Nintendo Switch 2 Struggles to Gain Traction During Holiday Sales

The Nintendo Switch 2 launched in June 2025 and quickly became a sales sensation, but recent reports suggest its success may not quite match that of the original Switch during its first holiday season. According to an analysis, sales of the Switch 2 in the United States dropped by approximately 35% from November to December compared to the original Switch’s performance in the same timeframe back in 2017. This aligns with earlier findings indicating that November 2025 marked the lowest month for hardware sales in the US since 1995.

In Europe, the Switch 2 also faced challenges, with UK sales reportedly declining by 16% compared to the original Switch during the 2017 holiday season. In France, the first-year sales figures for the Switch 2 are said to be over 30% lower than those of the original Switch in its debut year. Japan saw a smaller decline, with the Switch 2 experiencing only a 5.5% drop from the original’s holiday sales in 2017.

Despite these setbacks, the Switch 2 had a solid first year overall, with sales surpassing those of the original Switch in the UK by 6% and in Japan by 11%. A senior Nintendo employee noted that the slight downturn could be attributed to the “complicated economic landscape” and the lack of a major Western title. During the holiday season, Nintendo released Kirby Air Riders, which gained popularity in Japan, alongside Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, which received mixed reviews from fans. While hardware sales are generally struggling, the Switch 2’s achievements are noteworthy, having sold over 10 million units in its first four months. Looking ahead, fans can expect exciting first-party titles for the Switch 2, including an upgrade for Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Mario Tennis Fever featuring Baby Waluigi.