Beat PS4! Nintendo Switch 2 is the most expensive but best-selling console in history. The reason is

Nintendo officially launched the new Switch 2 console on June 5th, with a suggested retail price of $449.99 in the US, setting the highest launch pricing in its history. The flagship game "Mario Kart World" was priced at $80, the most expensive game sold in the US in over a decade. Despite the record-high prices, the new console quickly sparked a sales frenzy, even surpassing PS4 and breaking multiple records, sparking discussions among players and media. Here is a comprehensive report.

Switch 2 Sells Over 3.5 Million Units in Just Four Days, Beating PS4's Record

According to the report by Circana analyst Mat Piscatella, the Switch 2 has broken the electronic game console launch sales record in the US, selling over 1.1 million units by June 7th, 2025, officially surpassing the previous record held by Sony's PlayStation 4.

• Global first-week sales reached 3.5 million units, the strongest launch in Nintendo's history.
• The Japanese market sold 947,931 units in just four days, setting a domestic console sales record.
• Sales in France exceeded 200,000 units over the launch weekend, achieving over €100 million in sales.

The Switch 2 and "Mario Kart World" were launched simultaneously. According to Circana's retail data, 79% of US Switch 2 buyers also purchased the physical version of "Mario Kart World" or a bundled package. When including digital sales not yet captured, the actual sales are expected to be even higher.

Besides "Mario Kart World", "Cyberpunk 2077" and "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" have also become the best-selling games for Switch 2.

Nintendo previously estimated first-year sales of 15 million units for the Switch 2. However, based on current performance, this target may be achieved ahead of schedule, and the company's enhanced production and shipping strategy has received positive market response.

Players Criticize High Prices, Nintendo Emphasizes Value Pricing

Despite impressive sales, the Switch 2's high price has sparked considerable controversy, with the console priced at $449.99, exceeding the pricing of previous Switch and Wii series. "Mario Kart World" is priced at $80, far higher than the typical $60, surprising many players who exclaimed it's too expensive.

Renowned game journalist Jeff Gerstmann commented on social media "That is too much money!", questioning whether Nintendo is forcing players to buy console bundle packages. Nintendo's US President Doug Bowser stated that the company adopts a variable pricing strategy, making reasonable pricing based on game development costs and content depth, emphasizing that players will experience value commensurate with the price.

Brand Image Continues High-Quality IP and Family Entertainment Strategy, High Pricing Justified!

Nintendo has long established its brand image through strong IP and family-friendly strategies. Classic characters like Mario, Zelda, and Pikachu have made games a value experience rather than merely emphasizing hardware technology. By controlling production volume and maintaining a "no price reduction" strategy, Nintendo has strengthened its brand value. Nintendo has proven to the market that "high prices can still sell well" by enhancing game IP and precise marketing, targeting nostalgic players and new generations, appealing to all ages, and becoming one of the most popular gaming consoles. Nintendo is not simply raising prices to pursue profits, but trying to continue its high-quality and family entertainment positioning. Since the Famicom era, Nintendo has been committed to creating a brand image that "transcends toys", and the Switch 2 continues this core strategy.