Switch Projected as Top Console Choice Amid Next-Gen Rivalry

Nintendo Switch 2 Projected as Top-Selling Next-Gen Console

Market research firm DFC Intelligence forecasts robust sales for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, predicting it will outsell competitors. Their 2024 Video Game Market Report, released December 17th, positions the Switch 2 as the "clear winner" in the next-generation console race.

Dominating the Market: 80 Million Units by 2028

DFC Intelligence projects Nintendo to lead the console market, surpassing Microsoft and Sony. This projection stems from the Switch 2's anticipated 2025 release, giving it a significant head start over rivals. The report estimates sales of 15-17 million units in 2025, escalating to over 80 million units by 2028. The high demand may even challenge Nintendo's production capabilities.

While Sony and Microsoft are reportedly developing handheld consoles, these remain in early stages. DFC Intelligence anticipates new consoles from these companies by 2028, but the three-year gap could solidify the Switch 2's dominance. The report suggests only one of these post-Switch 2 consoles will achieve significant success, potentially a hypothetical "PS6," leveraging PlayStation's established fanbase and strong intellectual properties.

The Switch's enduring popularity is undeniable, having surpassed the PlayStation 2's lifetime US sales, reaching the second highest all-time sales in the US market according to Circana (formerly NPD). Despite a reported 3% year-over-year sales decline, the Switch remains a powerhouse.

A Resurgent Video Game Industry

DFC Intelligence paints a positive outlook for the video game industry, projecting healthy growth through the end of the decade after a recent slump. 2025 is anticipated to be a particularly strong year, fueled by new releases like the Switch 2 and Grand Theft Auto VI.

The gaming audience is also expanding, with projections exceeding 4 billion players by 2027. The rise of "high-end gaming-on-the-go," esports, and gaming influencers are contributing factors to this growth, driving hardware sales across PC and consoles.