The Nintendo Switch 2 has shattered records by achieving the largest launch week for any gaming hardware in U.S. history. Previously held by the PlayStation 4, this remarkable feat was marked by the sale of 1.1 million Nintendo Switch units during its debut week. This impressive launch not only showcases the console's popularity but also highlights Nintendo's continued dominance in the gaming market.
In the United States, nearly 80% of players who purchased a Nintendo Switch 2 also opted for Mario Kart World. This game was either bought as a standalone physical copy or included in a bundle with the console, demonstrating the strong demand for this title. Data from Circana revealed that the three best-selling physical games during the launch week were Mario Kart World, Cyberpunk 2077, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, further cementing the console's success in the gaming community.
The success of the Nintendo Switch 2 is mirrored in Japan, where it also experienced a monumental launch. According to data from Famitsu, the console sold approximately 947,931 units in just the first four days of sales, ending June 8. Notably, these figures likely do not include sales from Nintendo’s official My Nintendo Store, suggesting that the actual sales figure could exceed 1 million units. This remarkable statistic positions the Switch 2 as the biggest console launch in Japan's history.
According to the Game Data Library, which archives Japanese sales data, the previous record for the fastest-selling console in Japan was held by the PlayStation 2, with just over 630,000 units sold. Earlier this week, Nintendo announced that the Switch 2 had sold 3.5 million units globally within its first four days, making it the fastest-selling Nintendo system to date and potentially the largest console launch ever.
In comparison, the PlayStation 5 shipped 3.4 million units in its first four weeks and reached 4.5 million in its first seven weeks, though it faced significant stock shortages. The strong start for the Switch 2 is poised to give Nintendo a substantial boost in achieving its target of 15 million units sold within its first business year. Many analysts are optimistic that the console may even surpass this ambitious goal.
As the gaming community eagerly embraces the Nintendo Switch 2, it is clear that Nintendo has once again set a new standard in the gaming industry, solidifying its position as a leading force in the market.
