Sales of Nintendo Switch 2 Face Christmas Slowdown in Western Markets

Sales of the Nintendo Switch 2 slowed down during the Christmas season, particularly in Western markets. This decline followed a strong launch in June when the console sold over 3.5 million units in just four days, making it the fastest-selling console in Nintendo’s history.

In the United States, the situation was particularly noticeable: according to data from The Game Business, Switch 2 sales in November and December were approximately 35% lower than the original Switch during the same period in 2017. A report from Circana echoed this sentiment, noting that November was the worst month for the console market in the U.S. since 1995.

Results in Europe were mixed. In the UK, the Switch 2 sold 16% fewer units in the last eight weeks of the year compared to the first Switch at the end of 2017. However, when factoring in sales of both consoles, the total number of Nintendo devices sold in November and December 2025 was 7% higher than eight years prior. Over the entire year, the Switch 2 in the United Kingdom performed 6% better than its predecessor, despite the latter being on the market longer.

Surprisingly, France emerged as the weakest market, with Switch 2 sales over the year more than 30% lower than the original Switch at launch. All major European countries reported a slowdown in sales during the Christmas shopping window.

A senior executive from Nintendo attributed the situation to a «challenging economic environment,» the higher price of the device, and the lack of a significant new game for the Western audience during the festive season. Nonetheless, he emphasized that the company is satisfied with the results achieved during such a difficult year.

In Japan, the outlook for Nintendo appears brighter. Over the last nine weeks of 2025, 1.32 million Switch 2 consoles were sold, just 5.5% less than the original Switch during the same timeframe. For the year, the console saw an 11% increase in sales compared to the debut of the previous model, aided by a more affordable version for the domestic market (priced around $335) and a successful lineup of games aimed at local players. For instance, Kirby Air Riders has already surpassed 420,000 units sold (in physical copies).

Analysts note that the success of the original Switch in 2017 was largely driven by high-profile releases like Super Mario Odyssey. However, the Switch 2 lacked a similar blockbuster title at the end of the year.

Looking ahead to 2026, Nintendo’s lineup of exclusives seems modest, with titles such as Mario Tennis Fever, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, The Duskbloods, and Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave announced. The company is also preparing updates for Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and promises to unveil new projects in the coming weeks, including games for the 30th anniversary of Pokémon.

The biggest release from Nintendo in the first half of 2026 will not be a game but a film—Super Mario: Galactic Movie, with its premiere scheduled for April.