of a major Western game launch, which typically drives sales, also contributed to the lackluster performance. Unlike the original launch that included Mario Kart World, this year's lineup lacked significant titles to entice buyers.
While the Switch 2 did feature popular games like Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Donkey Kong Bananza, there were no major releases like a 3D Mario or Super Smash Bros. title to close out the year. Although Metroid Prime 4: Beyond received praise, it has not historically attracted a mass audience.
