Despite not yet being released, DFC Intelligence, a video game market research firm, projects Nintendo's Switch 2 to be the best-selling next-gen console. Their 2024 Video Game Market Report and Forecast, released December 17th, predicts sales exceeding 15-17 million units in 2025 and over 80 million by 2028. This makes Nintendo the projected "clear winner" and "console market leader."

The forecast attributes this success to the Switch 2's anticipated 2025 release, giving it a significant head start over competitors Microsoft and Sony. These companies are expected to release new consoles by 2028, creating a three-year window of dominance for the Switch 2. DFC Intelligence suggests only one of these later consoles will achieve substantial success, potentially the hypothetical "PS6," leveraging PlayStation's established fanbase and strong intellectual properties.

This optimistic projection comes amidst the Switch's continued success. Circana (formerly NPD) reported that the Switch has surpassed the PlayStation 2's lifetime US sales, becoming the second best-selling console in US history, trailing only the Nintendo DS. This achievement is notable despite a reported 3% decrease in yearly Switch sales.

DFC Intelligence's report paints a positive picture for the entire video game industry. After a two-year downturn, the industry is projected to experience robust growth through the end of the decade, with 2025 anticipated as a particularly strong year. This resurgence is attributed to new product releases like the Switch 2 and Grand Theft Auto VI, fueling consumer spending and excitement. The overall gaming audience is projected to surpass 4 billion players by 2027, driven by the increasing popularity of portable gaming and the growth of esports and gaming influencers. Hardware sales, particularly for PCs and consoles, are also on the rise.