Nintendo Switch 2 Stumbles Over the Holidays Despite Record‑Breaking Launch Year

Nintendo Switch 2: A Mixed Season for Nintendo’s Next‑Gen Console

After a record‑breaking launch earlier in 2025, the Nintendo Switch 2 seemed poised to dominate holiday sales. But new data suggests a more complex picture: while the console had a stellar start, it stumbled during the crucial Christmas season — particularly in Western markets.

According to The Game Business, US sales dropped by 35% compared to the original Switch’s first holiday run in 2017. The dip extended to Europe, where the UK saw a 16% decline and France’s sales were down more than 30% over the same comparative period.

Even in Japan, Nintendo’s strongest market, there was a 5.5% decline during the last nine weeks of 2025 — though the system still moved an impressive 1.32 million units.

Why the Slowdown?

Higher Prices and Economic Pressures

The Switch 2 retails at $450, a significant jump from the original’s $300 launch price. In an era of tighter household budgets and global inflation, that higher price tag likely cooled potential gift‑season sales. November 2025 even hit a historical low for gaming hardware sales, with the average console price reaching $439, the highest ever recorded.

The Line‑Up Factor

The original Switch benefited from heavy‑hitting titles — The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild at launch and Super Mario Odyssey for its first Christmas. The Switch 2’s main holiday release, Kirby Air Riders, found modest success (especially in Japan with 420,000 copies sold) but lacked the global pull of a flagship Zelda or Mario title.

A Strong Launch Year Overall

Despite the holiday blip, Nintendo’s 2025 results remain extremely strong. The company sold over 3.5 million units within four days of launch in June and surpassed 10 million by September 2025. Globally, the Switch 2’s first‑year totals in many regions topped the original Switch.

UK: Sales 6% higher than the original’s first year (despite 14 fewer weeks).
Japan: Up 11% compared to the 2017 launch year.
Fiscal Forecast: Nintendo raised its fiscal year shipment goal from 15 million to 19 million units.

Interestingly, when combining both console models, Nintendo’s total UK hardware sales during the 2025 holiday season actually rose 7% compared to the same period in 2017.

What’s Next: 2026 Could Be Nintendo’s Comeback Year

Analysts expect momentum to return quickly as Nintendo expands its game library. Major releases are already scheduled:

Mario Tennis Fever – coming February 12, 2026
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book – releasing in spring 2026

If these titles hit big — and if rumours of a new Zelda project prove true — the Switch 2 could reclaim the top spot in console sales by mid‑2026.

Final Thoughts

The Nintendo Switch 2 may have stumbled slightly over the holidays, but it’s far from a disappointment. Its launch remains one of the strongest in Nintendo’s history, and with more major releases on the way, 2026 could be the year the Switch 2 truly hits its stride.

For gamers and investors alike, it’s a fascinating moment — proof that even gaming giants must balance pricing, timing, and star power when courting global audiences.