Despite a record-breaking launch for Nintendo Switch 2, new data reveals that third-party game sales struggled to keep up.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is off to a flying start. Within just a few days of launch, the hybrid console sold over 3.5 million units worldwide, making it the fastest-selling gaming device in history. In the U.S. alone, it moved more than 1.1 million units during its first week, and in Japan, sales reached nearly a million in the same time frame.
It even doubled the original Switch’s numbers in the UK launch window. By all accounts, this was a dream debut. But while hardware sales have been phenomenal, the picture isn’t as bright for third-party publishers.
A new report suggests that despite all the momentum, third-party game sales on the Switch 2 have been underwhelming, so much so that one publisher reportedly called their launch numbers “below our lowest estimates.”
Nintendo Switch 2 Third-Party Titles Sales Reportedly “Very Low”
This data comes from The Game Business, which compiled stats from research firms like Circana and NielsenIQ, along with feedback from publishers and industry insiders. And while Nintendo’s own games are flying off shelves, the same can’t be said for most third-party offerings.
In the U.S., 62% of physical game sales in launch week were from first-party titles, not counting the Mario Kart World bundle that came with most consoles. In the UK, that number was even higher, 86% when including the bundle, and 48% without it. By comparison, the original Switch saw 89% first-party sales in the UK at launch, so while there is a slight improvement for third-parties it’s not enough to inspire much confidence.
The biggest outlier was Cyberpunk 2077, which was the best-selling third-party game during launch. It even outperformed The Witcher 3’s launch numbers on the original Switch. CD Projekt Red’s decision to put the full game on a cartridge, without requiring a download, may have helped.
Still, most publishers didn’t have the same success. The report explains that many Switch 2 third-party games were ports of older titles like Hitman, Hogwarts Legacy, and Street Fighter, many of which require users to download the full game using a “game key card.” That system has proven unpopular with core Switch fans who prefer the simplicity of physical cartridges.
Here’s a quick look at the key numbers from the report:
- 3.5 million Switch 2 units sold globally in the first few days.
- 1.1 million+ units sold in the U.S. in launch week
- 947,931 units sold in Japan during week one
- 62% of U.S. physical game sales were first-party
- 86% of UK physical game sales were first-party, including Mario Kart
- Cyberpunk 2077 was the top third-party title.
- Sega ranked as the third-biggest publisher by sales at launch
- Over 80% of Switch 2 game sales were from physical retailers (based on publisher data).
There is also speculation about Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption 2 making its way to the Switch 2. Insider reports from Nate the Hate claim that a next-gen upgrade is in the works for PS5 and Xbox Series consoles, along with a Switch 2 version coming “a few months” after launch.
What do you think about the third-party performance on Switch 2 so far? Do you see things improving down the line, or is this going to stay a Nintendo-first experience for most players? Let us know your thoughts.
