Switch Predicted Top-Selling Next-Gen Console

Gaming market analyst DFC Intelligence predicts Nintendo's Switch 2 to dominate next-gen console sales, projecting 15-17 million units sold in its first year. This forecast, detailed in their 2024 Video Game Market Report, positions Nintendo as the console market leader. Let's delve into the specifics of this impressive projection.

80 Million Units Projected by 2028

DFC Intelligence labels the Switch 2 the "clear winner," citing its anticipated 2025 release date and a relative lack of immediate competition. This early market entry gives Nintendo a significant advantage, leading to projected sales of 15-17 million units in 2025, climbing to over 80 million by 2028. The report even suggests Nintendo may face manufacturing challenges due to high demand.

While Sony and Microsoft are reportedly developing handheld consoles, these remain in early development stages. DFC Intelligence anticipates new consoles from these companies by 2028, creating a three-year window where the Switch 2 could maintain market dominance. The report suggests only one of these post-Switch 2 consoles will achieve significant success. A hypothetical "PS6" is mentioned as a potential contender, leveraging PlayStation's established fanbase and strong game franchises.

Nintendo's Switch is already making history, surpassing the PlayStation 2's lifetime US sales. Circana (formerly NPD) analyst Mat Piscatella announced that the Switch has sold 46.6 million units in the US, making it the second best-selling console in US history, behind only the Nintendo DS. This achievement is noteworthy despite a reported 3% year-over-year sales decline.

A Resurgent Video Game Industry

DFC Intelligence's report paints a positive outlook for the video game industry. Founder and CEO David Cole highlights a 20x growth over three decades, forecasting a return to healthy growth through the end of the decade after a recent slump. 2025 is predicted to be a particularly strong year, driven by new releases like the Switch 2 and Grand Theft Auto VI.

The gaming audience is also expanding, projected to surpass 4 billion players by 2027. The rise of "high-end gaming-on-the-go," esports, and gaming influencers contributes to increased hardware sales across PC and consoles.