Nintendo Switch 2 Sets UK Record as Fastest-Selling Nintendo Console: Launch Sales Breakdown

Nintendo Switch 2 has carved its name into the United Kingdom’s gaming history books, with launch sales surpassing any previous Nintendo console release in the region.

According to data compiled by NielsenIQ, Nintendo’s latest gaming hardware marked an unprecedented start, swiftly becoming the UK’s fastest-selling system from the venerable publisher and platform holder. Previously, the record was held by the Nintendo 3DS, which debuted with 113,000 units sold during its launch window.

The Nintendo Switch 2, however, exceeded this milestone, setting a new benchmark for Nintendo launches in the UK.

In comparison, the original Nintendo Switch managed a still-impressive 80,000 units during its UK debut, although that figure was notably limited by early supply constraints. Highlighting its strong performance, Nintendo Switch 2 more than doubled the launch sales of the initial Switch, underlining both increased market demand and more robust hardware availability at launch.

Despite its dominant showing for a Nintendo system, the Switch 2’s figures were just shy of matching the strongest Sony and Microsoft platform releases.

NielsenIQ data places Switch 2 as the fourth highest-selling console launch in the UK when excluding handheld systems, behind only the PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Xbox Series.

In terms of revenue, it secures third place, topped by PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series. Industry analysis by The Game Business highlights that the UK has traditionally presented unique challenges for Nintendo compared to global trends.

While Nintendo's Wii reigned globally, in the UK it was the Xbox 360 that topped sales.

The original Nintendo Switch, despite leading international hardware charts for the last eight years, has consistently trailed behind PlayStation 4 in the British market. Officially, the UK’s best-selling console launches—handhelds excluded—are as follows: 1.

PlayStation 5 2.

PlayStation 4 3.

Xbox Series 4.

Nintendo Switch 2 5.

PlayStation 3 6.

Xbox One 7.

Nintendo Wii 8.

Nintendo Switch 9.

Xbox 360 10.

Xbox One X Beyond hardware milestones, Nintendo continues its successes on the software front.

According to the latest UK games chart, Mario Kart World has recently claimed the number one spot, signaling continued strong demand for the company’s flagship titles. With the resounding launch of Nintendo Switch 2, the company reinforces its presence in the UK market—demonstrating rapid hardware adoption and steady enthusiasm for its software library.

As sales charts continue to update, both Nintendo and the broader industry will be watching closely to see how Switch 2 shapes the gaming landscape moving forward.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch 2 Switch UK Nintendo 3DS NielsenIQ PlayStation 5 PlayStation 4 Xbox Series Game Business Mario Kart World