This is based solely through their affiliate links.According to the shortcut site, this is the top 10 best selling pre order listings related to the Switch 2 in the US:
Exclusive: Nintendo Switch 2 sales – the top 20 pre-orders in the US
According to the The Shortcut's pre-order data, the $499 Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle was seven times more popular than Nintendo's $449 standalone consolewww.theshortcut.com
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Switch 2 Launch - Market Watch [US/CAN preorders reopen April 24th]
- Thread starter Lelouch0612
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According to the shortcut site, this is the top 10 best selling pre order listings related to the Switch 2 in the US:
Exclusive: Nintendo Switch 2 sales – the top 20 pre-orders in the US
According to the The Shortcut's pre-order data, the $499 Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle was seven times more popular than Nintendo's $449 standalone console
Cyberpunk doing so well is not surprising. Switch 2 editions are also popular it seems. I’m curious how other third party games will do.
The keycard situation is decimating 3rd party preorders imo. I think SF6, Split Fiction (not even keycard but a code, lol) and Bravely Default in particular would be doing much better if they used regular gamecards, even if they upped prices and/or trimmed content/required some additional downloads to compensate.
Maybe it'll change once we move past the enthusiast preorder stage to regular massmarket consumers but right now, it definitely feels like a misstep in some cases.
Maybe it'll change once we move past the enthusiast preorder stage to regular massmarket consumers but right now, it definitely feels like a misstep in some cases.
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Camera outselling the carrying case huh?According to the shortcut site, this is the top 10 best selling pre order listings related to the Switch 2 in the US:
Exclusive: Nintendo Switch 2 sales – the top 20 pre-orders in the US
According to the The Shortcut's pre-order data, the $499 Switch 2 Mario Kart World bundle was seven times more popular than Nintendo's $449 standalone console
How many concrete and well-grounded direct evidences of the game key cards being a negative factor with regards to physical preorders or data that we could infer such a trend from?
Going by memory, outside of the Top 20 released by The Shortcut (which is also strictly based on their affiliate links, so it's unclear how representative of a pool it is), I can remember the FNAC report highlighting historically strong Switch 2 preorders that stated how software preorders weren't as good as those for hardware and accessories, but since it's an overall software remark, it's not impossible that the main cause is Mario Kart World solo doing much lower than what you would expect...even if for obvious reasons.
Based on my personal observations, pre-orders for Street Fighter and Bravely Default at least (many other games released on game key cards saw their preorder openings way later) definitely had pretty good if not surprisingly strong (for the latter mainly) starts across the different European Amazon regions a month ago; now the situation is way more subdued admittedly but I don't follow the charts that closely and that frequently to say how often that happens across the board. For the same reason, while I've seen several games increasing from what appeared to be very low positions and rise up to decent-to-good performances from those same charts, I'm not able to assess with enough certainty the way Switch 2 games will trend as we get closer to the console's release day.
For a selection of other games, there's a genuine lack of visibility issue because of the fact they're categorised as Switch 2 games while the Switch 2-specific rankings are still missing: due to their categorisation, they just don't appear in the global videogames rankings at all. This issue plagues Amazon.com way more at the moment though. Several games on Amazon.co.jp are affected by external visibility issues as well, including flat out miscategorisation as toys, board games and such.
Going by memory, outside of the Top 20 released by The Shortcut (which is also strictly based on their affiliate links, so it's unclear how representative of a pool it is), I can remember the FNAC report highlighting historically strong Switch 2 preorders that stated how software preorders weren't as good as those for hardware and accessories, but since it's an overall software remark, it's not impossible that the main cause is Mario Kart World solo doing much lower than what you would expect...even if for obvious reasons.
Based on my personal observations, pre-orders for Street Fighter and Bravely Default at least (many other games released on game key cards saw their preorder openings way later) definitely had pretty good if not surprisingly strong (for the latter mainly) starts across the different European Amazon regions a month ago; now the situation is way more subdued admittedly but I don't follow the charts that closely and that frequently to say how often that happens across the board. For the same reason, while I've seen several games increasing from what appeared to be very low positions and rise up to decent-to-good performances from those same charts, I'm not able to assess with enough certainty the way Switch 2 games will trend as we get closer to the console's release day.
For a selection of other games, there's a genuine lack of visibility issue because of the fact they're categorised as Switch 2 games while the Switch 2-specific rankings are still missing: due to their categorisation, they just don't appear in the global videogames rankings at all. This issue plagues Amazon.com way more at the moment though. Several games on Amazon.co.jp are affected by external visibility issues as well, including flat out miscategorisation as toys, board games and such.
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Germany was 100k within the first four weeks
It could be that game key card games will behave pretty much exactly like code in a box physical releases does when it comes to sales. Meaning no enthusiast preorder them, but some gamers and families pick them up if they see them in a store.
I dont think they effect much - for the most part these are all older games and ports, that were already on other systems as well as on sales. This also isnt a Holiday launch and the system itself and the accessoires are quite expensive. There is only so much money people have to spent at launch. Even the most basic setup will costs you 500-600€.
People need to have realistic expectations for these launch games, outside of the big exclusive Nintendo games they are not gonna set the world on fire at launch.
At launch it's Mario Kart that's going to be the priority, then likely NSW backlogs, then all the second game choices will be split up among all the titles. Compared to NSW, there are way more options thanks to much improved partner support. This is all after a likely 600 USD spending spree.
Software Amazon numbers
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Some software numbers are starting to appear.
France
Donkey Kong - 3.000+
Mario Kart World - 2.000+
TotK - 600+
BotW - 500+
Bravely Default - 400+
DxM Collector's Edition - 300+
Mario Party - 300+
Rune Factory - 50+
Story of Seasons - 30+
Spain
Donkey Kong - 3.000+
Mario Kart World - 1.000+
Bravely Default - 400+
TotK - 300+
BotW - 300+
Mario Party - 100+
France
Donkey Kong - 3.000+
Mario Kart World - 2.000+
TotK - 600+
BotW - 500+
Bravely Default - 400+
DxM Collector's Edition - 300+
Mario Party - 300+
Rune Factory - 50+
Story of Seasons - 30+
Spain
Donkey Kong - 3.000+
Mario Kart World - 1.000+
Bravely Default - 400+
TotK - 300+
BotW - 300+
Mario Party - 100+
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Seems like a healthy start for Donkey Kong. It's gonna be a strong comeback for the series after how it's languished since Tropical Freeze.
As of 10:25 ET, May 3rd 2025
Available: none
Low availability: 37 (19.89% of the total)
No availability: 149 (80.11% of the total)
EDIT 1: The following software preorder figures have started to appear on my end as well
France
Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster - 400+
Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar (Standard Edition) - 30+
EDIT 2: Moreover, in Spain the Nintendo Switch 2 numbers have changed
Nintendo Switch 2 (base system) - 1.000+
Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World - 7.000+
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Bravely Default 2 is either sold out in the US or never went up
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Thanks, it is now added
BOTW still consistently outselling TOTK. I think the price really did affect legs
Air Riders is one we're gonna need more information on to make predictions on; the original game was content-lite and it's killer-app mode, City Trial, was not well understood by contemporary reviewers who focused on the barebones track-racing mode. It's developed a cult following in the ensuing decades. Since then both the Kirby franchise and Sakurai's stature as a developer has grown substantially, and a content-rich new title that builds strongly on the original foundation could be a strong performer, especially now with online multiplayer.
Metacritic isn't as strong a sales predictor for multiplayer-focused games, all 3 Splatoon titles range 81-83 Metacritic for instance. We'll have a better idea once we have more than just a CGI trailer for the game.
I think their biggest stroke of luck was releasing a hot new exercise game right before every gym in the world closed lol
It looks like it's actually a staggered release, at least in Japan. Nintendo has digital release planned for launch day, and "physical" release (their page does not specify whether it's key card or not, though we already know it is because game is bigger than even biggest card size available) for July 10th.
Could be that code in a box is just for launch week. Mind you, it's also possible it's just in Japan too. Or that code in a box is what's releasing on July 10th (delay wouldn't make any sense though, it's not it takes a whole month to print a leaflet with the code on it).
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Unlikely since we saw the same pattern in Europe and Japan where the price of BotW and TotK is the same (70€/7.000¥+ above the usual Nintendo game).
Good start for Donkey Kong Bananza no?
I would say yes, specially since it's releasing in a month and a half later
BotW is the more basic and beginner friendly experience, while i think TotK is the one that will benefit more from its Switch 2 Upgrade. There is a lot of stuff going on in that game in terms of controls and possibilities, that will flow just much better on more capable hardware.
As of now it has the benefit of being the big exclusive people want to buy if they already gotten the MKW Bundle.
Based on what we have seen so far yes, the ceiling should be quite a bit higher though - the next trailer as well as reviews will make or break the impact and expectations. If its a +90 title developed by the EAD Tokyo we can expect things to ramp up even more closer to launch.
As of now it has the benefit of being the big exclusive people want to buy if they already gotten the MKW Bundle.
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Actually it depends where you are looking. In the US eShop (possibly the others as well, haven't looked for this), the Switch version of TOTK consistently sells quite a bit more than BOTW, and has been since forever.
Admittedly, we don't have data yet for the Switch 2 upgrades and complete versions, we will need to wait for those until end May for first preorders data.
Zelda and Mario Party will keep selling for a long time. The next Switch 2 edition that will give new life is Mario Wonder which I think is coming fairly soon.
Im more curious on why BotW and TotK Switch 2 Editions are selling st all.
You'd think people who are pre-ordering Switch 2 are core Nintendo fans who already have the games, and therefore would only need to purchase the $10 upgrade. But if they want to spend $70 again then all power to 'em.
Cyberpunk 2077 will be a winner as a major tech showpiece and console legitimizer, and Hogwarts Legacy will carry the Switch version's baton of being an evergreen. (Knock on wood for solid ports)
You'd think people who are pre-ordering Switch 2 are core Nintendo fans who already have the games, and therefore would only need to purchase the $10 upgrade. But if they want to spend $70 again then all power to 'em.
Cyberpunk 2077 will be a winner as a major tech showpiece and console legitimizer, and Hogwarts Legacy will carry the Switch version's baton of being an evergreen. (Knock on wood for solid ports)
There are always new users at launch.
For the first few months or even first year, Sony said that they had like 30% of new accounts.
Xbox said that XBS brought new users to Xbox at same time frame.
It could be the same case with Nintendo.
Botw is 8 years old. Kids at that time have grown up and are ready to pick up Zelda game. Its a big game and will probably keep selling for a long time even at 70.
Core fans can buy a game multiple time at full price just for the physical collection.
To put this in better perspective, when Super Mario 64 DS released, Super Mario 64 was also 8 years old.
Accessories Amazon numbers
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Some accessories numbers
Germany
Pro Controller - 6.000+
Nintendo microSd 256Gb - 1.000+
Joy-Con 2 - 900+
Joy-Con 2 Wheels - 900+
Camera - 800+
Charger - 500+
Piranha Camera - 400+
Joy-Con 2 charging grip - 300+
Joy-Con 2 straps - 100+
Zelda Amiibos - 1000+ each (x4)
France
Case - 1.000+
Pro Controller 2 - 1.000+
Joy-Con 2 - 200+
Joy-Con 2 Wheels - 100+
Joy-Con 2 charging grip - 100+
Camera - 100+
Germany
Pro Controller - 6.000+
Nintendo microSd 256Gb - 1.000+
Joy-Con 2 - 900+
Joy-Con 2 Wheels - 900+
Camera - 800+
Charger - 500+
Piranha Camera - 400+
Joy-Con 2 charging grip - 300+
Joy-Con 2 straps - 100+
Zelda Amiibos - 1000+ each (x4)
France
Case - 1.000+
Pro Controller 2 - 1.000+
Joy-Con 2 - 200+
Joy-Con 2 Wheels - 100+
Joy-Con 2 charging grip - 100+
Camera - 100+
Thanks for the updates and its fun to get some new hardware excitement around here. I think the camera is going to have a big effect on Switch 2 sales moving forward like the Kinect did for 360. I think Nintendo will have big games for that i. The later years.
SD Association is cheesing real hard right now. other handheld makers will pretty much have to support it, but those handhelds' demo aren't too adverse to installing NVMes. but SD cards are still that much easier
A few more I saw, in case you want to add them(?):
Germany
Carrying Case + Screen Protector - 3.000+
microSD Express (Samsung) - 400+ (the one at 1k is made by SanDisk)
Also I see the charging grip at 600+ instead of 300+
Italy
Pro Controller 2 - 500+
Joy-Con 2 - 50+
United Kingdom
Camera - 400+
Re: BotW/TotK, the first game in a series selling more than a sequel on the same console is actually the norm.
Amazon.it
Switch 2 (MKW) - 1000+
Switch 2 - 200+
Mario Kart World - 200+
Tears of the Kingdom - 50+
Breath of the Wild - 50+
Bravely Default - 100+
Daemon X Machina - 20+
Street Fighter 6 - 40+
Pro Controller - 500+
Joy-Con 2 - 50+
Amazon.it
Switch 2 (MKW) - 1000+
Switch 2 - 200+
Mario Kart World - 200+
Tears of the Kingdom - 50+
Breath of the Wild - 50+
Bravely Default - 100+
Daemon X Machina - 20+
Street Fighter 6 - 40+
Pro Controller - 500+
Joy-Con 2 - 50+
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BOTW selling on par with TOTK at this point is weird from a gamers perspective. It's a very stripped down version of the same world. I would imagine it's not just the timing of the release, but the sheer complexity of TOTK. It takes many hours to master the controls in BOTW so TOTK is probably a bit much to be completely casual friendly. I expect they will be quite the duology heading into the Switch 2 lifecycle and I'm interested to see if all the BOTW fans are ready to move on to bigger & better things and for TOTK to become the de facto Zelda experience on the platform until the next mainline title arrives.
I'd imagine key cards were created to entice third parties as it allows them to have storefront presence without breaking the bank.
Sony, their drones, Steam Deck enthusiasts, disgruntled PC gamers, clickbait merchants... hell, I keep seeing the same CNET article pop up every two hours trying to squash the FOMO. The powers that be really want this thing to crater but they will do little more than flail their arms around. Switch is too big to fail, Nintendo's software too on point, the upgrade with enhanced graphics and that big beautiful screen too apparent. Nothing stops this train... certainly not e-FUD.
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It is different to BotW / TP, because Cube and more so WiiU were unsuccessful platforms and had low installbases. So for most of the audience, these games were interpreted as exclusive games for Wii / Switch (although they were crossgen). But this will not work this way now, because Switch has a huge installbase and still a lot of active users. So the circumstances/conditions are quite different here. If WiiU would have been a great sales success, then BotW would definetly NOT have been such a strong systemseller for Switch
While this is true, the gape between the Switch 1 and Switch 2 versions can be quite large in terms of quality. With GC/Wii and WiiU/Switch there were some benefits but the games were mostly the same game. Especially when factoring in the audience that buys full price titles at Day 1, are among the more hardcore fans that will upgrade to the Switch 2 early just to be able to play the new games in the best possible quality.
Yes, of course Prime is coming to the OG Switch and gonna sell a large amount of copies there. There are people that waited 2 years to play TotK on better hardware and i think most Prime 4 fans will wanna play the Switch 2 version of said game as well.
Your argument would have a stronger case, if the games ran/look 1:1 the same between both systems. The gap is massive and there is a big audience that would rather play Prime 4 at 4K/60 on their big TV.
A lot of the active Switch base that cares for these kind of games and experiences are gonna move on as soon as the Switch 2 is on the market, which is the main point.
I think my biggest question is - why does it need to be a system seller? Why does is matter if those titles are cross-gen? Nintendo won't need to do significant convincing in the 1st year, demand will already be quite high.
Nintendo cares about maintaining momentum, especially in the first two years of the console. They are better off holding back on a big release to 2026 and ensure that year is equally strong as opposed to blowing their load in what is already a packed holiday in terms of releases, regardless of two of the titles are cross-gen.
Your argument is correct for some of the S2 Edition games (especially for Prime 4) - but not for ALL of them. I think we can highly agree that the biggest seller of this holiday season will be Pokemon Legends - and I think this game will not look / perform much better as a S2 Edition and its improvements will be very small. So for the big mass market audience, there is still some missing S2 seller for this holiday season, thats why I think that Nintendo should provide at least another title for the end of the year.
The MKW bundle is selling incredibly well, yes, but also because that is the main SKU. There's just way more stock of the thing compared to the regular Switch 2.
There are people will upgrade to Switch 2, to play games like Prime 4 or Pokemon Legends in the best possible version. This by definition makes them system sellers. If anything the difference with Pokemon is bigger because steady/fluid framerate and high resolution isnt a thing on Switch, while Prime 4 will still be among the best performing games on Switch 1.
System sellers dont have to be exclusives, they just have to offer enough advantages on said system to convince people to want to upgrade. Is GTA VI is gonna sell PS5 Pro consoles despite it being on other systems as well, same way DQ XII will sell Switch 2 hardware in Japan even it might be on PS5 or even the Switch 1.
The amount of money customers can spent is limited and Switch 2 owners dont exist in a different bubble than everyone else. Most Switch 2 owners will treat ZA as big Holiday release, in addition Age of Imprisonment, EA FC, CoD, Elden Ring etc. releasing on the Switch 2 for the first time.
I think you are vastly overestimating the amount of purchasing power of regular customers in 2025 and the amount of software Nintendo needs to provide for the system to sell out. Its gonna be counter productive to multiple expensive game within a short frame, when a lot of indies and 3rdParty partners have been targeting this Holiday season as well.
Finally and more importantly, MK World is still gonna be the main system seller for the system for the foreseeable future. Assuming the bundle is still around, thats what people who upgrade to Switch 2 will hope to get Day 1.
Come on, we talked about this example and its quite different conditions several times before. We even talked about this argument on this same page here
so no, BotW (and TP) are NOT good examples for this. Neither is MK8 Deluxe and all the other WiiU ports
I still think Luigi's Mansion 4 is a candidate for the Holiday sales. I agree with Tialo that a big title is missing but I can see Nintendo also wait it out since they can't meet demand for maybe the first year and do a Mario Wonder Switch 2 edition with lots of new content.
Yeah LM4 would fit the bill very well. It would be a great showcase title for Switch 2 and also a sales-strong game, but on the other side not 'too strong'
So then the better question is, if you still think Switch 2 will sell well and maybe even sellout the entire holiday season, why waste a system seller now instead of holding on to it for next year? Also why wouldnt Nintendo atleast show it like they did all the other games? I mean Zelda AoI was announced for winter (similar to Xenoblade 2 in 2017), so it could come after this unknown system seller but it was shown. Just doesn't seem like Nintendo is hiding anything else and will just build excitement by announcing release dates for the current line up along with the 3rd party support to come.
