Nintendo struggles to keep third-party games sales alive on Switch 2

In June 2025, Nintendo launched the Switch 2, which achieved remarkable initial success by selling over 3.5 million units within the first four days globally. Despite this strong debut, there are increasing concerns regarding the company's future strategy and how it will expand its game offerings. Gaming expert George Osborn highlighted the importance of having a robust release slate of first-party games, as previous Nintendo consoles' sales have often leaned heavily on standout titles. The original Switch, for example, benefited enormously from the popularity of 'Breath of the Wild'. Additionally, while the initial sales figures for the Switch 2 were impressive, discrepancies in reported sales numbers indicated that some figures released were placeholders rather than accurate representations of total sales. Nintendo announced that it would clarify its official sales figures on August 1, 2025, which left the industry wondering about the actual performance of the new console. Osborn noted that without a strong selection of first-party games, including major franchises like Mario and Zelda, there is a risk that the Switch 2 may struggle to maintain momentum. Moreover, concerns were raised regarding Nintendo's collaboration with third-party developers. Reports suggest that third-party game sales for the Switch 2 have been disappointing, with many titles offering experiences that can be found on competing platforms. This situation puts Nintendo in a precarious position, as high costs associated with the console and games, combined with a lack of compelling third-party options, could lead to consumers opting for alternatives like the Steam Deck or staying away from the Switch 2 altogether. As the holiday season approaches, it is crucial for Nintendo to ensure that it has a strong lineup of both first-party and third-party titles to entice consumers. Experts believe that if Nintendo fails to diversify its game offerings sufficiently, it could lose a significant part of its audience that previously relied on its consoles for unique gaming experiences. Despite these challenges, experts assert that the company has so far managed to create a positive atmosphere among its fanbase, but they will need to act decisively to sustain the positive trajectory of the Switch 2.