Despite not yet being released, DFC Intelligence projects the Nintendo Switch 2 to be the best-selling next-gen console. Their 2024 Video Game Market Report forecasts sales exceeding 15-17 million units in 2025 and over 80 million by 2028.

Switch 2: The Clear Winner

DFC Intelligence labels the Switch 2 the "clear winner" in the next-gen console race, citing its anticipated 2025 release and limited initial competition. This early market entry, coupled with strong brand recognition, positions Nintendo as the console market leader, leaving Microsoft and Sony potentially lagging. The report suggests Nintendo might face manufacturing challenges due to high 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 Switch 2 dominance. 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 success is further underscored by the Switch surpassing the PlayStation 2's lifetime US sales, reaching the second highest all-time sales for a video game console in the US market (behind only the Nintendo DS), according to Circana.

A Resurgent Video Game Industry

DFC Intelligence's report paints a positive outlook for the video game industry, projecting sustained growth through the end of the decade after a recent slowdown. 2025 is anticipated as 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 rising popularity of portable gaming and the continued growth of esports and gaming influencers. This expanding market is driving increased hardware purchases across PC and consoles.