Nintendo could become the “primary partner” for third-party publishers in the next five years.
That’s according to new research from DFC Intelligence, via Eurogamer, which projects Nintendo will exceed its own 15m units sold forecast later this year by at least a million, and possibly reach 20 million.
“Reflecting its historically conservative approach to new product forecasting, Nintendo is estimating sales of 15m Switch 2 units through the end of its fiscal year in March 2026,” DFC wrote.
“When the original Switch launched in March 2017, Nintendo initially projected 10m units for the fiscal year but ultimately sold 15m units in that period. Based on that track record, the fact that Nintendo is forecasting a 15m unit number gives us confidence that they will be able to ramp up supply and navigate tariff challenges.”
By the end of 2029, however, DFC forecasts the Switch 2 will have sold over 100m units, making it “the leading console system by a wide margin.”
“The next few years could see Nintendo for the first time becoming the primary partner for third-party game publishers,” the analysis added.
Earlier this week, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa made it clear that the US tariffs has not been factored into the Switch 2’s higher price point. In an earnings call Q&A, Furukawa said the ¥49,980/$499.99/£395.99 price was determined by manufacturing costs, consumer impressions, market conditions, and exchange rates.