Nintendo Switch 2 Sets UK and France Sales Records but Trails PlayStation 5 in Console Debuts

Nintendo Switch 2 Sets UK and France Sales Records but Trails PlayStation 5 in Console Debuts Nintendo has achieved its largest console launch to date in the United Kingdom with the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, according to recent data from market research firm NielsenIQ, as reported by The Game Business.

The upgraded flagship system, released in early 2024, continues the legacy of the Nintendo Switch family and cements the brand's relevance in an increasingly competitive hardware market.

The Nintendo Switch 2 builds on the success of its predecessors with enhanced hardware and expanded features, targeting both core gamers and a broader mainstream audience via the Nintendo eShop and the familiar hybrid platform design. Although NielsenIQ did not provide specific sales figures, industry sources indicate that the Nintendo Switch 2 outperformed the original Switch's UK launch by over two to one.

For context, Nintendo confirmed that the original Switch sold more than 80,000 units in its initial launch window in the UK, while the Nintendo 3DS reached 113,000 units.

Based on these benchmarks, analysts estimate the Switch 2's launch sales to be around 160,000 units or greater, underscoring a significant leap for Nintendo in a market where the brand has traditionally faced strong competition. Despite this record-setting performance for Nintendo, the Switch 2 was unable to eclipse the top hardware launches by Sony and Microsoft in the UK.

According to data shared in the report, the PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Xbox Series X|S all registered higher opening sales, with the Switch 2 securing the fourth spot among the top ten best-selling console launches in UK history. The ranking for UK console launches is as follows: 1.

PlayStation 5 2.

PlayStation 4 3.

Xbox Series X|S 4.

Nintendo Switch 2 5.

PlayStation 3 6.

Xbox One 7.

Nintendo Wii 8.

Nintendo Switch 9.

Xbox 360 10.

Xbox One X The Switch 2’s commercial momentum was even stronger in France, where it sold over 200,000 units at launch, breaking previous records for any console launch in the region.

This figure nearly doubled the PlayStation 5’s debut in France, demonstrating Nintendo’s growing presence and market strength within Europe. While global sales figures for the Nintendo Switch 2 have yet to be officially released, Nintendo has forecast approximately 15 million units sold within the first financial year.

The company’s statement projected that the Switch 2 could become the largest console launch globally, eclipsing previous hardware benchmarks.

With strong initial performances in key European markets and a robust sales outlook, the Switch 2 is poised to further expand Nintendo’s foothold in the global gaming hardware market. As industry watchers anticipate Nintendo’s next official update, these early sales records underscore the relevance of Nintendo’s hybrid console family and highlight the enduring appeal of the brand’s innovative hardware and software ecosystem.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Nintendo PlayStation Switch 2 PlayStation 5 Xbox Switch France UK Nintendo hardware NielsenIQ The Game Business PlayStation 4 Xbox Series 3DS PS5 Xbox Series X|S Nintendo Wii PlayStation 3 Xbox One