Despite not yet being released, the Nintendo Switch 2 is projected to be the best-selling next-gen console, according to DFC Intelligence. Their 2024 Video Game Market Report and Forecast, released December 17th, predicts a strong market dominance for Nintendo.
Dominating the Market: 80 Million Units by 2028
DFC Intelligence forecasts the Switch 2 to sell 15-17 million units in 2025 and over 80 million units by 2028. This success is attributed to its anticipated early release (rumored for 2025) and limited initial competition. The report suggests Nintendo might face manufacturing challenges to meet the projected demand.
While Sony and Microsoft are reportedly developing handheld consoles, these remain largely conceptual. DFC Intelligence anticipates new consoles from these companies by 2028, leaving a significant window for the Switch 2 to maintain its lead. The report suggests only one of these post-Switch 2 consoles will achieve substantial success, potentially a hypothetical "PS6," leveraging PlayStation's established fanbase and strong intellectual properties.
Nintendo's popularity is at a peak, with the Switch surpassing the PlayStation 2's lifetime US sales, according to Circana (formerly NPD). This achievement comes despite a reported 3% decrease in Switch's yearly sales.
A Bright Future for the Video Game Industry
DFC Intelligence's report paints a positive outlook for the video game industry, projecting continued growth after a recent slump. 2025 is anticipated to be a particularly strong year, driven by new releases like the Switch 2 and Grand Theft Auto VI.
The gaming audience is projected to exceed 4 billion players by 2027, fueled by the increasing accessibility of "high-end gaming-on-the-go" and the growth of esports and gaming influencers. This expansion is further bolstering hardware sales across PC and consoles.
