Nintendo Holds Switch 2 Sales Forecast at 17 Million Units

Nintendo reported this week that sales of its Switch 2 gaming device have passed 17 million units worldwide since launch. The company kept its full-year sales forecast unchanged at that level, even as investors look closely at rising costs for memory chips and the flow of new games coming in 2026.

Background

The Switch 2 hit store shelves last year, building on the huge success of the original Switch, which sold more than 140 million units over its life. Nintendo aimed for 17 million Switch 2 sales in the first year, and recent figures show the device is right on track. Company leaders shared these numbers in their latest earnings update, noting steady demand from players around the world.

This comes at a time when the video game industry faces headwinds. Prices for key parts like memory have gone up due to global supply issues and higher demand from tech makers. Nintendo has dealt with this before, adjusting plans for past consoles when costs spiked. Still, the firm points to its lineup of games as a big reason buyers keep coming back.

The original Switch changed how people play, letting them switch between home TV play and handheld mode. The Switch 2 improves on that with better graphics, longer battery life, and more power for demanding titles. Sales started strong in major markets like the US, Japan, and Europe, pulling in families, casual players, and hardcore gamers alike.

Key Details

Nintendo's update showed Switch 2 units moving at a solid pace through the holiday season and into early 2026. The 17 million mark covers sales from launch through the end of the latest quarter. Hardware revenue made up a large part of the company's income, helped by bundles with popular games.

Software sales also picked up, with first-party titles like updated versions of Mario and Pokémon driving downloads. Nintendo said digital sales now account for over half of game purchases, a trend that started with the original Switch and grew with the new model.

Packed 2026 Games Lineup

A big factor in the steady forecast is the wave of games set for release this year. Nintendo and third-party developers have lined up dozens of titles, from remakes to brand-new adventures. Here are some highlights:

• February brings Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined on February 5, followed by Ys X: Proud Nordics on February 20, and Resident Evil packs on February 27.
• March features Pokémon Pokopia on March 5, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection on March 13, and Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park on March 26.
• April has The Rogue Prince of Persia on April 10, High On Life 2 on April 20, and Pragmata on April 24.
• May includes 007 First Light on May 27.

Later in the year, players can expect Yoshi and the Mysterious Book in spring, along with bigger names like Hollow Knight: Silksong, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition sometime in 2026. Many of these games have physical and digital versions, with preorders already open for some.

"The Switch 2 lineup for 2026 gives players plenty to look forward to, from Nintendo favorites to fresh takes on classics." – Nintendo spokesperson

These releases span genres, including action, racing, horror, and family-friendly adventures. Nintendo's own studios handle major hits like Mario and Pokémon, while partners like Capcom and Square Enix bring titles such as Resident Evil and Dragon Quest.

On the cost side, memory chip prices have risen about 20 percent in recent months, according to industry reports. This affects not just Nintendo but all console makers. The company said it has enough stock to meet demand without price hikes on the hardware itself.

What This Means

For investors, the unchanged forecast signals confidence in Switch 2's staying power. Shares held steady after the announcement, as markets weigh the memory cost risks against the games momentum. Higher part prices could squeeze profit margins if sales slow, but Nintendo's history shows it can navigate such challenges by focusing on software sales, which carry higher profits.

Players benefit from the strong games schedule, which should keep the Switch 2 relevant well into 2026 and beyond. Exclusive titles and enhanced editions draw in original Switch owners to upgrade. The mix of quick digital releases and physical boxes appeals to different buying habits.

Broader market effects include pressure on competitors. Sony and Microsoft watch Nintendo's handheld success closely, as their machines focus more on home use. Rising memory costs ripple through the industry, potentially delaying other hardware launches or pushing up game prices.

Nintendo plans more details on upcoming titles at events later this year. For now, the company sticks to its plan, banking on familiar characters and new stories to hit that 17 million mark. Sales figures will update quarterly, giving a clearer picture as the year unfolds.

The finance team at Nintendo emphasized steady cash flow from hardware and software combined. This balance has been key to the company's long run of profitable years, even through industry downturns. With Switch 2 off to a good start, eyes turn to how the games deliver on hype.