Nintendo’s fiscal year has kicked off with a bang, thanks to the wildly successful launch of the Switch 2. Early sales figures are staggering, exceeding even the most optimistic projections. The console has already sold an impressive 5.82 million units in its first month, more than double the original Switch’s debut sales of 2.7 million. This incredible performance represents over a third of the Wii U’s total lifetime sales, highlighting just how significant this launch is for Nintendo.
This explosive demand has translated into a massive 132 percent surge in Nintendo’s quarterly revenue, reaching ¥572.3 billion (approximately $3.8 billion) between April and June. This is a significant jump from the ¥246.6 billion (around $1.6 billion) recorded during the same period last year. Despite initial concerns about supply chain issues, Nintendo is committed to increasing production to meet the overwhelming consumer demand.
While pre-orders sold out rapidly across major US retailers, some Switch 2 units were still available on launch day. This suggests Nintendo successfully managed inventory to meet at least some of the initial demand. The company maintains its forecast of 15 million Switch 2 sales by the end of its 2026 financial year, despite potential challenges.
One such challenge is the recently announced 20 percent tariff on goods from Vietnam, where the Switch 2 is manufactured. This tariff, announced by the White House, doubles the 10 percent baseline tariff introduced earlier this year. However, Nintendo remains confident that this will not significantly impact their earnings forecast for the current fiscal year.
The Switch 2’s remarkable launch has solidified its place as the fastest-selling game console in history. This success comes alongside continued sales of the original Switch, which has now reached a remarkable 153.1 million units in lifetime sales, edging closer to surpassing the Nintendo DS as the company’s best-selling console.
The contrast between the Switch 2’s success and the Wii U’s relatively poor performance (13.7 million units over its lifetime) underlines the significance of this new console. The Switch 2’s strong start suggests a bright future for Nintendo, and a thrilling new chapter in the world of gaming.
