Nintendo Expects Switch 2 to Outsell Original at Launch, Despite Surging Demand
Nintendo is gearing up for the release of its next big console, the ‘Nintendo Switch 2’, and the buzz around it is electric. After the massive success of the original Switch, which sold over 150 million units since its 2017 debut, expectations are sky-high. The company is banking on its new system to carry forward that momentum, with early signs pointing to a launch that could rewrite the record books for console sales.
The original Switch redefined gaming with its hybrid design, letting players switch between handheld and TV modes. It became a cultural hit, driven by blockbuster titles like ‘Mario Kart 8 Deluxe,’ ‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’ and ‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’. Now, Nintendo is ready to build on that legacy. The ‘Switch 2’ promises upgraded hardware and a fresh lineup of games, aiming to capture both longtime fans and new players. I’m already itching to see how it stacks up.
June 5, 2025, marks the official launch date for the ‘Nintendo Switch 2’, as revealed in a packed Nintendo Direct on April 2. The console will hit shelves at $450, with a $500 bundle that includes a digital copy of ‘Mario Kart World’. This new Mario Kart game is a major draw, blending classic racing with open-world exploration and support for up to 24 players in a single race. It’s a bold evolution of the series, which has sold over 60 million copies of ‘Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’ alone.
Analysts are predicting about the console’s potential. Pelham Smithers, a Japan-based equity researcher, pointed to 2.2 million pre-order requests in Japan alone, suggesting global pre-orders could hit 6.6 million. That’s a staggering figure, dwarfing the PlayStation 5’s 4.5 million units sold in its first quarter. If Nintendo can produce 6 to 8 million units for launch day, as some predict, it could outpace every console debut in history.
The game lineup is another reason for the hype. Alongside ‘Mario Kart World’, we’re expecting ‘Metroid Prime 4: Beyond’, a long-awaited sequel first announced in 2017. It’s set to launch on both Switch and ‘Switch 2’, with enhanced visuals on the new console. There’s also talk of a new 3D Mario game, following the success of ‘Super Mario Odyssey’, which sold over 25 million copies. Third-party support is stronger too, with titles like ‘Elden Ring’ and ‘Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition’ confirmed for launch.
Nintendo’s confidence comes from its track record. The original Switch thrived on must-play exclusives and a family-friendly appeal. The ‘Switch 2’ builds on that with a 7.9-inch 1080p LCD screen, up from the original’s 6.2 inches, and magnetically attached Joy-Con controllers. It’s powered by a custom Nvidia chip, promising performance closer to a PlayStation 4 Pro. Backward compatibility ensures your old Switch games will work, though some titles like ‘Nintendo Labo’ might not make the cut.
Price is a hot topic. At $450, the ‘Switch 2’ is pricier than the original’s $300 launch price. U.S. tariffs posed a challenge, delaying pre-orders from April 9 to April 24, but Nintendo held firm on pricing. The bundle with ‘Mario Kart World’ feels like a steal, considering the game alone costs $80.
I can’t help but feel the excitement. The ‘Switch 2’ isn’t just a new console—it’s a chance for Nintendo to dominate the gaming scene again. With a killer lineup and massive pre-order numbers, it’s hard to bet against them. Will it break records? I’m betting it will.
