Switch 2 Dominates Sales in Japan Over Xbox Series

The Nintendo Switch 2 has reached a significant milestone in Japan, selling almost double the units compared to the Xbox Series X/S consoles in the country. The latest sales information highlights the continued dominance of Nintendo in its domestic market, surpassing the presence of Microsoft. This performance underscores the strong loyalty of Japanese consumers to the Nintendo brand and a preference for hardware focused on portability and unique experiences.

The performance of the Switch 2 in Japan is indicative of Nintendo's robust strategy, which has managed to maintain a high level of engagement with its local fan base. The Xbox consoles, on the other hand, have historically faced challenges in consolidating a significant market share in the country.

The consolidated sales of the Nintendo Switch 2 in Japan have reached 556,700 units so far, while the Xbox Series X/S consoles have accumulated 286,900 units in the same period. The difference of approximately 269,800 units demonstrates the clear preference of Japanese consumers for the Nintendo platform.

This disparity is not a surprise to the Japanese market, where Nintendo consistently leads console sales. The PlayStation 5, although performing better than the Xbox, also struggles to reach the numbers of the Switch 2 in Japan, with around 5.7 million units sold in April 2025. The original Switch, launched in 2017, had already solidified Nintendo's leadership, and the Switch 2 seems to be following the same path to success.

The installed base of the Nintendo Switch 2 is growing rapidly, driven by a strong game catalog and the heritage of its predecessor. Microsoft, despite its efforts to expand the Xbox brand globally, including partnerships and studio acquisitions, still faces cultural and market barriers in Japan. The preference for games with local appeal and the compact design of the Switch continue to be decisive factors.