Nintendo Switch 2 records 35% drop in Christmas sales in the US compared to its predecessor

Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo Switch 2 - Photo: Casal Design / Shutterstock.com

The Nintendo Switch 2 underperformed initial projections during the 2025 holiday season in key global markets. Nos Estados Unidos, sales in November and December registered a decline of approximately 35% compared to the same range as the original Switch in its launch year. Analistas point out that the console maintained a strong pace at the beginning, but lost strength in the final weeks of the year.

The launch of Nintendo Switch 2 occurred with record numbers in several countries. Nintendo adjusted forecasts upward throughout 2025, projecting up to 19 million units sold in the fiscal year.

  • 35% drop in US sales during November and December 2025
  • 16% decline in Reino Unido in the last eight weeks of the year
  • Slight decrease of 5.5% in Japão in the final nine weeks of 2025
Nintendo Switch 2 – Wongsakorn 2468/ Shutterstock.com

Performance in the American market

Sales of the Nintendo Switch 2 in the Estados Unidos suffered a significant slowdown during the festive period. Dados indicate that the volume sold in November and December was 35% below that recorded by the original Switch in the same period in 2017.

The American market represents one of the main revenue bases for Nintendo. The company recorded more than 3.5 million units sold globally in the initial weeks of launch, but the pace was not sustained until the end of the year.

Comparison with the original Switch

The first generation Switch set a high standard in its debut period. Durante the 2017 holiday season, the console benefited from a solid initial catalog and favorable economic context. Switch 2, in turn, faced inevitable head-to-head comparisons, resulting in lower numbers in key regions.

In Japão, sales for the last nine weeks of 2025 totaled 1.32 million units. Esse volume was slightly below the 1.39 million achieved by the previous model in the equivalent period. The difference, although small, reinforces the deceleration trend observed in other territories.

Numbers registered in Europa

European countries also showed similar movement throughout the end of 2025. No Reino Unido, sales of Nintendo Switch 2 in the final eight weeks of the year were 16% lower than those of the original Switch in the same time window. França followed a similar pattern, with a noticeable reduction in the volume of units sold.

These results contrast with the initial enthusiasm that led Nintendo to expand production to up to 25 million consoles. The Japanese company maintained public optimism, but year-end data indicates a necessary adjustment to internal projections.

Factors observed in the slowdown

Experts highlight elements that contributed to the more moderate pace in sales. The global economic scenario showed signs of caution among consumers during the last quarter of 2025. Além In addition, the absence of third-party titles with great Western appeal during the Christmas period influenced demand.

Games like Metroid Prime 4 Beyond received positive reviews, but did not achieve massive hardware booster status. Nintendo concentrated top-tier releases in the previous window, which made the year-end catalog less aggressive compared to its predecessor.

Availability and price charged

The Nintendo Switch 2 arrived on the Brazilian market in June 2025 with a suggested price of R$4,499.90. The version accompanied by Mario Kart World had a value close to this level. The price range positioned the console in the premium segment, a factor that may have impacted purchasing decisions in markets sensitive to exchange rate variations.

Inventories remained stable in most regions after the initial launch. Não There were widespread reports of extreme shortages during Natal, unlike previous console generations.

Catalog available in period

The Nintendo Switch 2 lineup included major titles throughout 2025. Mario Kart World was among the best sellers, often included in bundles. Outros top-tier games maintained a constant presence on the most sold lists.

  • Metroid Prime 4 Beyond → highlighted release of the second half
  • Classic franchise updates → like Animal Crossing with enhanced version
  • Ports of third-party titles → expanded options for different audiences

Nintendo announced new features for 2026, including expansions of established series.

Movement of company shares

The year-end commercial performance was briefly reflected in the financial market. Nintendo shares recorded a negative variation of around 20% between December 2025 and early January 2026.

The company maintains a consolidated position in the games sector. The original Switch surpassed historical longevity marks, and the successor still accumulates significant volume in less time on the market.

Outlook for the coming months

Nintendo is preparing launches for the beginning of 2026 that could rekindle interest in the hardware. Previously announced Títulos hits shelves in the first weeks of the year. Analistas closely monitor post-Christmas performance to assess recovery.

The console continues to be available at official retailers in several countries. Promoções one-offs and new bundles can stimulate demand in the following quarters.

Presence in the global market

Nintendo Switch 2 maintains leadership in territories such as Japão, where accumulated numbers surpass its predecessor in an equivalent period. The installed base has grown steadily since launch. The Japanese company reinforces its hybrid strategy, combining portability and stationary performance.

Consumers in different regions report general satisfaction with technical improvements. The transition between portable and docked modes remains a competitive differentiator.