Nintendo has reported strong growth to kick off its 2026 financial year, thanks to the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. It appears the console has outperformed company expectations, contributing to a 110.1% growth in net sales, an 83.1% growth in net profit, and an increase in full-year sales forecasts.
Nintendo Q1 FY26 financial results – quick links
Nintendo Switch 2 launch sales
Previously, the company had expected to sell 15 million Switch 2 units in FY26. Now, it expects to sell an additional 4 million, taking the forecast up to 19 million sales. Likewise, software sales expectations have been increased, by 3 million units, to 48 million.
As noted by Nintendo, prior forecasts had been more conservative due to ‘known and unknown risks and uncertainties’ in the consumer market, including ‘fluctuation in foreign exchange rates, and other changes in the market environment.’ Notably, the console launched in the midst of US tariff announcements and concerns about an incoming global trade war.
The performance of the Nintendo Switch 2, against this backdrop, is particularly impressive. Ahead of the console’s launch, there was also much debate about its possible success, given a slim launch game lineup, and similarities to the original Switch console. It’s seemingly defied this chatter completely, becoming a significant success for Nintendo and kicking off the new financial year on a strong note.
In the period ending 30 September 2025, the Switch has officially sold 10.36 million units. Nintendo Switch 2 software sales hit 20.62 million units, indicating console owners purchased two to three games for the console in this period.
Nintendo’s software sales are looking up
Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza were noted as being strong successes. In fact, the majority of folks who bought the Switch 2 also bought Mario Kart World, it seems. Nintendo notes the game sold 9.57 million copies in its first four months on sale. Donkey Kong Bananza sold 3.49 million copies.
Over on the original Switch side, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Mario Jamboree also contributed to software sales. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe sold an additional 1.37 million units in the last financial quarter, and Super Mario Party Jamboree sold an additional 1.16 million units.
While no other Switch 2 titles were noted as joining the million-seller club, it’s possible they’ll get there in the next financial quarter, given Nintendo expects to continue selling Switch 2 consoles consistently over the next year.
New game releases will also help, with titles including Metroid Prime 4, Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, and Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream likely to drive console sales.
In the next financial report, we also expect to see sales figures increased by Pokémon Legends: Z-A and the re-release of Super Mario Galaxy and its sequel.
For now, it appears Nintendo’s financial forecasts are entirely positive, which is a significant shift from the expected downturn of the last financial year. With plenty of big releases on the way – including another Super Mario film adaptation, which has the potential to be a billion-dollar earner – it looks like Nintendo has a big year ahead.
Also on ScreenHub: Pokémon Legends Z-A review: a bold new frontier
It’s rare that a franchise can continue to surprise decades after it debuted but in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, developer Game Freak has delivered something dazzling. This is an evolution of the franchise formula that’s sharp, snappy and exciting in each new phase.
It consistently introduces fresh new gameplay options as a compelling plot advances, with fun traversal challenges, sleek Pokémon collecting and moreish exploration opportunities providing ample reasons to forge on.
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