Nintendo does it again: Switch 2 breaks sales records

Nintendo has once again redefined success in the video game industry. The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 has officially become the fastest-launched console in U.S. history, selling over 1.1 million units in its first week.

The gaming world is witnessing a new phenomenon. The Nintendo Switch 2, released globally on June 5, 2025 , has not only met high expectations, but shattered them, setting new sales records and reaffirming Nintendo's dominance in the console market.

This launch isn't just a victory for the Japanese company; it's a powerful statement about the future of interactive entertainment , proving that Nintendo's formula, centered on innovation and playability , remains compelling for millions of people around the world.

The numbers speak for themselves, and they are impressive. In just four days since its launch, Nintendo sold more than 3.5 million Switch 2 consoles worldwide. In the key US market, the console broke the first-week sales record previously held by the PlayStation 4 , surpassing the 1.1 million unit mark.

This data includes both the standard console and the popular bundle with the Mario Kart World game . With these figures, Nintendo has confidently projected that it will sell 15 million units of the Switch 2 by the end of its fiscal year in March 2026 , a goal that seems more than achievable.

While the Switch 2's hardware improvements are significant, the real driving force behind its runaway success isn't just its technical specifications . Its success is thanks to a carefully crafted ecosystem and lessons learned from the past .

The Wii U's failure taught Nintendo a valuable lesson about the importance of clear marketing and a compelling launch lineup . With the Switch 2, the company didn't make the same mistakes. The name, with a clear and straightforward "2," eliminated any confusion. Furthermore, the strategy of launching the console with a bundle that included the highly anticipated Mario Kart World , along with the availability of other heavyweight titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom , proved to be a masterstroke.

Adding to this is the promise of backwards compatibility , which ensures that the original Switch's massive user base doesn't lose its library of games , encouraging a smooth transition to the next generation.

For consumers wondering whether the upgrade is worth it, the Nintendo Switch 2 's improvements are substantial. Below is a direct comparison with its predecessors—an essential guide for any potential buyer. Feature Nintendo Switch 2 Switch OLED Original Switch Price $450 $350 $300 Release June 5, 2025 October 8, 2021 March 3, 2017 CPU/GPU Nvidia Custom Ampere Nvidia Custom Tegra Nvidia Custom Tegra Storage 256GB 64GB 32GB Display 7.9-inch LCD 120Hz 7.0-inch OLED 6.2-inch LCD Resolution (TV) 4K (3840x2160) HD (1920x1080) HD (1920x1080) HDR/VRR Support Yes, up to 120Hz No No Weight 401g 320g 297g Ports 2x USB-C, 3.5mm USB-C, 3.5mm USB-C, 3.5mm

Data sources: “The chip in Switch 2 is unlike anything we’ve built before. It features the most advanced graphics ever seen in a mobile device, including full ray tracing and HDR.” – Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia .

The resounding success of the Switch 2 isn't just good news for Nintendo; it's an event that redefines the "console wars" landscape . This launch cements the hybrid model (home console and handheld) as a dominant force in the market, not just a niche.

This puts immense pressure on Sony (PlayStation) and Microsoft (Xbox) . They can no longer consider portable gaming a secondary market. The Switch 2's dominance could accelerate their own plans to develop hybrid or portable devices , forcing a strategic shift in the next generation of consoles, which have so far focused exclusively on home systems.

Once again, Nintendo proves that innovation in the way we play can be more powerful than simple brute force in graphics processing , a philosophy that continues to resonate with millions of gamers around the world.