Nintendo Switch Nears PlayStation 2's Record: Switch Sales Approach All-Time Home Console Milestone

Nintendo Switch Nears PlayStation 2's Record: Switch Sales Approach All-Time Home Console Milestone Since its launch in March 2017, the Nintendo Switch has become a global phenomenon, redefining hybrid gaming with its unique blend of home console and portable capabilities.

Developed and published by Nintendo, the Switch’s innovative approach, expansive game library, and consistent support from major developers have propelled it to become one of the best-selling gaming platforms of all time.

Now, the Switch stands on the edge of surpassing a historic milestone, closing in on Sony's iconic PlayStation 2—the long-time record holder for home console sales. Nintendo Switch Sales Surge Past 146 Million Units According to the latest official figures, Nintendo Switch sales have reached 146,040,000 units as of September 30, 2023.

This staggering achievement puts the Switch within reach of the PlayStation 2, which Sony and its former executive Jim Ryan both cite as having sold 160 million units since its original launch in 2000.

The gap between the two consoles is now just under 14 million units, firmly establishing the Switch as the second-best-selling home console in gaming history. Sony recently updated the PlayStation 2’s lifetime sales figures on its PlayStation 30th Anniversary website.

The consistency in this reported figure underscores not only the PlayStation 2’s enduring legacy but also the speed at which the Nintendo Switch has narrowed the divide.

This development has not gone unnoticed by the industry, as insiders and fans alike watch the Switch’s sales trajectory with anticipation. A Landmark Achievement for Nintendo’s Hardware Legacy The Nintendo Switch’s journey from an ambitious concept to a historic sales powerhouse is a testament to Nintendo’s design philosophy and understanding of the modern gaming audience.

The hybrid platform continues to sell robustly across regions via major retailers and Nintendo’s own digital storefront, the Nintendo eShop.

From first-party benchmarks like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Animal Crossing: New Horizons to third-party successes, the Switch’s diverse game library remains a key factor in its widespread appeal. Growing momentum is supported by regular Nintendo Direct presentations, ongoing first-party releases, and an expanding ecosystem of indie titles.

The Switch model lineup, including the original design, the handheld-focused Switch Lite, and the premium Switch OLED Model, has further expanded the system’s appeal to gamers of all ages. Industry Impact and the Road Ahead Surpassing the PlayStation 2 would solidify the Nintendo Switch’s position as the best-selling home video game console in history and further distinguish Nintendo’s legacy in the interactive entertainment industry.

For now, the gaming world is watching as the Switch’s sales continue to climb, inching ever closer to an unprecedented milestone in console history.