Nintendo Reportedly Setting High Bar for Switch 2 Launch Sales

As for the forecast, 10 million units is a bold if expected move from Nintendo. On one hand, history suggests Nintendo's consoles sell like hotcakes. The Switch, in particular, sold over 13 million units in its first year. On the other hand, Sony and Microsoft experienced supply and demand challenges with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X, respectively. The said consoles faced severe shortage issues for over two years post-launch, a situation Nintendo is evidently seeking to avoid.

By ensuring substantial stock availability, Nintendo is positioning the Switch 2 for a more successful launch, potentially avoiding the pitfalls of limited supply that often leads to scalping and inflated prices in the secondary market.

However, the success of the Switch 2 isn't guaranteed. It is subject to market demand based on specifications, pricing, and available games. The reported focus on an LCD screen may affect the console's appeal to more serious gamers, and the rumored price point of $400 will affect its market reception. Finally, unlike the Switch, the next Nintendo console is facing tougher competition, with handheld desktops like the Steam Deck, ASUS Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, now on the market.

While the official announcement of the Switch 2 is still pending, fan anticipation remains high. The original Nintendo Switch has enjoyed remarkable success, with sales surpassing every other console but the PlayStation 2 and the Nintendo DS. Thus, the Switch 2 is expected to build on this legacy.

Ultimately, Nintendo's strategy of producing a large number of units at launch suggests confidence in the new console's market appeal, despite the challenges and uncertainties of launching a new hardware platform.