The record launch of Switch 2 does not ease the uncertainties facing the video game industry
With 3.5 million units sold in just four days, the new Nintendo Switch 2 marked the strongest global launch in the brand’s history. A result that represents a significant early success for the new generation of the hybrid console, in a period marked by economic uncertainty and the impact of U.S. tariffs on imported consumer goods.
Despite the strong debut, the overall outlook for the video game industry in 2025 remains far from stable. According to a recent report by Ampere Analysis, the global gaming market is expected to grow at a slower pace than in 2024, primarily due to the delay of Grand Theft Auto 6, now scheduled for May 2026. The Rockstar Games title, one of the most anticipated releases of the decade, could generate up to $2.7 billion in full-game and in-game sales.
Even for Nintendo, the launch of the Switch 2 comes with some concerns. Software sales have been down for six consecutive quarters, and consumers now face rising prices: Mario Kart World, one of the flagship titles, is priced at $80, while the console itself retails for $450. Both thresholds will be put to the test in the coming months, especially with the holiday season approaching.
During the Game Business Live event, Mat Piscatella of Circana pointed out that U.S. consumers are reassessing their spending priorities: 40% plan to cut back, and over 30% identified video games as one of the first categories to reduce, alongside subscriptions and tech products, which hit 45%.
Piscatella also noted that the initial success of the Switch 2 is largely tied to strong launch supply, which Nintendo had carefully prepared.
According to Ampere, by the end of 2025 there will be 13 million Switch 2 owners, although total lifetime sales are expected to fall short of the original model.
Meanwhile, Xbox has announced its entry into the handheld market in partnership with Asus, launching two ROG Ally devices priced between $650 and $1,000. Microsoft, like Nintendo, has embraced the $80 price point for new titles, including The Outer Worlds 2, set to launch on October 29.
In a market where high prices are dampening demand, the industry is now looking to GTA 6 as a potential catalyst for renewed consumer spending.
Source: Variety VIP+
Share:
YouTube’s Television DominanceRelated Posts
With 3.5 million units sold in just four days, the new Nintendo Switch 2 marked the strongest global launch in the brand’s history. A result that represents a significant early success for the new generation of the hybrid console, in a period marked by economic uncertainty and the impact of U.S. tariffs on imported consumer goods.
Despite the strong debut, the overall outlook for the video game industry in 2025 remains far from stable. According to a recent report by Ampere Analysis, the global gaming market is expected to grow at a slower pace than in 2024, primarily due to the delay of Grand Theft Auto 6, now scheduled for May 2026. The Rockstar Games title, one of the most anticipated releases of the decade, could generate up to $2.7 billion in full-game and in-game sales.
Even for Nintendo, the launch of the Switch 2 comes with some concerns. Software sales have been down for six consecutive quarters, and consumers now face rising prices: Mario Kart World, one of the flagship titles, is priced at $80, while the console itself retails for $450. Both thresholds will be put to the test in the coming months, especially with the holiday season approaching.
During the Game Business Live event, Mat Piscatella of Circana pointed out that U.S. consumers are reassessing their spending priorities: 40% plan to cut back, and over 30% identified video games as one of the first categories to reduce, alongside subscriptions and tech products, which hit 45%.
Piscatella also noted that the initial success of the Switch 2 is largely tied to strong launch supply, which Nintendo had carefully prepared.
According to Ampere, by the end of 2025 there will be 13 million Switch 2 owners, although total lifetime sales are expected to fall short of the original model.
Meanwhile, Xbox has announced its entry into the handheld market in partnership with Asus, launching two ROG Ally devices priced between $650 and $1,000. Microsoft, like Nintendo, has embraced the $80 price point for new titles, including The Outer Worlds 2, set to launch on October 29.
In a market where high prices are dampening demand, the industry is now looking to GTA 6 as a potential catalyst for renewed consumer spending.
Source: Variety VIP+
Share:
YouTube’s Television Dominance
