Nintendo Switch 2 Sets New First-Month Sales Record in Japan, Surpassing PlayStation 2

Nintendo Switch 2 Sets New First-Month Sales Record in Japan, Surpassing PlayStation 2 The highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 has made a tremendous impact in Japan, redefining expectations for next-generation console launches.

Launched earlier this year, Nintendo’s latest hybrid platform has rapidly become a must-have item for Japanese gamers—so much so that retailers across the region have struggled to keep up with surging demand, as hardware supplies are quickly outstripped by consumers eager to experience the new system. According to a detailed report published by leading Japanese news outlet Yomiuri Shimbun, the Nintendo Switch 2 has achieved a monumental milestone by breaking the first-month sales record previously set by Sony’s PlayStation 2.

In its first month of release, the Nintendo Switch 2 sold an impressive 1,538,260 units.

This figure notably excludes direct sales from Nintendo itself, signaling that actual sales figures could potentially be even higher once all channels are accounted for.

For comparison, Sony’s PlayStation 2—the best-selling home console in history—moved 1,134,862 units during its own initial month on the market in Japan. A spokesperson from Yomiuri Shimbun noted that the unprecedented popularity of the Nintendo Switch 2 has created significant challenges for retailers and distributors in Japan, with stock shortages reported throughout major urban centers.

The strong sales demonstrate the enduring appeal of Nintendo’s hybrid platform, building on the legacy of the original Nintendo Switch.

That device, released in 2017, quickly became one of the best-selling gaming consoles worldwide and helped reinvigorate Nintendo’s standing in the hardware market. Nintendo’s track record of hardware innovation is a key factor behind this success.

By blending console-quality experiences with portable versatility, the company has been able to reach a broader spectrum of gamers.

The Switch 2’s backward compatibility, refined Joy-Con controllers, and upgraded processing capabilities have all contributed to its positive reception.

This achievement marks another significant milestone for Nintendo, reinforcing its leadership within the Japanese gaming industry and among global hardware manufacturers. The record-breaking performance of the Nintendo Switch 2 underscores the company’s formula of listening to its user base and adapting its hardware to new trends and play styles.

With the Japanese gaming market remaining highly competitive amid the presence of rivals like Sony and Microsoft, these early sales figures solidify the Nintendo Switch 2 as a pivotal launch for Nintendo and a defining moment in modern video game history. Retailers and industry analysts anticipate that demand for the Nintendo Switch 2 will remain high in the coming months, as supply chains work to meet ongoing demand.

As the platform’s exclusive software lineup expands and new entries arrive on the Nintendo eShop, the Switch 2’s trajectory is set to further enhance Nintendo’s strong market position, both in Japan and abroad.

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