A New Era for Nintendo: Switch Claims Top Spot
In a monumental shift for the gaming giant, the Nintendo Switch has officially dethroned the venerable Nintendo DS, becoming the best-selling console in the company’s illustrious history. This landmark achievement, confirmed in Nintendo’s latest earnings report, marks a new chapter for the hybrid console, which continues to captivate players worldwide.
Twelve years after its discontinuation, the Nintendo DS, a dual-screen marvel that once dominated the handheld market, has finally yielded its crown. The Switch’s relentless sales momentum, particularly fueled by a strong holiday season, propelled it past its predecessor, solidifying its legacy as a true gaming phenomenon.
Record-Breaking Sales Figures
As of December 31, 2025, the Nintendo Switch has sold an astounding 155.37 million units
since its launch in 2017. This figure comfortably surpasses the Nintendo DS’s lifetime sales of 154.02 million units, a testament to the Switch’s innovative design and broad appeal. The fierce competition between the two consoles was evident in November, when Nintendo reported them neck and neck, setting the stage for the Switch’s inevitable triumph during the crucial holiday sales period.
Despite the anticipation surrounding the next-generation Switch 2, Nintendo has affirmed its commitment to continue selling the original Switch, strategically balancing consumer demand with the evolving business landscape. This decision is crucial as the company sets its sights on an even grander prize: the title of the best-selling video game console of all time.
Chasing the PlayStation 2’s Unrivaled Legacy
While the Switch now reigns supreme within Nintendo’s own catalog, a formidable challenge lies ahead. Sony’s iconic PlayStation 2, discontinued in January 2013, holds the undisputed global record with over 160 million units sold during its remarkable 13-year lifespan. To surpass this legendary console, the Nintendo Switch will need to maintain its impressive sales trajectory, a goal that Nintendo seems determined to achieve.
The Switch 2’s Explosive Debut and Financial Impact
The introduction of the Nintendo Switch 2 in June 2025 has injected fresh vigor into Nintendo’s ecosystem. The new console experienced an accelerated demand over the recent holiday quarter (October through December), selling 7.01 million units compared to 4.54 million in the previous quarter. In less than a year, the Switch 2 has already sold a total of 17.37 million units, swiftly surpassing the Wii U’s lifetime sales of 13.7 million.
This dual-console strategy has translated into a significant financial boon for Nintendo. The company reported a staggering
51 percent increase in net profit over the first nine months of FY26, reaching ¥358.86 billion (approximately $2.31 billion). Net sales nearly doubled during the same period, soaring to ¥1.906 trillion (about $12.2 billion) from ¥956.2 billion ($6.1 billion) last year. Looking ahead, Nintendo remains optimistic, maintaining its forecast to sell 19 million Switch 2 units by the end of the current financial year.
As the Nintendo Switch continues its historic run and the Switch 2 gains rapid traction, the gaming world watches with bated breath to see if Nintendo can not only solidify its internal dominance but also claim the ultimate title in console sales history.
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