The Nintendo Switch 2 has burst onto the gaming scene in 2025 with a combination of record-breaking sales and a wave of conversation—some of it celebratory, some a little more critical. As of late August, according to Nintendo Prime, the console had already sold an astonishing 8.6 million units, with projections suggesting it would reach 9 million by the end of September. This figure is all the more impressive considering the Switch 2 achieved these numbers during the typically sluggish summer months, a period when most gaming hardware sales tend to plateau. The Switch 2, it seems, is rewriting the rules about what makes a console launch successful.
But what exactly is fueling this meteoric rise? The answer, as uncovered by PCMag and Nintendo Prime, is a blend of innovative hardware design, clever marketing, and Nintendo’s knack for capturing the imagination of both new and returning fans. Even with few blockbuster game releases to lean on, the Switch 2 has managed to maintain a steady sales momentum, underscoring the enduring strength of the Nintendo brand.
One of the most talked-about features of the Switch 2 is its display. Unlike the OLED screen of its predecessor, the Switch 2 sports an LCD screen. For some, this change has been a point of contention. While the console’s 120Hz refresh rate is technically impressive—matching what’s found in higher-end TVs and gaming monitors—the real-world experience is a bit more complicated. Benchmarking limitations meant that reviewers could only test the screen at 60Hz, and the results were mixed. Monitors Unboxed measured the panel’s gray-to-gray response time at 33.3 milliseconds, while Chimolog, using a different set of tools, recorded 17.1 milliseconds. Both numbers are higher than what gamers would expect from a top-tier gaming monitor, where sub-10ms is the norm.
So what does this mean for Switch 2 owners? According to PCMag, these slower response times can result in some blurring and ghosting, particularly noticeable in fast-paced games or for players with a keen eye for motion. Yet, not everyone is affected equally. The certified TV calibrator who reviewed the Switch 2 for PCMag noted, "I haven't noticed the blur, which may be due to panel inconsistencies." This variability hints at possible quality control issues in manufacturing, as some units may perform better than others.
Despite these concerns, the reviewer’s overall impression was positive: "I've been enjoying it. It's not a terrible screen, just flawed." The screen’s native 120Hz refresh rate means that games designed for this speed—such as Mario Kart World—may not suffer from the same ghosting issues. However, because most games (including almost all Switch 1 titles and many Switch 2 games) run at 60Hz, the potential for blurring remains for a large portion of the library.
Another hot topic is the Switch 2’s handling of high dynamic range (HDR). Nintendo claims the console supports HDR content, but, as Monitors Unboxed found, the reality is more nuanced. The Switch 2’s LCD panel achieves a peak brightness of around 330 nits, well short of the 1,000 nits typically required for the HDR10 standard. As the PCMag reviewer explained, "The system lacks video input, but I'm good at estimating brightness up to around 1,600 nits thanks to having reviewed hundreds of TVs. The screen doesn't get super-dark because the LCD panel lacks local dimming." In other words, while the Switch 2 can technically accept an HDR signal, it doesn’t truly deliver the full HDR experience. Still, the panel’s wide color gamut is a bright spot, coming close to that of the OLED Switch and outperforming the original LCD Switch.
For most users, the Switch 2’s display is more than adequate, especially when factoring in its higher resolution and larger size compared to previous models. The reviewer summed it up: "The higher resolution is more than worth any compromise." During hands-on gameplay with titles like Silksong and Donkey Kong Bananza, the screen was described as "bright and vivid with strong contrast," and the reviewer did not notice any ghosting or lag. That said, individual experiences may vary—what one player finds perfectly fine, another might find distracting.
In docked mode, some users have reported that the Switch 2’s HDR output appears washed out or dim on certain TVs. According to PCMag, this may be related to how some televisions handle tone mapping from the console’s signal. The suggested workaround? Try disabling any "dynamic tone mapping" settings on your TV to see if the picture quality improves. It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s a start for those seeking a more vibrant display when gaming on the big screen.
Of course, hardware alone doesn’t explain the Switch 2’s blockbuster sales. Nintendo’s marketing strategy has been laser-focused. Special edition bundles—like the Legend of Zelda Switch 2 package—are already generating buzz, and competitive pricing has made the console appealing in a crowded market. Nintendo’s ability to maintain momentum even in the absence of major new game releases is a testament to the cross-generational appeal of its library and brand. As Nintendo Prime points out, upcoming titles such as Age of Imprisonment, Kirby Air Riders, and Metroid Prime 4 Beyond are already stoking anticipation and fueling pre-orders.
The holiday season, traditionally a make-or-break period for console sales, is expected to push the Switch 2’s numbers even higher. Historically, Nintendo has moved between 5 and 8 million units from October to December. If this trend continues, total sales could reach 14 million by year’s end, leaving only a small gap to hit the fiscal year target of 15 million units by March 2026. Industry analysts are watching closely to see if Nintendo will revise its sales projections upward—a move that would signal even greater demand than initially expected.
The Switch 2’s success isn’t just about numbers; it reflects broader trends in the gaming industry. Exclusive software, value-driven bundles, and a focus on versatile, cross-generational gaming experiences are all playing a role. The console’s ability to cater to both casual players and hardcore fans alike has helped it stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Looking ahead, Nintendo’s next financial update in early November will provide more clarity on the Switch 2’s trajectory. If sales continue at their current pace—and with the holiday rush and new game launches on the horizon—Nintendo could find itself not just meeting, but exceeding its ambitious goals. The Switch 2, for all its quirks and criticisms, is shaping up to be one of the defining consoles of its generation, combining innovation, accessibility, and the kind of mass-market appeal that few can match.
In the end, while the technical debates over screen quality and HDR capability will continue, the Switch 2’s runaway sales and enthusiastic reception speak volumes. For Nintendo, and for gamers everywhere, the future looks both bright and vividly colorful—ghosting and all.
