Nintendo’s Switch has become the best-selling console in the company’s history, surpassing 155 million units sold since its launch in 2017. The milestone places the device ahead of the Nintendo DS, previously the firm’s most successful hardware, and just behind Sony’s PlayStation 2, which sold more than 160 million units following its launch in 2000.
The Switch saw a surge in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, when lockdowns increased demand for home entertainment. Industry experts say the console’s success is also linked to its strong library of games from Nintendo’s flagship franchises. “Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, and Mario Kart all had their most successful entries released during the Switch 1 era,” said Christopher Dring, an industry analyst. He added that titles such as Luigi’s Mansion and Mario Party also sold tens of millions of copies.
Freelance video games journalist Rachel Watts noted the console’s appeal to younger audiences and its versatility as both a handheld and home gaming device. “Everyone I knew had a Nintendo Switch,” she said. “It was the perfect entertainment option for families and gamers during lockdowns.”
Despite the milestone, Nintendo’s latest financial report saw shares fall 11% after investors raised concerns about software sales and the rising cost of memory chips. At a post-results briefing, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa said higher prices for components such as RAM could weigh on profits. Economic factors, including US tariffs and broader market conditions, could also affect sales of the console’s successor, the Switch 2.
Launched in June 2025, the Switch 2 has sold 17 million units by the end of the year, according to the company. While the new console has had a strong start, analysts caution it may not reach the unprecedented heights of the original Switch. “Switch 2’s success is all but guaranteed, but Nintendo might have to settle for it ‘only’ selling a lot, rather than becoming the company’s all-time best-seller,” said Chris Scullion, deputy editor of Video Games Chronicle.
The Switch’s achievement underscores Nintendo’s ability to combine innovative hardware with beloved software franchises, creating a product with lasting appeal. The original device’s hybrid design, which allows players to switch between handheld and docked play, helped it stand out in a competitive gaming market and contributed to its record-breaking sales.
As the Switch 2 continues to expand its market presence, Nintendo faces the challenge of maintaining momentum amid rising component costs and economic uncertainty. Analysts say the performance of the new console will be closely watched by investors and gamers alike, as the company seeks to replicate the success of its landmark predecessor.
