Nintendo has officially confirmed that the original Nintendo Switch has become the best-selling console the company has ever produced, breaking a long-standing record held by an older handheld system. This milestone further cements Nintendo’s position as one of the most influential players in the global gaming industry.
According to Nintendo’s latest financial disclosures, the original Nintendo Switch reached total lifetime sales of 155.37 million units as of December 31, 2025. This achievement places it ahead of the Nintendo DS, which sold 154.02 million units during its market run between 2004 and 2011.
The record-breaking performance highlights the enduring popularity of the Switch, which first launched in 2017. Even after several years on the market, the hybrid console continues to attract new buyers while retaining a strong existing user base.
Nintendo attributed this historic milestone to consistent demand across multiple regions and a robust lineup of first-party and third-party titles. The console’s ability to function as both a handheld device and a home gaming system has remained a key factor in its long-term success.
The company also pointed to a particularly strong holiday season, which played a crucial role in pushing the Switch past the previous sales record. During this period, Nintendo experienced heightened consumer interest across its hardware and software portfolio.
Alongside the success of the original Switch, Nintendo provided updated figures on the performance of the newer Switch 2. The company reported sales of 7.01 million units of the Switch 2 during the holiday quarter alone, reflecting strong early momentum for the new platform.
Cumulatively, total Switch 2 sales reached 17.37 million units by the end of the third quarter of Nintendo’s fiscal year. These figures indicate a solid launch trajectory and growing acceptance of the next-generation console among gamers.
In its earnings report, Nintendo described the Switch 2 as the fastest-selling dedicated video game platform the company has ever released. This statement underscores the confidence Nintendo has in the new system’s long-term prospects.
Industry analysts view the dual success of the original Switch and its successor as a rare achievement in the console market. It demonstrates Nintendo’s ability to sustain consumer interest across generations while smoothly transitioning players to new hardware.
The Switch family’s success has also had a significant impact on Nintendo’s financial performance. Strong hardware sales continue to drive software purchases, subscriptions, and digital content revenue, creating a stable ecosystem around the platform.
With the original Switch now holding the title of Nintendo’s most popular console ever, attention is gradually shifting toward how the company will maintain momentum with the Switch 2. Continued support, exclusive titles, and innovation are expected to play a key role in shaping the future.
As the gaming industry becomes increasingly competitive, Nintendo’s latest milestone serves as a reminder of the company’s unique approach. By focusing on accessibility, innovation, and strong intellectual properties, Nintendo has once again rewritten its own history.
