Nintendo Switch 2 Sales Slowdown During Christmas Season in Western Markets

Sales of the Nintendo Switch 2 slowed down during the Christmas season, particularly in Western markets. This trend followed a strong launch in June, during which 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 decline was especially pronounced. According to data from The Game Business, November and December sales of the Switch 2 were approximately 35% lower compared to the original Switch during the same period in 2017. This aligns with a report from Circana, indicating that November marked the worst month for console sales in the U.S. since 1995.

European results were varied. In the UK, Switch 2 sales over the last eight weeks of the year were 16% lower than those of the original Switch at the end of 2017. Nevertheless, when considering the combined sales of both consoles, the total number of Nintendo units sold from November to December 2025 was 7% higher than eight years prior. Overall, the Switch 2 performed 6% better in the UK throughout the year compared to the first Switch, despite the latter’s longer presence in the market.

Surprisingly, France became the worst-performing market, with Switch 2 sales over the year more than 30% lower than the original Switch at launch. Major European countries experienced a slowdown in sales during the holiday season.

One of Nintendo’s top executives attributed this situation to a «challenging economic environment,» the higher price of the console, and the absence of a significant new game aimed at the Western audience during the holiday period. However, he emphasized that the company is pleased with the results achieved during a difficult year.

In Japan, the outlook for Nintendo appears more favorable. Over the last nine weeks of 2025, 1.32 million Switch 2 units were sold, just 5.5% less than the original Switch during the same timeframe. For the entire year, the console showed an 11% increase 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 titles aimed at local players. For instance, Kirby Air Riders has already surpassed 420,000 copies sold (in physical format).

Analysts also note that the success of the original Switch in 2017 was significantly driven by high-profile releases like Super Mario Odyssey. The Switch 2 didn’t have a comparable hit at the end of the year.

Looking ahead to 2026, Nintendo’s lineup of exclusives appears modest at this point, 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 plans to unveil new projects in the upcoming weeks, including games for the 30th anniversary of Pokémon.

Nintendo’s biggest release in the first half of 2026 is set to be a film rather than a game—“Super Mario: Galactic Film,” which is scheduled to premiere in April.