Switch 2: Poised for Dominance as Top-Selling Next-Gen Console

Despite not yet being released, DFC Intelligence, a video game market research firm, projects Nintendo's Switch 2 to be the best-selling next-gen console. Their 2024 Video Game Market Report and Forecast, released December 17th, predicts sales exceeding 15-17 million units in 2025 and over 80 million units by 2028. This makes Nintendo the projected "clear winner" and "console market leader."

This forecast stems from the Switch 2's anticipated 2025 release, providing a significant head start over competitors Microsoft and Sony. DFC Intelligence notes that while both companies are developing handheld consoles, these are still largely conceptual. The report suggests only one of the post-Switch 2 consoles (expected around 2028) will achieve significant success, potentially a hypothetical "PS6" due to PlayStation's established fanbase and strong IPs.

The Switch's immense popularity further bolsters this prediction. Circana (formerly NPD) reported that the Switch has surpassed the PlayStation 2 in lifetime US sales, ranking second only to the Nintendo DS. This achievement is notable despite a reported 3% decrease in Switch sales this year.

DFC Intelligence's report also paints a positive outlook for the entire video game industry. Following a two-year slump, the industry is predicted to experience robust growth through the end of the decade, with 2025 being a particularly strong year. This resurgence is attributed to new product releases, including the Switch 2 and Grand Theft Auto VI, which are expected to significantly boost sales. The global gaming audience is projected to surpass 4 billion players by 2027. The rising popularity of mobile gaming, esports, and gaming influencers also contributes to increased hardware sales across PC and consoles.