Switch 2 Could Be the Biggest Console Launch in History
Despite the controversy over its price and software costs, demand for the Switch 2 has already exceeded the company’s expectations in many regions, so much so that new analysis suggests the Switch 2 could be the biggest console launch in video game history.
Record Expectations for Switch 2
According to a report by Japan-based analyst firm Pelham Smithers Associates, the Nintendo Switch 2 is forecasting 6.6 million pre-orders worldwide during its launch period. That number would likely surpass the opening sales of the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, which sold 4.5 million units in their first two months. Considering that Japan accounts for a third of the global Switch user base, the forecast is based on a strong foundation.
Although the Switch 2’s launch was complicated by some external factors, such as variable tariffs in the United States, Nintendo’s strong production and distribution strategies have made the launch of the console much more solid than that of the PlayStation 5. The PS5’s launch was severely affected by the pandemic, the chip crisis, and intense black market activity. Nintendo, on the other hand, is ensuring that the console is purchased more fairly by real users thanks to anti-scalping measures.
All these developments increase the likelihood that the Switch 2 will break a new sales record when it launches. There is also intense demand for accessories; for example, MicroSD Express cards have started to run out worldwide. Although there have been some criticisms about the prices on online platforms, considering the size of organic demand, it seems certain that the Switch 2’s launch will be an unforgettable one in gaming history.
