As the countdown to the highly anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2 draws near, the excitement is palpable, with industry analysts predicting that it will have the biggest console launch in history. The iconic gaming company has already set the stage for a monumental event, and the buzz surrounding the Switch 2’s pre-order campaign is only intensifying the anticipation.
Previously, estimates suggested that Nintendo would produce between 6 to 8 million units of the Switch 2 by the time of its June launch. But now, an analyst’s prediction has raised the stakes, with claims that the console could eclipse all previous records, thanks to the massive success of the pre-order campaign in Japan.
Analyst Pelham Smithers’ Bold Prediction
Pelham Smithers, from Japan-focused research firm Pelham Smithers Associates, has shared his optimistic outlook for the upcoming launch. According to Smithers, the staggering demand for the console in Japan, which represents about a third of the global Switch installation base, could translate into a total of 6.6 million pre-orders globally.
“As Japan accounts for a third of the global Switch installation base, it implies 6.6 million pre-orders globally,” Smithers said. This number represents a major milestone, as it would far exceed the launch figures of any previous console, including the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, both of which currently hold the title for the biggest console launches in history, with reported numbers of 4.5 million units sold during their first two months.
A Shift in the Console Landscape?
The PS4 and PS5’s impressive launch figures are already a huge benchmark in the gaming world, but Smithers’ prediction for the Switch 2 has the potential to shatter this record. It’s important to note, however, that the PlayStation 5 faced significant stock shortages during its initial year, which may have prevented it from surpassing the PS4 in terms of initial sales. With Nintendo’s solid production plans and overwhelming demand, the Switch 2 is primed to make a historic impact on the gaming industry.
Nintendo’s preparations have already included an innovative pre-order strategy, which has seen an overwhelming response. In Japan, where the console has already generated a significant buzz, Nintendo’s My Nintendo pre-order lottery attracted 2.2 million applicants, which led to Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa warning that many eager fans would miss out on securing their pre-orders.
Global Pre-Order Madness
The frenzy surrounding the Switch 2 isn’t limited to Japan. This week, pre-orders for the console opened in the United States, and reports indicate that fans have faced ongoing issues trying to secure their orders. The pre-order systems have been heavily impacted by the demand, with users encountering difficulties when trying to place their orders online. Meanwhile, pre-orders have been live in the UK and Europe since earlier this month, following the excitement of the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct presentation.
These issues have only added fuel to the fire, with gamers worldwide eagerly awaiting their chance to get their hands on the next-generation console. The Switch 2 is not just another gaming system—it represents a new era in the Nintendo legacy.
Launch Date and What to Expect
Mark your calendars for June 5, 2025—the date the Nintendo Switch 2 will officially launch, along with its flagship title, Mario Kart World. Nintendo has already started ramping up marketing efforts across various territories, with television spots airing in Japan and street advertisements popping up in several major cities.
In addition to the classic Mario Kart experience, fans can expect a slew of exciting new courses, characters, items, and outfits in Mario Kart World, as revealed during last week’s Mario Kart World Direct presentation. The launch of this title will set the stage for what is shaping up to be a cultural and gaming milestone.
With a history of successful consoles and a legacy that spans decades, Nintendo is poised to redefine the gaming landscape once again with the Nintendo Switch 2. From the record-breaking pre-order campaign to the promising global launch, everything about the Switch 2 screams success. Whether you’re a long-time Nintendo fan or a newcomer to the franchise, there’s no denying the massive impact this console is about to have on the gaming industry.