Nintendo Switch 2 Sets UK Sales Record, Surpassing Dreamcast, PS Vita, and Wii U
Nintendo's dominance in the UK gaming market has reached new heights as the Nintendo Switch 2 officially surpasses the lifetime sales of the Sega Dreamcast, Sony PlayStation Vita, and Nintendo Wii U in the region.
The latest figures, sourced from NielsenIQ data reported by Christopher Dring — Editor-in-Chief and co-founder of The Game Business — highlight the Switch 2’s remarkable trajectory since its launch, solidifying its place as one of the fastest-growing gaming consoles in modern history. The Nintendo Switch 2, released in 2024, builds on the immense success of its predecessor, offering both handheld and home console gaming experiences.
The hardware quickly found a receptive audience, bolstered by a strong lineup of first-party and third-party game releases that showcase Nintendo’s continued commitment to quality and innovation. According to the NielsenIQ report shared by Dring, cumulative sales of the Nintendo Switch 2 in the United Kingdom have now exceeded those of several notable platforms.
For comparison, Sega’s Dreamcast concluded its run with approximately 240,000 units sold in the UK, while Sony’s PlayStation Vita failed to make a significant impact in the charts.
The Wii U, despite carrying the Nintendo banner, also remained below Switch 2’s current figures.
This achievement underscores Nintendo's revitalized position in the UK, a traditionally competitive market with strong preferences for both local and international gaming brands. Dring’s analysis notes, "The Switch 2 has not only surpassed the Dreamcast and potentially the PS Vita in UK lifetime sales, but it is also on pace to eclipse the Nintendo Switch’s previous milestone of five million units sold in the region (as reported in 2022)." While specific sales numbers for the Switch 2 have not yet been publicly disclosed, the available data points to the new console achieving the distinction of being the fastest-selling Nintendo platform ever in the UK. The significance of this sales momentum cannot be overstated.
Moving 10 million units globally within the first year — with a considerable share attributed to UK gamers — places the Switch 2 among the fastest-selling consoles in the industry’s history.
This rapid adoption suggests an exceptionally strong launch year for Nintendo’s latest hardware, particularly impressive in light of fierce competition and shifting consumer expectations. Looking ahead, all eyes are on how the Nintendo Switch 2 will perform during the key holiday season, traditionally a period of heightened demand for gaming hardware.
Nintendo has already demonstrated its ability to consistently captivate audiences with engaging first-party titles and exclusive content, supported by regular Nintendo Direct presentations and robust eShop offerings.
With its ongoing success, the Switch 2 further cements Nintendo’s legacy as an industry leader with a unique ability to innovate and connect with gamers across generations. For those interested in tracking the Switch 2’s continued market performance or catching up on the latest Switch 2 game releases and hardware news, keeping an eye on official sources and industry updates remains essential.
As Nintendo celebrates this new sales milestone, the Switch 2’s future in the UK and global markets looks brighter than ever.
The latest figures, sourced from NielsenIQ data reported by Christopher Dring — Editor-in-Chief and co-founder of The Game Business — highlight the Switch 2’s remarkable trajectory since its launch, solidifying its place as one of the fastest-growing gaming consoles in modern history. The Nintendo Switch 2, released in 2024, builds on the immense success of its predecessor, offering both handheld and home console gaming experiences.
The hardware quickly found a receptive audience, bolstered by a strong lineup of first-party and third-party game releases that showcase Nintendo’s continued commitment to quality and innovation. According to the NielsenIQ report shared by Dring, cumulative sales of the Nintendo Switch 2 in the United Kingdom have now exceeded those of several notable platforms.
For comparison, Sega’s Dreamcast concluded its run with approximately 240,000 units sold in the UK, while Sony’s PlayStation Vita failed to make a significant impact in the charts.
The Wii U, despite carrying the Nintendo banner, also remained below Switch 2’s current figures.
This achievement underscores Nintendo's revitalized position in the UK, a traditionally competitive market with strong preferences for both local and international gaming brands. Dring’s analysis notes, "The Switch 2 has not only surpassed the Dreamcast and potentially the PS Vita in UK lifetime sales, but it is also on pace to eclipse the Nintendo Switch’s previous milestone of five million units sold in the region (as reported in 2022)." While specific sales numbers for the Switch 2 have not yet been publicly disclosed, the available data points to the new console achieving the distinction of being the fastest-selling Nintendo platform ever in the UK. The significance of this sales momentum cannot be overstated.
Moving 10 million units globally within the first year — with a considerable share attributed to UK gamers — places the Switch 2 among the fastest-selling consoles in the industry’s history.
This rapid adoption suggests an exceptionally strong launch year for Nintendo’s latest hardware, particularly impressive in light of fierce competition and shifting consumer expectations. Looking ahead, all eyes are on how the Nintendo Switch 2 will perform during the key holiday season, traditionally a period of heightened demand for gaming hardware.
Nintendo has already demonstrated its ability to consistently captivate audiences with engaging first-party titles and exclusive content, supported by regular Nintendo Direct presentations and robust eShop offerings.
With its ongoing success, the Switch 2 further cements Nintendo’s legacy as an industry leader with a unique ability to innovate and connect with gamers across generations. For those interested in tracking the Switch 2’s continued market performance or catching up on the latest Switch 2 game releases and hardware news, keeping an eye on official sources and industry updates remains essential.
As Nintendo celebrates this new sales milestone, the Switch 2’s future in the UK and global markets looks brighter than ever.