Nintendo's much-anticipated Switch 2 has launched to remarkable success, quickly establishing itself as the fastest-selling game console of all time. Within just four days of its release, Nintendo announced that it has sold over 3.5 million Switch 2 units, surpassing all previous records for any of the company's hardware during the same launch period.
The significance of this achievement is underscored by insights from industry expert Daniel Ahmad, the director of research and insights at Niko Partners. He noted on X that the Switch 2 is now recognized as “the fastest selling home video game console of all time.” To put this in perspective, it took Sony 16 days to sell 2.1 million PS4 consoles, and six weeks to reach a total of 4.2 million units. In contrast, the Switch 2 has outpaced the PS5 launch, which faced challenges during the pandemic and ongoing chip supply constraints—taking seven weeks to sell 4.4 million units.
Nintendo's strategic planning appears to have played a crucial role in this success. By maintaining ample inventory in key markets, the company was able to meet the substantial pent-up demand for a successor to the original Switch. Preorders for the Switch 2 sold out across major retailers in the US prior to launch, yet there was still limited stock available on launch day for those willing to line up at midnight or take a chance in the morning. Additionally, the looming threat of price increases due to tariffs likely spurred initial interest among consumers.
While the Switch 2 did not become the biggest console launch in the UK, it still managed to secure its position as the fourth best-selling console in the region, according to data from NielsenIQ. Analysts had predicted strong sales, despite the absence of major launch titles, demonstrating the anticipation surrounding Nintendo's new hardware.
Nintendo's record-breaking sales are undoubtedly a result of significant pent-up demand and the company's foresight in building sufficient units to meet this demand. The pressing question now is whether Nintendo can sustain this remarkable sales momentum, especially with potential challenges posed by tariffs and the emergence of handheld alternatives. The company has set an ambitious goal of selling 15 million Switch 2 consoles by the end of March 2026, and with 3.5 million units already sold within the first four days, they are off to a promising start.
For context, the original Switch launched in March 2017 and achieved sales of 17.79 million units within its first 13 months—exceeding Nintendo's own estimates at the time. The original Switch has since sold over 150 million units throughout its lifetime, positioning it close to overtaking the DS as Nintendo’s best-selling console. With the Switch 2's impressive launch, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this new console will perform in the coming months and years.
