Nintendo Switch 2 Surpasses PlayStation 4 Launch Sales: Strong Growth in 2025
Since its highly anticipated launch in June 2025, the Nintendo Switch 2 has captured the attention of both players and industry analysts.
Building on the momentum of its predecessors and the promise of innovative features, Nintendo’s latest console entered a competitive market landscape dominated by established platforms like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
While initial sales figures were expected to be robust—owing to the extended gap since the last mainline Nintendo console release—experts remained cautious about whether Nintendo could maintain its fast start throughout the year. Nintendo had set an ambitious sales forecast for the Switch 2, targeting approximately 15 million units for the console’s first year on the market.
While strong debut numbers helped boost confidence in reaching these goals, industry experts pointed out that maintaining consistent consumer demand would be crucial.
According to verified sales data provided by Mat Piscatella of Circana, the Switch 2 has achieved a significant milestone: in its first three months, it has outperformed both the PlayStation 4 and the original Switch in units sold over comparable periods. Piscatella reported that, as of the end of September, the Switch 2 had sold an additional 2.4 million units since its debut.
This places it ahead of the PlayStation 4, which garnered approximately 2.2 million sales in the same duration post-launch, and slightly above the original Nintendo Switch's performance.
"Nintendo Switch 2 is on a trajectory that outpaces competing consoles for the equivalent launch window, demonstrating the strength of the Nintendo brand and consumer interest in their newest hardware," Piscatella summarized. Beyond hardware figures, the Nintendo Switch 2 has catalyzed a substantial increase in software spending.
Over the past year, monthly game spending on the platform surged by 32%, setting it apart from the broader console market, where both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series have posted double-digit declines.
Analysts attribute this uptick not only to Nintendo’s scheduled game releases but also to the anticipation surrounding the holiday sales period, a critical window where even aging platforms often see significant boosts. In software charts for the previous month, Nintendo accounted for only one top 10 title.
Donkey Kong Bananza dropped to seventh place after previously debuting in third, with major new titles like Mafia: The Old Country and MGS Delta: Snake Eater claiming higher spots.
Nonetheless, industry observers note that Nintendo’s digital sales are frequently underreported in chart data, which may understate the true reach and revenue of Switch 2 titles.
Historically, Nintendo refrains from including full digital sales figures in these rankings. With steady game releases, a loyal fan base, and a unique position in the market, the Nintendo Switch 2 is strongly placed to maintain momentum into the holiday season and beyond.
Its early performance not only reflects the enduring appeal of Nintendo’s hardware but also signals continued growth in the year ahead.
Building on the momentum of its predecessors and the promise of innovative features, Nintendo’s latest console entered a competitive market landscape dominated by established platforms like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
While initial sales figures were expected to be robust—owing to the extended gap since the last mainline Nintendo console release—experts remained cautious about whether Nintendo could maintain its fast start throughout the year. Nintendo had set an ambitious sales forecast for the Switch 2, targeting approximately 15 million units for the console’s first year on the market.
While strong debut numbers helped boost confidence in reaching these goals, industry experts pointed out that maintaining consistent consumer demand would be crucial.
According to verified sales data provided by Mat Piscatella of Circana, the Switch 2 has achieved a significant milestone: in its first three months, it has outperformed both the PlayStation 4 and the original Switch in units sold over comparable periods. Piscatella reported that, as of the end of September, the Switch 2 had sold an additional 2.4 million units since its debut.
This places it ahead of the PlayStation 4, which garnered approximately 2.2 million sales in the same duration post-launch, and slightly above the original Nintendo Switch's performance.
"Nintendo Switch 2 is on a trajectory that outpaces competing consoles for the equivalent launch window, demonstrating the strength of the Nintendo brand and consumer interest in their newest hardware," Piscatella summarized. Beyond hardware figures, the Nintendo Switch 2 has catalyzed a substantial increase in software spending.
Over the past year, monthly game spending on the platform surged by 32%, setting it apart from the broader console market, where both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series have posted double-digit declines.
Analysts attribute this uptick not only to Nintendo’s scheduled game releases but also to the anticipation surrounding the holiday sales period, a critical window where even aging platforms often see significant boosts. In software charts for the previous month, Nintendo accounted for only one top 10 title.
Donkey Kong Bananza dropped to seventh place after previously debuting in third, with major new titles like Mafia: The Old Country and MGS Delta: Snake Eater claiming higher spots.
Nonetheless, industry observers note that Nintendo’s digital sales are frequently underreported in chart data, which may understate the true reach and revenue of Switch 2 titles.
Historically, Nintendo refrains from including full digital sales figures in these rankings. With steady game releases, a loyal fan base, and a unique position in the market, the Nintendo Switch 2 is strongly placed to maintain momentum into the holiday season and beyond.
Its early performance not only reflects the enduring appeal of Nintendo’s hardware but also signals continued growth in the year ahead.
