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Nintendo Switch Becomes Company’s Best-Selling Console Ever

Nintendo Switch console.

The Nintendo Switch has officially become the company’s best-selling console of all time, surpassing the long-standing record held by the Nintendo DS.


Nearly 9 years after its launch in March 2017, the hybrid system has reached lifetime sales of 155.37 million units, surpassing DS’s 154.02 million.


This milestone marks a significant turnaround for Nintendo, especially considering the struggles it faced with the Wii U prior to the Switch’s release. The Wii U, released in 2012, sold only 13.56 million units, a sharp decline compared to the Wii’s success with over 100 million units sold. Analysts often point to confusing marketing and stiff competition from Sony’s PlayStation 4 as reasons for its failure.


Yet, the Wii U hinted at Nintendo’s next move, as it attempted to balance handheld and TV-based gaming. The Switch took that idea further, blending both experiences into one device.


This decision proved crucial. By merging handheld and home console audiences, Nintendo created a unified platform that appealed to a wide range of players.


The Switch’s success was driven not only by its design but also by Nintendo’s strong lineup of first-party titles. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe alone sold more than 70 million units, while Animal Crossing: New Horizons, The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, and other franchise staples kept the console relevant throughout its lifecycle.


Interest surged during the Covid-19 pandemic, when gaming became a major source of entertainment, and the 2023 Super Mario movie further boosted sales. Nintendo also expanded its reach beyond consoles, investing in theme parks, toys, and films to strengthen its brand presence.


All Sales figures of Nintendo’s consoles:

  • Switch: 155.37 million

  • DS: 154.02 million

  • Game Boy: 118.69 million

  • Wii: 101.63 million

  • Game Boy Advance: 81.51 million

  • 3DS: 75.94 million

  • NES: 61.91 million

  • SNES: 49.10 million

  • Nintendo 64: 32.93 million

  • GameCube: 21.74 million

  • Switch 2: 17.37 million

  • Wii U: 13.56 million


The Switch 2, launched in June 2025, has already sold 17.37 million units, making it Nintendo’s fastest-selling console to date. Nintendo stated, “We believe we have been able to get off to a good start,” emphasizing that the large Switch install base provided a strong foundation for the new system.


While the Switch now leads Nintendo’s hardware lineup, it still trails Sony’s PlayStation 2, which sits at over 160 million units sold.

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