- The Nintendo Switch 2, released on June 5th, officially sold 3.5 million units globally within the first four days of launch.
- These record-breaking sales numbers make it the fastest-selling video game console to date.
- The PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 previously held the record at 2.1 million units in 16 days and 3.4 million units in a month, respectively.
Eight years after the original reimagined what a handheld console could be, the Nintendo Switch 2โs arrival has been heralded by a historic sales accomplishment.
With fans having queued overnight for the midnight release and less eager users now patiently waiting on the first round of restocks, Nintendo had correctly projected a certain level of success. Though even the Japanese behemoth couldnโt have possibly anticipated itโd produce the fastest-selling console of all time.
โFans around the world are showing their enthusiasm for Nintendo Switch 2 as an upgraded way to play at home and on the go,โ said Doug Bowser, President & COO of Nintendo of America.
โWe are thankful for their response and happy to see the fun they are already having with Nintendo Switch 2 as they explore new features and games that bring friends and family together in new ways.โ
The Switch 2, which features a larger screen with the capacity for higher graphics (1080p/120Hz handheld or tabletop; 4K/60Hz docked) and a faster processor, also features Joy-Con controllers that now connect magnetically (rather than clipping into place). This suite of upgrades is even fuelling claims that the Switch 2 is comparable to the Xbox Series S in terms of raw computing power.
The console launched alongside Mario Kart World as a bundle deal. Unsurprisingly, the latter was also the best-selling game of the Switch 2โs release week; and now allows more freedom for driving across new terrains, in new modes, as well as with up to 24 players.
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Nintendo have also introduced virtual game cards to load titles across systems linked to the same account, as well as loan titles to members of your accountโs group. The majority of the previous-gen Switch games are backward compatible with the Switch 2.
Itโll be interesting to see whether Nintendo can sustain this initial momentum, and whether the Switchโs successor can break the record of 15 million units within the first year. Itโs worth noting the Switch is still behind the DS as Nintendoโs best-selling device of all time, but this sequel is already on track to disrupt that dynamic.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is currently retailing for $699.95 here in Australia and is available as part of the Mario Kart World bundle for $769.95.
