Nintendo Switch Tops Predicted Best-Selling Consoles

Gaming market analyst DFC Intelligence forecasts Nintendo's Switch 2 to dominate next-gen console sales, projecting 15-17 million units sold in its first year. Learn more about this impressive prediction! Switch 2: The Projected Leader

80 Million Units by 2028?

Image from NintendoDFC Intelligence's 2024 Video Game Market Report, released December 17th, positions the Nintendo Switch 2 as the "clear winner" in the next-gen console race. Nintendo is predicted to lead the console market, outpacing competitors Microsoft and Sony. This projection stems from the Switch 2's anticipated earlier release (rumored for 2025) and the current limited competition. Sales are projected at 15-17 million units in 2025, soaring to over 80 million by 2028. The report even suggests Nintendo may face manufacturing challenges meeting potential demand.

Image from Mario official Nintendo siteWhile Sony and Microsoft are reportedly developing handheld consoles, these remain largely conceptual. DFC Intelligence anticipates new consoles from these companies by 2028. However, a potential three-year head start for the Switch 2 (barring surprise releases) positions it for sustained market dominance. The report suggests only one post-Switch 2 console will achieve significant success, potentially a hypothetical "PS6," leveraging PlayStation's established player base and strong game franchises.

Nintendo's Switch enjoys record popularity, recently surpassing the PlayStation 2's lifetime US sales. Circana (formerly NPD) analyst Mat Piscatella announced on BlueSky that the Switch, with 46.6 million lifetime units sold, is now the second best-selling console in US history, behind only the Nintendo DS. This achievement is notable despite a reported 3% year-over-year sales decline.

A Resurgent Gaming Industry

DFC Intelligence's report paints a positive outlook for the gaming industry. David Cole, founder and CEO, states the industry has grown over 20x in three decades and is poised for renewed growth after a recent slump. 2025 is projected as a particularly strong year, fueled by new releases like the Switch 2 and Grand Theft Auto VI.

The gaming audience is expected to surpass 4 billion players by 2027. The rise of "high-end gaming-on-the-go" via portable consoles broadens accessibility. The report also highlights the growth in hardware purchases (PC and consoles), driven by esports and gaming influencers.