Nintendo Switch 2 Sales Fall 12% in the US, but Rising UK Sales and Upcoming Zelda Remake Could Boost Demand

The Nintendo Switch 2 is no longer the fastest-selling console in the United States, with September 2026 sales data showing a year-over-year decline. However, Circana analyst Mat Piscatella believes the latest figures do not indicate a serious problem for Nintendo’s latest gaming system.

According to Circana’s September report, Nintendo Switch 2 sales fell 12% compared with the same month last year. While the decline could raise questions about the console’s momentum, Piscatella believes its performance needs to be considered in the context of its unusually successful launch year.

Circana Analyst Explains the Switch 2 Sales Decline

Speaking about the latest figures, Piscatella explained that comparisons with the previous year are complicated by the console’s strong initial performance.

“The comps are weird on Switch 2 because it’s rare that such a successful device in its first year doesn’t have supply constraints,”

he said, adding that he was not seeing anything concerning in the sales numbers.

Piscatella also discussed Nintendo’s pricing strategy. The company discontinued the Mario Kart World bundle and shifted to selling the console separately while maintaining the price point, helping limit the impact of its September price adjustment on store shelves.

Piscatella expects upcoming Nintendo releases to help strengthen demand, particularly The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Nintendo has also introduced a special-edition console celebrating the franchise’s 40th anniversary, giving fans another reason to consider purchasing the hardware.

Discussing the anticipated demand for the Zelda-themed system, Piscatella predicted, “People are going to buy the hell out of the Zelda [Switch 2].” He also suggested that limited availability could push resale prices significantly higher.

The American market is not telling the whole story of Nintendo Switch 2’s performance. According to The Game Business, UK sales increased 17% year over year in September, while October sales rose 2.2%.

These figures suggest that demand varies across markets, even as the console faces tougher comparisons against its exceptionally successful launch period.

For Nintendo, upcoming releases and special-edition hardware could provide fresh momentum during the holiday shopping season. Although the latest American figures show a slowdown, Piscatella’s assessment suggests the company has little reason to panic about the Switch 2’s long-term prospects.