The Nintendo Switch has officially overtaken the Nintendo DS to become the company’s best-selling console of all time, with 155.37 million units sold worldwide since its 2017 launch. This milestone makes the hybrid console the second best-selling gaming system ever, trailing only Sony’s PlayStation 2. Its successor, Switch 2, is already selling rapidly.
A Historic Milestone for Nintendo
Nintendo has announced that the Nintendo Switch has become its best-selling console ever, surpassing the legendary Nintendo DS. As of December 31, 2025, the Switch has sold 155.37 million units globally, cementing its place as a cultural and gaming phenomenon.
Key Highlights
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Record-breaking sales: The Switch overtook the Nintendo DS’s 154.02 million lifetime sales, ending the DS’s decade-long reign as Nintendo’s top-selling system.
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Global ranking: With this achievement, the Switch is now the second best-selling console of all time, behind Sony’s PlayStation 2, which sold over 160 million units during its run.
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Longevity: Despite being in its ninth year, the Switch sold 3.25 million units between April and December 2025, proving its enduring popularity.
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Innovation factor: Launched in 2017, the Switch’s success stems from its hybrid design functioning as both a handheld and home console, combined with blockbuster titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and Super Mario Odyssey.
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Switch 2 momentum: Nintendo’s successor console, the Switch 2, has already sold 15 million units in its first month of release, signaling strong demand and a promising future.
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Market impact: The Switch’s success helped Nintendo recover from the Wii U’s commercial failure, revitalizing its brand and boosting investor confidence.
Why It Matters
The Switch’s rise underscores how innovation, iconic franchises, and accessibility can redefine gaming. It has not only reshaped Nintendo’s fortunes but also influenced the broader industry, inspiring competitors to experiment with hybrid and portable gaming solutions. For fans, the milestone is a celebration of a console that blended nostalgia with modern gameplay.
Sources: Nintendo Financial Report, CNBC, TechSpot, ExtremeTech