Why Are Third-Party Games Struggling on Switch 2?

The Nintendo Switch 2 is off to a record-breaking start, but it seems third-party games are struggling to keep pace. Reports have surfaced that publishers are less than thrilled with their game sales, with one claiming their title sold “below our lowest estimates.”

While the console itself has seen phenomenal hardware sales, the transition to a robust third-party market has been rocky. According to a recent analysis from The Game Business, apart from Cyberpunk 2077 from CD Projekt Red, most third-party titles are seeing disappointing sales numbers. As one publisher lamented, “most third-party Switch 2 games posted very low numbers,” even in light of the hardware success.

Data reveals that during the launch week, a staggering 62% of physical game sales in the US were dominated by first-party titles. The Mario Kart World bundle significantly contributed to overall console sales, making it a top seller.

In the US, the three best-selling physical games for the Switch 2 included Mario Kart World, Cyberpunk 2077, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Meanwhile, in the UK, first-party games accounted for 86% of physical game sales during launch week, with Cyberpunk 2077 topping the charts as the best-selling third-party title.

So, what’s causing this trend? Several factors are at play here. Many players are likely content with the engaging gameplay of Mario Kart World, which may delay their exploration of other titles. Additionally, the backward compatibility feature means gamers have a wealth of first-party Switch titles to enjoy, particularly 12 that received free upgrades for enhanced performance on Switch 2.

The lackluster media coverage of third-party games and some gamers’ hesitancy towards the Game-Key Card format may also play a role in the weak sales figures.

Moreover, it’s important to note that many third-party launch titles are merely ports of older games. This means that the audience for these titles may have already secured them on other platforms, significantly impacting their desirability on Switch 2.

Looking ahead, it’s uncertain how third-party games will perform as the launch window closes. Titles releasing simultaneously on multiple platforms might have a chance to gain traction, but historically, third-party titles on Nintendo consoles haven’t always thrived due to competition from more powerful systems.

Despite these challenges, the Switch 2’s launch remains monumental. With the biggest launch sales ever for a video game console in the US, it outshines even the PlayStation 4. Reports indicate that in just four days, Nintendo sold 3.5 million units globally, making it the fastest-selling console in Nintendo history.

In Japan, the excitement mirrors that of the US. Famitsu’s statistics show that the Switch 2 sold 947,931 units within its first four days, marking a stellar debut in the region.

With comparisons to the PlayStation 5, which shipped 3.4 million units in four weeks, the Switch 2’s launch is undeniably a phenomenon. As this new console era unfolds, it’s clear that while third-party titles wrestle with a slow arrival, the Nintendo Switch 2 is making waves in the gaming landscape.