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 forecast positions Nintendo as the console market leader, surpassing Microsoft and Sony, primarily due to the Switch 2's anticipated earlier release (rumored for 2025) and limited initial competition. The report suggests Nintendo might face production challenges meeting the projected high demand.

While Sony and Microsoft are reportedly developing handheld consoles, these are considered to be in earlier stages of development. DFC Intelligence anticipates new consoles from these companies by 2028. This three-year head start for the Switch 2 (barring surprise releases) suggests sustained market dominance. The report suggests only one of the post-Switch 2 consoles will achieve significant success, potentially a hypothetical "PS6," leveraging PlayStation's established fanbase and strong intellectual properties.

The Switch's enduring popularity is undeniable, having surpassed the PlayStation 2's lifetime US sales, reaching second place in all-time US console sales behind only the Nintendo DS, according to Circana (formerly NPD). This achievement is notable despite a reported 3% year-over-year sales decline.

DFC Intelligence's report paints a positive outlook for the video game industry as a whole. After a two-year downturn, the industry is projected to experience healthy growth through the end of the decade, with 2025 anticipated to be a particularly strong year. This resurgence is attributed to new product releases, including the Switch 2 and Grand Theft Auto VI, stimulating consumer spending. The global gaming audience is projected to surpass 4 billion players by 2027, fueled by the rising popularity of portable gaming and the growth of esports and gaming influencers. Hardware sales, both PC and console, are also expected to increase.