Nintendo Switch 2 Tops 6 Million Sales in 7 Weeks Despite Shortages

Nintendo's Switch 2 has sold over six million units worldwide in seven weeks since its June launch, driven by upgraded hardware and hit titles like "Mario Kart World." Despite record-breaking demand, persistent supply shortages frustrate consumers. The company is ramping up production to meet expectations.
Nintendo Switch 2 Tops 6 Million Sales in 7 Weeks Despite Shortages
Written by Maya Perez

Nintendo Co. has achieved a remarkable feat with its latest gaming console, the Switch 2, selling more than six million units worldwide in just seven weeks since its June launch. Yet, this success story is tempered by persistent supply shortages that have left eager consumers scrambling, according to recent financial disclosures. The Kyoto-based company reported these figures in its quarterly earnings, highlighting a surge in demand that echoes the original Switch’s pandemic-fueled boom but with even greater intensity.

Analysts point to a combination of factors driving this frenzy: an upgraded hardware design featuring a larger screen and enhanced graphics, coupled with blockbuster launch titles like “Mario Kart World.” Nintendo’s president, Shuntaro Furukawa, acknowledged in the earnings call that production ramp-ups are underway, but current output is struggling to match the “sky-high” demand, as described by Serkan Toto of Kantan Games in a CNBC report.

Rapid Sales and Record-Breaking Pace

In the first month alone, estimates from industry watchers like Toyo Securities analyst Hideki Yasuda pegged sales at around six million units, surpassing initial projections and setting a new benchmark for Nintendo’s hardware launches. This pace outstrips the original Switch’s early performance, which benefited from unique circumstances like global lockdowns. Data from Circana, as cited in a Geek Vibes Nation article, indicates that June sales averaged nearly 193,000 units per day, underscoring the console’s immediate appeal.

The financial impact is already evident. Nintendo’s latest report, detailed in a Reuters dispatch, shows the company maintaining its full-year forecast despite the strong start, with expectations to sell 15 million Switch 2 units by March 2026. However, some analysts, including those at UBS, project even higher figures—up to 18 million—assuming supply constraints ease.

Supply Chain Challenges and Global Implications

Shortages have been particularly acute in key markets like Japan and the U.S., where retailers report instant sellouts and extended waitlists. Furukawa has publicly apologized for the inability to fulfill preorders, noting over 2.2 million applications on Nintendo’s online store alone, far exceeding expectations. This situation has revived memories of past console launches marred by scalping and inflated resale prices, though Nintendo claims to be bolstering manufacturing to mitigate such issues.

Geopolitical factors add another layer of complexity. The ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions under President Donald Trump have tested Nintendo’s supply chain, which relies heavily on components from Asia. A Reuters analysis from launch day highlighted this as a critical test, with potential tariffs threatening production costs and timelines.

Consumer Sentiment and Market Response

Social media buzz, including posts on platforms like X, reflects widespread frustration mixed with excitement, with users reporting long lines and special store hours to accommodate demand. Industry insiders warn that shortages could persist into 2026, as forecasted in a GameRant piece citing multiple analysts. This has prompted some retailers to implement lotteries for stock allocation, further fueling the hype.

For Nintendo, the challenge now is scaling production without compromising quality. The company has signaled investments in its supply network, aiming to ship units more aggressively in the coming quarters. Yet, as demand shows no signs of abating—bolstered by upcoming titles and the console’s hybrid home-portable design—the pressure is on to deliver.

Long-Term Outlook and Competitive Pressures

Looking ahead, Nintendo’s robust early sales position it well against rivals like Sony and Microsoft, whose consoles have faced their own supply woes in recent years. Financial reports from sources like Zelda Dungeon confirm the Switch 2 as the fastest-selling in the company’s history, with 5.82 million units shipped in the initial three weeks alone.

However, sustaining this momentum will require navigating economic uncertainties and consumer spending trends. Analysts remain optimistic, with projections from iPhone in Canada suggesting the 15 million target is conservative. If Nintendo can resolve its supply bottlenecks, the Switch 2 could redefine gaming accessibility, much like its predecessor did.

In an industry where innovation meets insatiable appetite, Nintendo’s current predicament is a testament to its enduring appeal. As one analyst noted in a Gagadget report, sales in the first four days topped 3.5 million units, doubling the original Switch’s launch. The question now is whether production can catch up before the holiday season amplifies the shortages even further.

Subscribe for Updates

SupplyChainPro Newsletter

News and strategies around the various components of the supply chain.

By signing up for our newsletter you agree to receive content related to ientry.com / webpronews.com and our affiliate partners. For additional information refer to our terms of service.

Notice an error?

Help us improve our content by reporting any issues you find.

Get the WebProNews newsletter delivered to your inbox

Get the free daily newsletter read by decision makers

Subscribe
Advertise with Us

Ready to get started?

Get our media kit

Advertise with Us