Nintendo Switch 2 Sets New Sales Milestones with 17 Million Units Sold and Record-Setting Software Attach
Nintendo continues to reinforce its leadership position in the gaming industry with the Nintendo Switch 2, which has officially sold over 17 million units globally since launching in June 2025.
This new hardware platform, available through the Nintendo eShop and major retailers, has surpassed the company’s previously held records, becoming Nintendo’s fastest-selling console to date.
The announcement was made public via Nintendo’s nine-month financial report, corroborated by recent coverage from CNBC. December 2025 proved especially successful for the Switch 2, with over 7 million units sold during the holiday season alone.
Despite a challenging economic landscape and lower-than-expected sales in the United States, the global success of the Switch 2—particularly in Japan, where an exclusive, lower-priced variant has driven strong demand—helped propel the console to these extraordinary figures. Market analyst Serkan Koto, CEO of Kantan Games, noted in a statement to CNBC that the anticipated slump in holiday sales, projected by some investors, did not materialize in Nintendo’s case.
Koto emphasized the company’s resilience, particularly in contrast to the industry’s generally subdued holiday performance: “Contrary to investor predictions, Nintendo maintained robust sales throughout the quarter, defying broader market expectations.” Software Attach Drives Revenue and Profit Growth Key to the Nintendo Switch 2’s early success has been its strong game lineup, led by Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza.
Mario Kart World has emerged as a runaway hit, selling approximately 14 million copies—meaning nearly 82% of Switch 2 owners have purchased the game.
Donkey Kong Bananza has also delivered a stellar performance, moving 4.25 million units since launch.
Notably, Donkey Kong Bananza earned the accolade of Best Family Game at The Game Awards 2025. Nintendo’s sales surge translated into impressive financial gains.
The company reported an 86% increase in revenue year-over-year and a 24% rise in net profits, signaling strong market demand for both hardware and software in a period otherwise marked by cautious consumer spending. Supply Chain and Pricing Outlook Looking forward, the sustainability of this momentum faces potential headwinds.
James McWhirter, senior analyst at Omdia, told CNBC that rising costs for components such as memory and SSDs—driven in part by the ongoing demand from the AI sector—may prompt Nintendo and other console makers to reconsider pricing strategies.
McWhirter observed, “With suppliers gaining the advantage in negotiations, companies like Nintendo will eventually need to adjust their prices as new inventory agreements come into effect.” He added that, for the 2026 holiday season, Nintendo is likely to focus on value-driven software bundles, potentially offering Switch 2 packages with a blockbuster title at a competitive price point below $500. The Nintendo Switch 2’s record-breaking debut affirms Nintendo’s continued relevance and innovation in the gaming hardware space.
With landmark game sales and a robust pipeline of software, the company is poised to shape the conversation within the industry as it navigates emerging challenges in the year ahead.
This new hardware platform, available through the Nintendo eShop and major retailers, has surpassed the company’s previously held records, becoming Nintendo’s fastest-selling console to date.
The announcement was made public via Nintendo’s nine-month financial report, corroborated by recent coverage from CNBC. December 2025 proved especially successful for the Switch 2, with over 7 million units sold during the holiday season alone.
Despite a challenging economic landscape and lower-than-expected sales in the United States, the global success of the Switch 2—particularly in Japan, where an exclusive, lower-priced variant has driven strong demand—helped propel the console to these extraordinary figures. Market analyst Serkan Koto, CEO of Kantan Games, noted in a statement to CNBC that the anticipated slump in holiday sales, projected by some investors, did not materialize in Nintendo’s case.
Koto emphasized the company’s resilience, particularly in contrast to the industry’s generally subdued holiday performance: “Contrary to investor predictions, Nintendo maintained robust sales throughout the quarter, defying broader market expectations.” Software Attach Drives Revenue and Profit Growth Key to the Nintendo Switch 2’s early success has been its strong game lineup, led by Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza.
Mario Kart World has emerged as a runaway hit, selling approximately 14 million copies—meaning nearly 82% of Switch 2 owners have purchased the game.
Donkey Kong Bananza has also delivered a stellar performance, moving 4.25 million units since launch.
Notably, Donkey Kong Bananza earned the accolade of Best Family Game at The Game Awards 2025. Nintendo’s sales surge translated into impressive financial gains.
The company reported an 86% increase in revenue year-over-year and a 24% rise in net profits, signaling strong market demand for both hardware and software in a period otherwise marked by cautious consumer spending. Supply Chain and Pricing Outlook Looking forward, the sustainability of this momentum faces potential headwinds.
James McWhirter, senior analyst at Omdia, told CNBC that rising costs for components such as memory and SSDs—driven in part by the ongoing demand from the AI sector—may prompt Nintendo and other console makers to reconsider pricing strategies.
McWhirter observed, “With suppliers gaining the advantage in negotiations, companies like Nintendo will eventually need to adjust their prices as new inventory agreements come into effect.” He added that, for the 2026 holiday season, Nintendo is likely to focus on value-driven software bundles, potentially offering Switch 2 packages with a blockbuster title at a competitive price point below $500. The Nintendo Switch 2’s record-breaking debut affirms Nintendo’s continued relevance and innovation in the gaming hardware space.
With landmark game sales and a robust pipeline of software, the company is poised to shape the conversation within the industry as it navigates emerging challenges in the year ahead.
