Introduction
Even after the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 in mid‑2025, the original Switch continues to dominate the market, securing its place as Nintendo’s best‑selling console of all time.
Sales Milestones
The original Switch has now sold 155.37 million units, overtaking the Nintendo DS’s 154.02 million units. The third‑place holder is the classic Game Boy, whose various models are counted as a single entry.
- Nintendo Switch: 155.37 M units
- Nintendo DS: 154.02 M units
- Game Boy (all variants): third place
Switch 2 – A Strong Start, But a Long Road
Since its debut, the Switch 2 moved 6 million units in its first month and has reached 17.37 million units to date. While impressive, it remains far behind its predecessor.
Game‑Sales Comparison
In the games‑sold category, the original Switch is a powerhouse with 1.500 billion games sold.
- Nintendo Switch: 1.500 B games
- Nintendo DS: 948.76 M games
- Nintendo Wii: 921.85 M games (101.63 M consoles sold)
- Game Boy: 501.11 M games (despite higher console sales)
How It Stacks Against the Overall Champion
The overall best‑selling console across all manufacturers is still the Sony PlayStation 2, with 160 million units sold and 1.54 billion games sold during its 13‑year lifespan (2000‑2013).
Why Developers Keep Targeting the Switch
Despite its aging hardware—often likened to PlayStation 1 graphics—the Switch’s massive user base makes it an attractive platform for ports. Mobile devices may be more powerful, but developers prefer the dedicated console ecosystem.
Conclusion
The original Nintendo Switch’s sales surge cements its legacy as Nintendo’s top console, even as the Switch 2 works to catch up. Its dominance in both hardware and software sales highlights the platform’s enduring appeal in a competitive market.