Nintendo Switch 2 vs. Nintendo Switch: Breaking records despite all the backlash
The Nintendo Switch 2 is breaking records, how does it stack up against gaming’s greatest?
Nintendo has officially confirmed that the Switch 2 has sold over 3.5 million units worldwide in its first four days, making it the fastest-selling Nintendo hardware ever globally. This launch surpasses the original Nintendo Switch, which sold over 1.5 million units in its first week, according to Polygon.
With a record-breaking start, analysts predict the Switch 2 could surpass 20 million units in its first year, potentially outpacing its predecessor’s lifetime sales of 152 million units (so far).
Switch 2 vs. Switch OG: launch sales showdown
The Switch 2 has already outperformed the Switch OG in early sales, setting a new benchmark for Nintendo’s console launches.
- Nintendo Switch 2 – Over 3.5 million units sold in four days, officially the best-selling console launch in history. Additionally, it sold over 3 million units in the first 24 hours, surpassing previous records.
- Original Nintendo Switch – Over 1.5 million units sold in its first week, eventually reaching 152 million lifetime sales.
The Switch 2’s debut has set a new industry record, beating every Nintendo console launch and exceeding the PlayStation 4’s previous record of just over 1 million units sold on its first day.
How does Switch 2 compare to other record-breaking consoles?
The Switch 2’s opening sales have overtaken some of the best-selling consoles in history:
- PlayStation 5 – Sold 2.1 million units in its first week, facing supply shortages.
- PlayStation 4 – Sold 1 million units in its first 24 hours, holding the record until now.
- Nintendo Wii – Sold 600,000 units in its first week, but became a global phenomenon.
- PlayStation 2 – Sold 980,000 units in its first weekend in Japan, eventually becoming the best-selling console ever with over 160 million units.
The Switch 2’s launch performance puts it ahead of PS5, PS4, and even Nintendo’s own Wii, making it one of the most dominant console debuts in gaming history.
Sony now says the PlayStation 2 has sold "over 160,000,000" units
— Nintendeal (@nintendeal.com) 26 de noviembre de 2024, 15:40
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What’s next for Switch 2?
Nintendo has forecasted 15 million units sold within the current fiscal year, matching the original Switch’s early success. However, long-term sales depend on several factors:
- Game lineup – Major exclusives like Mario Kart World and Metroid Prime 4 will drive demand.
- Supply chain stability – Avoiding stock shortages will be crucial to maintaining momentum.
- Competitive pressure – The newly announced Xbox Ally handheld could challenge its dominance.
- Future hardware revisions – If Nintendo launches enhanced models, it could extend the console’s lifecycle.
If demand remains high, the Switch 2 could become Nintendo’s best-selling console ever and challenge the PlayStation 2’s all-time (new) record of over 160 million units sold.
📈 The #NintendoSwitch finally surpasses lifetime sales of the #PS2 in the United States to become the best-selling home console for the region The outright U.S video game console (home/portable) sales record is held by the #NintendoDS, which is roughly 8M ahead on 53.80M
— Nintendo South Wales (@nintendosouthwales.bsky.social) 19 de diciembre de 2024, 6:32
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The Nintendo Switch 2’s record-breaking launch signals a bright future, but sustaining momentum will require strong game support and steady hardware availability. If Nintendo plays its cards right, the Switch 2 could surpass the original’s legendary success and become the biggest-selling console of all time.
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