The Nintendo Switch 2 has exploded onto the scene, racking up 3.5 million units sold in just four days. 
But while the console’s hardware is flying off shelves, it’s Nintendo’s own first-party titles that are dominating game sales-third-party publishers are struggling to get a foothold.
In the U.S., 62% of physical game sales on Switch 2 are first-party Nintendo titles (excluding Mario Kart World). In the UK, the picture is similar: 48% without Mario Kart, but that jumps to 86% when it’s included. Despite the growth in digital downloads, physical sales still reign supreme on the platform. Over 80% of Switch 2 game sales, where both formats are available, are coming from physical retailers.
While Nintendo celebrates, third-party developers are facing cold reality. One unnamed publisher described their launch sales as “below our lowest estimates.” The exception? Cyberpunk 2077, which pulled off a surprise hit as the third best-selling game in the U.S. during the launch week-thanks in part to CD Projekt RED’s decision to include the full game on the cartridge, avoiding frustrating download requirements.
Still, it’s not all doom and gloom. Analyst Mat Piscatella points out that third-party game share on Switch 2 hit nearly 40% in its first week-double the rate seen at the launch of the original Switch. And with vastly more consoles available this time around, it’s too early to write off third-party potential entirely.
“People buy Nintendo consoles to play Nintendo games,” Piscatella notes. That’s long been true, though the original Switch began turning that tide. Now, with Switch 2 capable of running titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and perhaps more so-called “impossible ports,” third-party developers could find more room to grow-if they can match Nintendo’s polish and portability appeal.
For now, Nintendo’s house still rules. But if publishers take notes from CD Projekt RED’s cartridge-first approach, the Switch 2 could yet become a haven for third-party success stories.