You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games here The Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to be the biggest console launch of all time with Nintendo now expecting the new handheld to outsell the original’s first year within its three-month release window. Nintendo has already admitted that it has massively underestimated the demand for the Nintendo Switch 2, but now company president Shuntaro Furukawa has explained why. Simply put, the console’s high price was expected to be a bigger issue for potential customers. Nintendo thought the Switch 2 would be too expensive In the company’s latest earnings call, via VGC, Furukawa explained that the console’s high price of £395.99/$449.99 posed a challenge to “early adoption”. However, the company has since found that the hype for the upcoming handheld has outpaced its expectations. “Nintendo Switch 2 is priced relatively high compared to Nintendo Switch, so we recognize that there are corresponding challenges to early adoption,” Furukawa explained. “That being said, Nintendo Switch 2 can play compatible Nintendo Switch software, so there is continuity between the platforms.” Furukawa added that the addition of the console’s Mario Kart World bundle was an initial plan to offset the challenge of the console’s high price. The president explained that the bundle was devised to “accelerate adoption in the first fiscal year, aiming to get off to the same start we did with Nintendo Switch.” While the constantly fluctuating US tariff situation has caused unexpected issues for the company, Nintendo explained that the financial issue “or a possibility of a recession did not affect” their sales forecast for the console. In response to the demand, the company is rapidly increasing its production capabilities. Furukawa explained that the biggest challenge to keeping the console’s sales prediction is to make sure that sales continue after the launch weeks of the Nintendo Switch 2. While new first-party games are being released across the year—such as Donkey Kong Bananza, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokemon Legends: Z-A, the president admits it “will not be easy to keep that momentum going over the long term through the holiday season and beyond.” As it stands, the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to be the biggest console launch of all time, eclipsing the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 launch period records. With the console launching outside of a worldwide pandemic and a global chip shortage, Nintendo is set up for major success. Subscribe to our newsletters! By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime. Share