Switch 2 Shatters Records While Apple Reinvents Design with Liquid Glass
Switch 2: Nintendo's Fastest-Selling Console Ever
On June 5, 2025, Nintendo launched the Switch 2 at $449 alongside Mario Kart World, and the results exceeded all expectations. Within four days, the console sold over 3.5 million units worldwide, making it Nintendo's fastest-selling hardware in history. The launch came despite concerns about U.S. tariffs that had rattled investors just two months earlier.
The Switch 2's success demonstrates that premium gaming hardware continues to resonate with consumers when paired with compelling software. For the Japanese gaming industry, this launch reinforces the country's position as a global leader in entertainment technology and provides a boost to the broader ecosystem of Japanese game developers and publishers.
Apple's Liquid Glass: A Design Language for the AI Era
At WWDC 2025 on June 9, Apple unveiled Liquid Glass, a translucent, reflective design language that represents the most significant visual overhaul across Apple platforms in over a decade. The new aesthetic was applied across iOS 26, macOS Tahoe, watchOS 26, and all other platforms, creating a cohesive visual identity defined by depth, translucency, and fluid motion.
For designers and agencies, Apple's design shifts have always been bellwethers for broader industry trends. The Liquid Glass aesthetic signals a move away from flat, minimal interfaces toward richer, more dimensional visual experiences. Brands and applications that align with this new direction will feel native and modern on Apple devices, while those that do not risk appearing dated.
Design Trends for the Second Half of 2025
June 2025 established clear design directions for the rest of the year. Apple's Liquid Glass pushes the industry toward dimensional, layered interfaces. Figma's AI-powered tools from the previous month democratize professional design. And the continued evolution of AI image and video generation tools means that the line between designed and generated content is becoming increasingly blurred.
For businesses operating in the Japanese market, where aesthetic quality and attention to detail are paramount, these trends present both opportunities and challenges. The opportunity lies in leveraging AI tools to produce more refined visual content at greater speed. The challenge is maintaining the distinctiveness and cultural authenticity that Japanese consumers expect from premium brands.
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