Nintendo's latest financial disclosures for the third fiscal quarter of 2026 highlight the remarkable market penetration of its Switch 2 console. Launched in June 2025, the device has already achieved an astounding 17.37 million unit sales, significantly outpacing earlier projections. This robust performance is further complemented by strong software sales, showcasing the console's appeal to a broad audience and solidifying Nintendo's position in the competitive gaming industry.
The Japanese gaming giant had previously revised its sales forecast for the Switch 2 in November 2025, elevating it from an initial 15 million to a more ambitious 19 million units. Despite initial skepticism from some observers regarding the revised target, the console's actual sales trajectory indicates that it is well on its way to not only meeting but potentially exceeding this elevated goal by the end of the fiscal year.
Accompanying the console's hardware success are impressive software sales, totaling 37.93 million units. Leading the charge is "Mario Kart World," which alone accounts for a substantial 14.03 million units. Other notable titles contributing to this success include "Donkey Kong Bananza" with 4.25 million units and "Kirby Air Riders" with 1.76 million units sold. Curiously, there has been no mention of "Metroid Prime 4: Beyond" in the latest reports, a detail that has garnered some attention.
Financially, the company is experiencing a period of significant growth. Net sales for the first nine months of fiscal year 2026 have surged by 99.3%, reaching an impressive 1,905.8 billion yen. Operating profit has also seen a healthy increase of 21.3%, totaling 300.3 billion yen. Nintendo has maintained its hardware and software forecasts for the remainder of the year and has identified upcoming titles like "Mario Tennis Fever" and "Pokémon Pokopia," slated for release in February and March, as key drivers for continued growth. Furthermore, anticipation is building for "Super Mario Bros. Wonder - Switch 2 Edition" and "Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave," with rumors of an impending Partner Direct event hinting at more exciting announcements on the horizon.
This impressive sales momentum underscores the Switch 2's successful market entry and its capacity to attract a dedicated player base. The console's strong performance, both in hardware and software, demonstrates Nintendo's continued innovation and its ability to captivate the global gaming community.