Nintendo Switch Becomes Best-Selling Console Ever, Surpassing the DS

The Nintendo Switch has officially become Nintendo's best-selling console of all time, surpassing the iconic Nintendo DS with 155.37 million units sold worldwide. This milestone marks a significant achievement for the hybrid console that launched in March 2017 and continues to sell strongly even after the release of its successor, the Switch 2, in mid-2025.

The Numbers Behind Nintendo's Success

The Switch's journey to the top has been remarkable. While the Nintendo DS held the crown for years with 154.02 million units sold, the original Switch has now claimed the title. The achievement is particularly impressive given that Nintendo continues to sell both consoles simultaneously, with the Switch 2 already reaching 17.37 million units sold in under a year.

In the broader gaming landscape, the Switch still trails behind Sony's PlayStation 2, which remains the best-selling console of all time with 160 million units sold during its 13-year lifespan from 2000 to 2013. The PS2 also leads in software sales with 1.54 billion games sold compared to the Switch's 1.5 billion.

Software Sales Tell an Interesting Story

While hardware sales often dominate headlines, the software ecosystem tells its own fascinating tale. The original Switch has moved an astounding 1,500.16 million games, showcasing the platform's strong software library and player engagement. For comparison, the DS sold 948.76 million games, while the Nintendo Wii surprisingly ranks third with 921.85 million games sold despite having sold only 101.63 million consoles.

This discrepancy highlights how different Nintendo consoles attract different gaming patterns. The Wii's impressive software numbers relative to its hardware sales suggest high attach rates and family-friendly appeal, while the Game Boy, despite selling 501.11 million games, couldn't match the Wii's software performance despite having broader hardware reach.

The Switch 2's Early Performance

The Switch 2 has started strong, selling 6 million units in its first month and reaching 17.37 million units total. However, it faces a significant challenge in catching up to its predecessor's massive installed base. The original Switch took eight years to reach its current milestone, while the Switch 2 is still in its early stages.

Reader Reactions and Industry Context

Reader comments on the announcement reveal interesting perspectives on Nintendo's achievement. Some argue that comparing handheld devices like the DS to home consoles isn't entirely fair, noting that the line between portable and home gaming has blurred significantly since the DS era. Others maintain that PlayStation consoles still represent the "king of consoles" for traditional gaming experiences.

One particularly insightful comment points out that population growth since the DS era makes direct sales comparisons somewhat misleading without adjusting for demographic changes. This observation highlights the complexity of comparing console sales across different generations and market conditions.

What This Means for Nintendo's Future

The Switch's record-breaking performance demonstrates Nintendo's successful pivot to hybrid gaming and its ability to maintain relevance across multiple console generations. As the company continues to support both the original Switch and the Switch 2, it's positioned to dominate the gaming market for years to come.

The achievement also underscores the enduring appeal of Nintendo's first-party franchises and the company's unique approach to gaming hardware. While competitors focus on raw power and traditional console experiences, Nintendo has carved out its own successful niche with innovative hardware concepts and family-friendly gaming experiences.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve with cloud gaming, mobile integration, and cross-platform play, Nintendo's record-breaking sales suggest that there's still significant demand for dedicated gaming hardware that offers unique experiences you can't get anywhere else.

The Nintendo Switch's journey from launch to becoming Nintendo's best-selling console represents one of the most successful product runs in gaming history. With both the original Switch and Switch 2 continuing to sell strongly, Nintendo appears well-positioned to maintain its leadership in the gaming industry for the foreseeable future.