Analysts Weigh In: Did Nintendo Switch 2 Struggle This Holiday Season?

Taylor Keatsman

Published: January 28, 2026 12:23 PM ET

The holiday season raised concerns about the performance of the Nintendo Switch 2. Analysts observed a slowdown in sales compared to the earlier part of the year, leading to discussions about potential factors behind this trend.

Did Nintendo Switch 2 Struggle This Holiday Season?

Reports indicate that while Nintendo Switch 2 sales experienced a decline during the holiday season, this trend was largely expected. Analysts pointed out that several underlying factors contributed to this outcome.

Economic Context and Hardware Pricing

The overall economic environment has become challenging. Inflation and rising prices have created uncertainty among consumers, particularly in the U.S. The Switch 2 also faced the hurdle of high hardware pricing compared to its predecessor. This situation likely influenced potential buyers’ decisions during the holiday shopping period.

Switch 2 sold 4.4 million units in 2025
Unit sales were 94% higher than the original Switch at the same lifecycle stage
Holiday sales underperformed compared to the original Switch in select markets

Performance Insights

According to Manu Rosier from Newzoo, initial enthusiasm for the Switch 2 was met with a normalization phase, reflecting a shift in demand. This trend was consistent across regions such as the U.S., UK, and Europe.

Joost van Dreunen, a professor at NYU Stern, noted the lack of a blockbuster title to drive enthusiasm during the holidays. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, while well-received, did not match the franchise’s previous hits like Mario and Zelda in drawing in sales.

Regional Variances

Despite slower sales in some markets, the holiday period showed promising results in Asia. In Japan, sales were comparable to the original Switch, thanks to Nintendo’s earlier launch in the region. Demand in Southeast Asia was positively affected due to the official launch earlier in the year.

Future Forecast

As analysts look forward, there are optimistic predictions for the Nintendo Switch 2. The console is expected to sell over 50 million units by the end of 2027. Factors contributing to this outlook include potential exclusive game releases and improvements in the gaming library.

However, market conditions may pose challenges. Rising component costs and potential price hikes could affect future sales. Analysts suggested the importance of maintaining a strong game lineup and implementing strategic pricing to enhance demand.

Conclusion

In summary, while the Nintendo Switch 2 faced a noteworthy slowdown this holiday season, the situation appears manageable. Analysts remain optimistic about the console’s prospects, contingent on effective strategies to navigate economic pressures and consumer demand.