Nintendo Switch Sales Near DS Record, Eyes PlayStation 2 Milestone

Nintendo’s latest quarterly financial report has put a spotlight on hardware milestones, as the original Nintendo Switch continues its remarkable sales streak.

Since its launch in 2017, the hybrid console has captivated gamers worldwide, combining home console power with portable play.

Now, as the industry awaits the arrival of the anticipated Switch 2, the current Switch family approaches a historic benchmark—the lifetime sales record of the Nintendo DS. As of the most recent fiscal update, the Nintendo Switch has shipped 153.10 million units globally, closing in on the Nintendo DS’s longstanding record of 154.02 million units.

This achievement marks a significant chapter in Nintendo’s storied hardware history, drawing attention not only from fans but also industry analysts tracking the evolution of game consoles.

Despite the expected downturn following the announcement of the next-generation Switch 2, the original Switch sold an additional 0.98 million units in the past quarter.

This represents a 53.5% decrease compared to the same period last year, reflecting both market saturation and the natural hardware transition cycle. The breakdown of sales across the Nintendo Switch family provides further insight: - Switch OLED Model: 520,000 units - Switch Lite: 230,000 units - Standard Switch: 220,000 units While surpassing the Nintendo DS would secure the Switch’s place as Nintendo’s top-selling system ever, it still faces the formidable legacy of the Sony PlayStation 2, which holds the all-time global sales record with over 160 million units shipped.

It’s worth noting that last year, former PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan highlighted the PS2’s enduring appeal and lifelong sales momentum, with retroactive adjustments pushing the system’s record even higher. Looking ahead, Nintendo has projected an additional 4.5 million Switch family hardware sales for the fiscal year ending March 2026, signaling that while growth is tapering, momentum remains.

Given the slim margin separating the Switch and the DS, it seems likely that the hybrid console will become Nintendo's all-time sales leader within the next few financial reports.

However, to overtake the PlayStation 2, the Switch would need continued robust support and sustained sales, a challenge as attention pivots to new hardware and library expansions on the Nintendo eShop. Nintendo’s accomplishments with the Switch underscore the company’s innovative hardware design and effective post-launch strategies, including frequent updates, new models such as the OLED and Lite, and a robust lineup of first-party titles.

As the Switch era transitions, its formidable sales figures and marketplace longevity ensure its legacy in video game history is secure.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo PlayStation Milestone Switch Xbox Series X|S PlayStation 2 Nintendo DS DS console Switch OLED Switch Lite Jim Ryan