The Nintendo Switch 2 has officially shattered sales records, selling an astounding 3.5 million units in its first four days. This surpasses any previous Nintendo console launch, and even sets a new record for the fastest-selling home video game console of all time. Industry analyst Daniel Ahmad highlighted this remarkable achievement on X, noting that it significantly outpaced the launch sales of both the PS4 and PS5.
The success wasn’t a surprise to everyone. Nintendo had anticipated strong sales for the Switch 2, and pre-orders sold out rapidly at major retailers like Walmart, GameStop, and Target. Despite sold-out pre-orders, some units were still available on launch day for those willing to brave midnight lines or take a chance on morning availability. The potential for price increases due to tariffs likely also contributed to the frenzied initial demand.
While the UK launch wasn’t the biggest in the region’s history, it still ranked as the fourth best-selling console launch, showing strong performance across multiple markets. This success is particularly impressive given the relatively small number of launch titles available for the new console. The significant pent-up demand for a Switch successor, coupled with Nintendo’s strategic efforts to ensure sufficient inventory, clearly played a major role in this phenomenal start.
The challenge now for Nintendo is sustaining this momentum. While the initial sales are breathtaking, the long-term success will depend on various factors, including the potential impact of tariffs and the emergence of competing handheld gaming devices. The company has set an ambitious sales target of 15 million Switch 2 units by March 2026, a goal that now seems achievable given the incredible initial sales figures of 3.5 million units in just four days. This strong launch certainly echoes the original Switch’s remarkable success, which sold over 17 million units in its first year, and has since sold over 150 million units globally, nearing the legendary Nintendo DS in lifetime sales.
The Switch 2’s record-breaking launch is a testament to Nintendo’s strategic planning and the enduring appeal of its gaming consoles. Whether this incredible pace can be maintained remains to be seen, but the future certainly looks bright for Nintendo and its newest flagship console.
