Switch Overtakes DS: Nintendo’s New Best-Selling Console!
The Nintendo Switch continues to defy expectations, even in the wake of the Switch 2’s release. While the newer console is gaining traction, the original Switch has achieved a monumental milestone, solidifying its place in gaming history. Recent financial reports from Nintendo reveal that the Switch has surpassed the Nintendo DS to become the company’s best-selling console of all time. This achievement is particularly impressive considering the Switch’s age and the introduction of a successor. Let's delve into the details of this remarkable success and explore the current landscape of Nintendo’s hardware sales.
Switch Reaches Record-Breaking Sales Figures
According to Nintendo’s third-quarter financial results as of December 31, 2025, the Switch has reached a staggering 155.37 million units sold. This figure eclipses the lifetime total of the original DS, which stood at 154.02 million units. The Switch’s continued popularity is fueled by a steady stream of new game releases – both for the original console and the Switch 2 – and Nintendo’s strategic decision to continue selling the original Switch as a more affordable entry point for new players. Despite price increases implemented in August 2025 due to “market conditions,” the Switch has managed to sell 3.25 million units in Nintendo’s fiscal 2026 to date, including 1.36 million units during the crucial holiday season.
A Historical Perspective: Nintendo’s Console Sales
This achievement positions the Switch as the second-bestselling game console of all time, trailing only Sony’s PlayStation 2. Remarkably, the Switch reached this position just three years after becoming the third-bestselling console. Here’s a comparison of Nintendo’s console sales (as of December 31, 2025):
- Switch: 155.37 million
- Nintendo DS: 154.02 million
- Game Boy/Game Boy Color: 118.69 million
- Wii: 101.63 million
- Game Boy Advance: 81.51 million
- Nintendo 3DS: 75.94 million
- Super Nintendo Entertainment System: 49.10 million
- Nintendo 64: 32.93 million
- GameCube: 21.74 million
- Wii U: 13.56 million
The data clearly illustrates the Switch’s dominance within Nintendo’s hardware lineup. Its success is a testament to the console’s innovative hybrid design and compelling game library.
The Switch 2: A Strong Start, But Still Behind
While the original Switch is enjoying a remarkable late-life surge, the Switch 2 is also off to a promising start. By the end of December, the Switch 2 had sold 15 million units, making it Nintendo’s fastest-selling dedicated video game platform to date. Total sales reached 17.37 million units by the end of the quarter. This is a significant achievement, especially considering the console hasn’t even been available for a full year. The Switch 2 has already surpassed the lifetime sales of the Wii U (13.56 million) and is rapidly approaching the GameCube’s total (21.74 million units).
Challenges and Opportunities for the Switch 2
Despite the strong initial sales, the Switch 2 still has a considerable distance to cover to match the success of its predecessor. The large install base of the original Switch continues to drive the majority of Nintendo’s software sales. In the third quarter of fiscal 2026, Nintendo sold 47.37 million Switch games compared to 17.31 million Switch 2 games. This highlights the importance of continued software support for both platforms.
Key titles driving sales include Mario Kart World, with 14.03 million units sold – often bundled with Switch 2 consoles – and Pokémon Legends Z-A (12.3 million units across both platforms). Donkey Kong Bananza also performed well, selling 4.25 million units. Nintendo’s strategy of releasing cross-platform titles is clearly benefiting both consoles.
Software Sales and User Engagement
Nintendo’s software sales remain robust, driven by a combination of new releases and evergreen titles. The continued success of franchises like Mario Kart and Pokémon demonstrates the enduring appeal of Nintendo’s intellectual property. However, the disparity in game sales between the Switch and Switch 2 underscores the need for Nintendo to incentivize Switch 2 adoption through exclusive titles and compelling software offerings.
Nintendo reported 129 million “annual playing users” across its consoles in 2025. This number has remained relatively stable over the past three years (128 million in 2023 and 130 million in 2024), suggesting a mature user base. Maintaining and growing this user base will be crucial for Nintendo’s long-term success.
The Road Ahead: Can the Switch Overtake the PlayStation 2?
The ultimate goal for the Switch is to surpass Sony’s PlayStation 2, which sold “over 160 million units” throughout its lifespan. At its current sales rate (Nintendo predicts approximately 750,000 Switch units will be sold in the next quarter), it would take the Switch several more years to reach this milestone. However, sales are likely to slow down as the Switch 2 gains further traction. The future success of the Switch will depend on Nintendo’s ability to continue innovating, releasing compelling games, and effectively managing the transition to the next generation of hardware.
The Switch’s journey to becoming Nintendo’s best-selling console is a remarkable story of innovation, strategic decision-making, and a deep understanding of the gaming market. As the Switch 2 continues to evolve and gain momentum, it will be fascinating to see how Nintendo navigates the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. GearTech will continue to provide updates and analysis on Nintendo’s performance and the evolving landscape of the gaming industry.