Nintendo Switch Becomes Best-Selling Console Ever, Topping DS Sales

Nintendo has announced that the original Nintendo Switch has sold 155.37 million units as of December 31, 2025, making it the company's best-selling console ever and surpassing the Nintendo DS, which sold 154.02 million units before being discontinued in 2013.

The milestone comes nearly eight years after the Switch's March 2017 launch, marking a significant achievement for Nintendo in the highly competitive gaming console market. The Switch's hybrid design, which allows it to function as both a home console and a portable device, has been credited with broadening its appeal to a wider range of gamers.

According to Nintendo's financial report for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025, the company maintained its forecast of selling 19 million Switch 2 consoles during fiscal year 2026. The Switch 2, Nintendo's successor to the original Switch, is expected to launch in the coming months.

Financial Performance and Market Impact

Nintendo reported third-quarter revenue of $5.2 billion, slightly below analyst estimates of $5.45 billion, but still representing strong performance in a challenging market. The company posted a net profit of $1.03 billion, exceeding estimates of $950 million.

Investors are closely watching how rising memory prices and the strength of Nintendo's games pipeline will affect the Switch 2's launch and long-term success. The original Switch benefited from a strong lineup of first-party titles, including "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild," "Super Mario Odyssey," and "Animal Crossing: New Horizons."

The Switch's Success Formula

The Switch's success can be attributed to several factors:

• Hybrid design: The ability to switch between home console and portable play appealed to both traditional console gamers and mobile gamers
• Strong first-party titles: Nintendo's iconic franchises consistently drove hardware sales
• Family-friendly appeal: The console attracted players of all ages
• Portability: The ability to play on-the-go expanded usage scenarios
• Third-party support: Growing library of games from major publishers

What This Means for the Gaming Industry

The Switch's achievement as Nintendo's best-selling console ever demonstrates the continued viability of dedicated gaming hardware in an era of mobile gaming and cloud streaming services. It also highlights Nintendo's ability to innovate with unique hardware concepts that differentiate it from competitors like Sony and Microsoft.

However, the gaming industry faces challenges including rising development costs, increasing competition from mobile and PC gaming, and the need to adapt to changing consumer preferences. The success of the Switch 2 will depend on Nintendo's ability to maintain its momentum while addressing these industry-wide challenges.

Looking Ahead

As Nintendo prepares for the Switch 2 launch, the company will need to balance several priorities:

1. Maintaining support for the existing Switch user base
2. Ensuring a strong launch lineup for the new console
3. Managing production costs and pricing
4. Addressing potential supply chain challenges
5. Competing with other gaming platforms and entertainment options

The original Switch's success provides a strong foundation for the Switch 2, but the gaming landscape continues to evolve rapidly. Nintendo's ability to adapt while maintaining its core strengths will be crucial for continued success in the console market.

Community Reaction

The gaming community has largely celebrated the Switch's achievement, with many fans sharing their personal stories and memories of playing the console. The milestone has sparked discussions about the Switch's place in gaming history and what made it so successful compared to previous Nintendo consoles.

However, some analysts caution that the Switch 2 faces higher expectations and a more competitive market than its predecessor. The success of the original Switch may have raised the bar for what constitutes a successful console launch in the current gaming environment.

The Switch's achievement as Nintendo's best-selling console ever represents a significant milestone in gaming history and sets the stage for what could be another successful chapter in Nintendo's console business.