The Nintendo Switch Sales has been one of the most successful gaming consoles in history. Launched in March 2017, it has sold millions of units worldwide. People love the Nintendo Switch because it is both a home console and a portable device. You can play it on your TV or take it anywhere like a handheld game. This special feature helped boost Nintendo Switch sales around the globe. Whether you’re a kid, a teen, or an adult, the Switch has games for everyone.
Since its release, the Nintendo Switch has broken sales records year after year. From popular exclusive games to clever design, there are many reasons why people continue to buy this console. In this article, we’ll look at the journey of Nintendo Switch sales, its success factors, and what the future might hold.
The Launch and Early Sales Success
The Nintendo Switch was released on March 3, 2017. Within just a few weeks, it sold millions of units. In fact, in its first month, it sold more than 2.7 million units globally. This was much higher than what many experts expected. In Japan and the United States, stores ran out of stock quickly, and people had to wait in long lines or pre-order the system.
The success was largely driven by The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which launched at the same time. Many gamers bought the Switch just to play this game. It was seen as one of the best video games ever made, and that helped push the sales numbers even higher.
Sales Growth in the Following Years
Nintendo Switch sales didn’t slow down after launch. In fact, they grew each year. By the end of 2018, the Switch had sold over 32 million units. By the end of 2019, it reached 52 million units. The console became one of the top-selling systems in Nintendo’s history.
Part of this success was because of games like Super Mario Odyssey, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. These games sold millions of copies and became system-sellers. People often bought the Switch just to play these top games.
Nintendo Switch and the COVID-19 Boost
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the world faced lockdowns and people stayed home. During this time, the Nintendo Switch became more popular than ever. Families wanted fun things to do together at home, and the Switch was perfect for that.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons, released in March 2020, became a global hit. It sold over 40 million copies and became one of the top-selling games of all time. Because of this, Nintendo Switch sales exploded. In 2020 alone, more than 28 million consoles were sold.
The demand was so high that stores in many countries ran out of Switch consoles. Scalpers even started selling them at higher prices. It was one of the most in-demand products during the early pandemic months.
Sales by Region
Nintendo Switch sales have been strong in North America, Europe, and Asia. The United States has been the largest market, with millions of units sold each year. In Japan, the Switch even beat the long-time PlayStation leader in weekly sales. European countries like the UK, France, and Germany have also seen strong sales.
Nintendo has used clever marketing and family-friendly games to reach a wide audience. Unlike other consoles that often focus on older gamers, the Switch has something for everyone—kids, teens, and adults.
Sales of Different Switch Models
Over time, Nintendo released different versions of the Switch. The original version was followed by the Nintendo Switch Lite in 2019. This was a smaller, cheaper, and handheld-only version of the console. It became popular with younger gamers and parents who wanted a more affordable option.
Then in 2021, Nintendo launched the Nintendo Switch OLED model. This version had a bigger, brighter screen and better audio. Though it cost more, many fans upgraded for the improved experience. Each of these models helped increase overall Nintendo Switch sales.
Comparison with Other Consoles
When comparing sales, the Nintendo Switch is now among the top three best-selling consoles of all time. As of 2025, it has sold over 139 million units worldwide. That’s more than the PlayStation 4 and very close to the Nintendo DS and PlayStation 2, which are the highest-selling consoles ever.
This is a huge achievement for Nintendo, especially after the failure of the Wii U, which only sold about 13 million units. The Switch brought Nintendo back to the top of the gaming world.
Best-Selling Switch Games
Here are some of the best-selling games that helped boost Nintendo Switch sales:
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Over 60 million copies
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Over 40 million copies
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – Over 33 million copies
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Over 30 million copies
- Super Mario Odyssey – Over 26 million copies
These games are loved all over the world and keep attracting new players to the platform.
Why the Nintendo Switch Sells So Well
There are several key reasons why the Switch is so successful:
- Hybrid design: It works as both a home and portable console.
- Exclusive games: Only the Switch has popular titles like Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon.
- Family-friendly: It appeals to gamers of all ages.
- Local multiplayer: Easy to share and play with friends and family.
- Affordable: Compared to PS5 and Xbox Series X, it is cheaper.
Nintendo focused on making a fun and flexible gaming experience—and it worked!
Switch in the Digital Age
Another factor behind the sales boom is the rise of digital downloads. Players can now buy games directly from the Nintendo eShop without needing to go to a store. This made buying games faster and easier, especially during the pandemic.
Nintendo also offers online multiplayer, cloud saves, and classic NES/SNES games through Nintendo Switch Online. These services helped the console grow in value for users.
The Future of Nintendo Switch Sales
Now in 2025, the Switch is still selling well, even after eight years. There are rumors about a Nintendo Switch 2 or a next-gen console, but nothing official has been announced yet. Many fans expect the next console to be backward-compatible, meaning you can still play your old Switch games.
Even if a new console arrives, the original Switch will likely continue to sell. New buyers, collectors, and kids who are just starting gaming may still choose the Switch for its price and game library.
Conclusion
Nintendo Switch sales have been one of the biggest success stories in gaming. From its strong launch to record-breaking years during the pandemic, the Switch has proven to be more than just a game console. It’s a cultural hit, loved by millions around the world.
With its mix of innovation, great games, and universal appeal, the Switch may even go down in history as Nintendo’s greatest console ever. As we look to the future, Nintendo’s smart design choices and beloved characters will continue to bring joy to gamers young and old. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new player, the Nintendo Switch has something for everyone—and its sales numbers prove that.