Switch 2 Owners Are Skipping Third-Party Games—Here’s Why Only Nintendo Hits Matter Now
If you thought the Nintendo Switch 2 would finally break the old rule that “Nintendo consoles are for Nintendo games,” think again. Early sales numbers are in, and while Mario Kart World and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom are flying off the shelves, most non-Nintendo titles are struggling to find players. There’s one huge exception, but more on that below!
- Third-party games (except Cyberpunk 2077) are selling poorly on Switch 2
- Nintendo exclusives like Mario Kart World dominate sales
- High price and confusion over game versions are major issues
- Backwards compatibility changes how people buy games
- Launch lineup and market context affect third-party performance
Switch 2 Launch: Nintendo Wins, Others Lag Behind
Let’s get straight to the point. As reported by The Game Business, most Switch 2 buyers in the US and UK are grabbing the console for Nintendo’s biggest hits. The numbers for third-party games are described as “very low,” with one anonymous publisher admitting sales are below their expectations. The only real outlier? Cyberpunk 2077. This highly anticipated port is doing great, probably thanks to its improved performance, unique cartridge packaging, and the hype after years of updates and expansions.
Why Are Non-Nintendo Games Flopping?
There are a few clear reasons. First, most launch titles from third parties are ports—games you can already play on other platforms, or even on the original Switch. Plus, the Switch 2’s price tag of $449.99 raised some eyebrows, especially since it’s pricier than some PlayStation 5 and Xbox models. Add in the cost of new accessories like the Joy-Con 2, and it’s easy to see why people are picking their purchases carefully.
Let’s not forget: this is happening at a time when the price of eggs is a trending topic, so a new console is definitely a luxury buy for many. And thanks to backwards compatibility, lots of players are simply revisiting older games they already own—especially those made by Nintendo. In fact, one of the big reasons people aren’t rushing to buy more games is that the Switch 2 lets them play their old favorites, but with better performance.
Confusion Around Game Versions Doesn’t Help
Another issue? Confusion around physical game key cards. Now that some titles are available for both Switch and Switch 2, players are accidentally buying the wrong version. According to Reddit, this is a growing problem. Plus, some buyers are frustrated that even physical copies often require big downloads—definitely not what everyone expects.
Switch 2 Is Still a Hit—But Third-Party Hopes Are on Hold
It’s important to remember: overall, the Switch 2 is off to a record-breaking start. Sales are strong, and the console is everywhere. But the split between Nintendo and non-Nintendo games is clear. For example, a stunning 80% of new Switch 2 owners got Mario Kart World bundled with their console, and many of the rest bought it separately.
There’s another factor: the Switch 2 launched with far more physical games than the original Switch. But, with no early review units sent to major publications, coverage was limited at launch. This means players may not even know what’s worth playing beyond the obvious Nintendo blockbusters.
Will Things Change for Third-Party Games?
Time will tell. The first Switch became a go-to for indie games, but that was partly because in 2017, portable gaming options were limited. Now, there’s a wave of high-powered handhelds, and competition is fierce. Maybe Switch 2’s third-party lineup will grow as more people buy the console and the library expands.
For now, though, the message is simple: if you’re buying a Switch 2, you’re probably doing it for Nintendo’s own games—and you’re definitely not alone!
