Nintendo’s latest console has achieved a staggering 3.5 million global sales within its initial four-day release window, signaling a strong market debut. Despite overwhelming hardware demand, third-party software sales appear muted outside of Nintendo’s own catalog.

Data from The Game Business reveals first-party titles dominated physical game purchases at launch, claiming 62% of U.S. sales (excluding Mario Kart World). In the UK, exclusives represented 48% of boxed game purchases without Mario Kart World factored in, rising to 86% when included. While digital sales aren’t tracked here, sources indicate over 80% of Switch 2 software transactions occurred via physical retailers during launch week.

Multiple third-party publishers reportedly underperformed, with one anonymously stating results were “substantially below forecasted minimums.” Exceptions included CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077, which ranked third in U.S. launch-week sales per Circana data. Industry analyst Mat Piscatella noted third-party titles captured nearly 40% of physical software sales during the Switch 2’s first week, doubling the 20% share seen during the original Switch’s first month.

Third party unit share of Switch 2 physical software during week 1 reached just shy of 40%. For month 1 of the Switch launch it was less than 20%.

— Mat Piscatella (@matpiscatella.bsky.social) 2025-06-19T17:15:19.742Z

Piscatella emphasized early performance metrics should be interpreted cautiously, noting the Switch 2 launched with significantly higher stock than its predecessor. Consumer behavior patterns also play a role—over 50% of current PS5/Xbox owners already own a Switch, potentially reducing demand for cross-platform titles on Nintendo’s device.

Market observers suggest the system’s upgraded hardware could enable more simultaneous multiplatform launches and ambitious ports, akin to The Witcher 3’s original Switch release. However, Nintendo’s first-party release schedule remains a critical variable. As the analyst stated, “Historical trends show non-Nintendo games tend to struggle when major exclusives debut.”

With the console’s installed base expanding rapidly, the coming months will better reveal third-party viability. Publishers are reportedly monitoring whether enhanced technical capabilities translate to sustained player engagement beyond Nintendo’s marquee franchises.