Nintendo has achieved a major milestone as the original Switch console becomes the best-selling hardware in the company's history, surpassing 155.37 million units sold. This places it ahead of the Nintendo DS, which previously held the record. The Switch 2, launched amid high anticipation, has sold an impressive 17.37 million units in just nine months, already outpacing the dismal 13.56 million units of the Wii U. Nintendo attributes the success of the Switch 2 to a strengthened relationship with consumers, allowing for a smoother transition between console generations. Although the newest console saw a slight sales slowdown in the U.S. and Europe towards the end of 2025, its global performance remains robust, with 129 million players utilizing Nintendo hardware. The original Switch still trails Sony's PlayStation 2, which has sold an estimated 160 million units, but Nintendo remains optimistic about future sales.

Can the Nintendo Switch ever surpass the PlayStation 2 in sales?

While it remains a tough challenge for the Nintendo Switch to surpass the PlayStation 2's sales, it's not impossible. The original Switch's sales momentum may decline as focus shifts to the Switch 2, yet if Nintendo continues to manufacture and sell the original Switch for a couple more years, it might close the gap. However, this will largely depend on ongoing consumer interest and market dynamics.

The Nintendo Switch, released on March 3, 2017, transformed the gaming landscape with its hybrid design, allowing gaming at home or on the go. Its vast game library, including popular titles like "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" and "Animal Crossing: New Horizons," contributed significantly to its sales success and enduring popularity. The Switch 2 aims to build on this legacy, leveraging the original's dedicated fan base for a successful launch.