Top ASX ETFs for International Shares in FY25: BetaShares Video Games and Esports ETF, VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF, and More

Aussie investors are increasingly using ASX ETFs to gain exposure to international shares, with the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF being the second most popular. In FY25, the S&P 500 Index shares rose by 13.63% and delivered a total return of 15.16%, while the S&P/ASX 200 Index shares rose by 9.97% and delivered a total return of 13.81%. The top six international ETFs for total returns in FY25 were the BetaShares Video Games and Esports ETF, VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF, Betashares Global Gold Miners ETF, VanEck Gold Miners ETF, iShares China Large-Cap ETF, and Hyperion Global Growth Companies Fund.

The launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 has sparked significant interest in the global gaming market, with the Roundhill Video Games ETF (NERD) experiencing substantial growth in 2025. The ETF, which launched in 2019, has seen a 31.3% year-to-date increase and a 57.7% rise over the last year [1].

Dave Mazza, CEO of Roundhill Investments, expressed optimism about the Switch 2's potential. The console sold 3.5 million units in its first four days, the fastest start for any console in Nintendo's history. Mazza expects Nintendo to ship 15 million consoles in the current fiscal year, which could lift revenue by more than 60% and operating profit by around 13% [1].

The Switch 2's success is not just about hardware sales. Nintendo's first-party software, mobile apps, and theme-park footprint are also significant drivers of growth. Mazza believes that Nintendo's ability to monetize intellectual property beyond plastic cartridges will continue to drive the company's success [1].

However, not all companies in the gaming sector have benefited equally from the Switch 2's launch. GameStop Corporation (GME) was not included in the Roundhill Video Games ETF due to its status as a physical retailer, not a game publisher or developer. Additionally, GameStop's shrinking revenue and recent meme-driven volatility have kept it out of the ETF [1].

The success of the Switch 2 and the growth of the Roundhill Video Games ETF have been accompanied by a broader trend of Australian investors using ASX ETFs to gain exposure to international shares. In FY25, the S&P 500 Index shares rose by 13.63% and delivered a total return of 15.16%, while the S&P/ASX 200 Index shares rose by 9.97% and delivered a total return of 13.81% [2]. The BetaShares Video Games and Esports ETF and the VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF were among the top six international ETFs for total returns in FY25 [2].

In conclusion, the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 has had a significant impact on the gaming market and the Roundhill Video Games ETF. As investors continue to seek exposure to international shares, the performance of ETFs like NERD will be closely watched.

References:
[1] https://www.benzinga.com/news/gaming/25/07/46483022/exclusive-video-game-etf-ceo-says-switch-2-is-blockbuster-ea-gains-from-sports-gamestop-doesnt-pass-etf-test
[2] https://www.benzinga.com/news/gaming/25/07/46483022/exclusive-video-game-etf-ceo-says-switch-2-is-blockbuster-ea-gains-from-sports-gamestop-doesnt-pass-etf-test