February 15, 2026 — 10:00am
The Nintendo Switch has officially become the company’s best-selling console, trailing only behind Sony’s iconic PlayStation 2 in global sales. The much-anticipated successor, the Switch 2, has already made waves by selling over 17 million units within its first six months, setting a new record as the fastest-selling gaming system ever. However, the company is now facing significant challenges, including global component shortages, rising prices, and hesitant adoption from some major game developers.
Announcing the latest sales figures, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa addressed concerns over the rising cost of memory due to the AI boom. While the Switch 2’s price remains at $700 for now, Furukawa hinted at potential price increases in the future, stating, “We do not expect major impact during the fourth quarter of this year. However, from the next fiscal year onward, if this price hike lasts longer than anticipated, it could potentially put pressure on our profitability,” according to Bloomberg.
Nintendo’s Strategic Game Plan for 2026
With 155 million Switch consoles sold, Nintendo aims to maintain momentum by leveraging its extensive library of games. The company plans to release both exclusive titles for the Switch 2 and updates for existing games to enhance their appeal on the new hardware. This dual approach encourages players to upgrade while still supporting the original Switch.
One of Nintendo’s strategies involves releasing updates for popular titles like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which now supports 4K graphics and expanded multiplayer features on the Switch 2. Similarly, Super Mario Bros. Wonder will receive a Switch 2 update next month, adding new characters, modes, and levels. These enhancements make the Switch 2 more attractive, particularly for owners of the original console.
At a recent event at Nintendo’s Melbourne headquarters, early versions of new games were showcased. Mario Tennis Fever, exclusive to Switch 2, transforms tennis into a dynamic party game, while Pokémon Pokopia aims to capture a broad audience with its blend of Pokémon collecting, social interaction, and Minecraft-style building.
Expanding the Nintendo Ecosystem
As the gaming industry shifts towards more powerful hardware, fewer big-budget titles have been released on the original Switch. The Switch 2’s enhanced capabilities could change this trend, but many studios have yet to announce their plans for the console. Reports suggest that Nintendo was unable to provide many studios with Switch 2 hardware prior to its launch, which may have delayed development.
Major third-party games planned for, or recently released on, Switch 2 include:
- Square Enix’s Final Fantasy VII Remake and its sequel Rebirth
- Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed: Shadows and Star Wars Outlaws
- Microsoft’s South of Midnight, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and more
- Anticipated titles like 007 First Light and Resident Evil Requiem
- EA and 2K’s licensed sports games
- Cyberpunk 2077 and Street Fighter 6
- Elden Ring is due to arrive this year
During the event, I previewed Capcom’s upcoming titles, Resident Evil Requiem and Pragmata, both of which showcase the Switch 2’s capabilities. Although the console doesn’t match the resolution and performance of a PlayStation 5 Pro, its portability and price make it a compelling option.
Nintendo’s Broader Brand Expansion
Beyond gaming, Nintendo continues to expand its brand with new ventures. A second Super Mario movie is set to hit cinemas, and a live-action Legend of Zelda is currently in production. The Pikmin Bloom smartphone app remains popular, and Nintendo’s subscription service offers access to classic games from past decades.
Notably, the Virtual Boy, a financial flop from 1995, is being revived for the Switch and Switch 2. Subscribers will soon be able to experience its unique 3D visuals, albeit with modern enhancements. If just half a percent of the current Switch audience adopts the new Virtual Boy, it will surpass the original’s sales.
As Nintendo navigates these challenges and opportunities, the company remains committed to innovation and expansion. Whether through new game releases or broader entertainment ventures, Nintendo’s influence in the gaming world shows no signs of waning.
