In February, Nintendo announced that the Switch family of consoles had sold more than 139 million units since its initial launch in March 2017. Fast-forward nearly two months, and it’s fair to say that sales have likely surpassed the 140 million mark. This puts the Switch in close competition with the PlayStation 2 (PS2), which, until recently, was thought to have sold 155 million units. However, the race to the top of the sales chart has taken an unexpected turn.
A new benchmark for success
Jim Ryan, the former CEO of PlayStation who stepped down on April 1, 2024, revealed on the Official PlayStation Podcast a surprising update regarding the PS2’s sales figures. According to Ryan, the PS2 actually sold 160 million units, not the previously reported 155 million. This revelation means that the Switch has to sell around 20 million more units to claim the title of the best-selling console of all time. Ryan’s disclosure, made during a moment of reflection on his tenure at Sony, suggests this isn’t a mere oversight but a significant update to the PS2’s sales legacy.
What this means for Nintendo
The PS2 enjoyed an exceptionally long market life, debuting in March 2000 and continuing production until 2013. This 13-year span is noteworthy and reflects the console’s enduring popularity. In contrast, the Switch has been available for over seven years. Should Nintendo decide to maintain the Switch on the market as an affordable option even after introducing a new console, surpassing the newly established 160 million target remains a feasible goal.
For Nintendo, outpacing the PS2 in sales may not be a critical objective, but achieving such a landmark would certainly be a remarkable accomplishment, especially considering the Wii U’s disappointing performance. This scenario underscores the dynamic and competitive nature of the console market, where legacy and innovation continually intersect.
The significance of sales milestones
While the exact sales figures and the competition between the Switch and the PS2 may seem like a matter of corporate pride, they also highlight the evolving landscape of gaming. Both consoles have left indelible marks on the industry, with the PS2 remembered for its vast game library and the Switch noted for its innovative hybrid design. As Nintendo edges closer to this significant milestone, it reflects not only on the company’s recovery from past setbacks but also on the shifting preferences and technologies that define contemporary gaming.
This update to the PS2’s sales figures sets a new goalpost for the Switch, adding another layer of excitement to the ongoing narrative of console sales achievements.