Nintendo has done it again. If you’re one of the millions who couldn’t wait to get your hands on the new Switch 2, you’re not alone. In just four days, the gaming giant has sold over 3.5 million units of its latest console — making the Switch 2 the fastest-selling video game console ever.
Let’s break it down. While Nintendo expected strong demand, the numbers have surpassed all expectations. The company confirmed the milestone on June 12, revealing that no other Nintendo console has ever reached these kinds of launch sales in such a short time. But the achievement isn’t just a company record — it’s an industry-wide one.
Stronger launch than PlayStation and previous consoles
Industry expert Daniel Ahmad from Niko Partners pointed out on X (formerly Twitter) that the Switch 2 has outpaced even Sony’s most successful launches. The PS4, for example, sold 2.1 million units in its first 16 days, and the PS5 managed 4.4 million in seven weeks — a slower pace than what Nintendo has managed in just four days. The PS5’s slower start was partly due to chip shortages during the pandemic, but even so, Nintendo’s launch stands out as a major achievement.
This makes it not just the best selling Nintendo console in the first 4 days, but the fastest selling home video game console of all time. https://t.co/p0ZEUEHvKt
— Daniel Ahmad (@ZhugeEX) June 11, 2025
You may remember how hard it was to find a PS5 at launch. Nintendo avoided that pitfall by preparing a large stockpile ahead of time. That allowed more customers to buy a console at launch, even if many preorders had already sold out in major stores across the US. Some stock remained on launch day for those who queued early or were lucky to walk in and buy.
The company also benefited from some economic pressure. Fearing price hikes due to tariffs, many buyers may have rushed to purchase early just in case costs rose later.
UK sales hold strong despite slower hype
If you’re in the UK, you might have noticed it was still possible to grab a Switch 2 on launch day without much fuss. While the console didn’t break UK launch records, it still became the country’s fourth best-selling console launch, according to NielsenIQ. That’s not bad for a market that didn’t see quite the same preorder chaos as the US.
Despite the UK’s more relaxed launch day, overall demand has remained sky-high. This is a clear sign that Nintendo’s careful planning paid off, from marketing and preorder timing to logistics and retail stock.
What comes next for the Switch 2?
Nintendo now has a clear lead, but the challenge will be keeping that momentum. The company hopes to sell 15 million Switch 2 consoles by March 2026. With 3.5 million already sold, they’re off to a strong start — but long-term success will depend on what’s next.
One issue is the console’s current lack of launch titles. Although that hasn’t stopped early sales, fans will want new games to keep playing. If Nintendo doesn’t deliver new and exciting content soon, sales could slow down. There’s also competition from handheld gaming devices and potential price changes due to tariffs.
Still, if history is anything to go by, Nintendo has a strong chance. The original Switch, launched in March 2017, sold nearly 18 million units in its first 13 months. It eventually passed 150 million units sold, making it one of the best-selling consoles ever — and the Switch 2 could soon follow in its footsteps.
If you’ve got a Switch 2, you’re part of gaming history. And if not, don’t worry — there’s still time to join the millions who’ve already leapt.
