Nintendo Switch Becomes Best-Selling Console Ever at 155M

The Nintendo Switch just made gaming history, officially becoming Nintendo's best-selling console of all time with 155.37 million units sold as of December 31, 2025.

The milestone means the Switch has finally overtaken the Nintendo DS, which held the record at 154.02 million units sold between 2004 and 2011. The achievement came during a holiday surge that saw Nintendo celebrating on multiple fronts.

While the original Switch was claiming records, its successor was busy making history of its own. The Switch 2 moved 7.01 million units during the holiday quarter, earning the title of "fastest-selling dedicated video platform released by Nintendo to date," according to the company's earnings report.

The original Switch isn't done yet, either. Despite being replaced by a newer model, it still sold 1.36 million units in the third quarter, thanks largely to its affordable price point. Parents and budget-conscious gamers continue finding value in the proven platform.

Nintendo now has its sights set on an even bigger prize. The Switch sits just 4.63 million units behind Sony's PlayStation 2, the best-selling console of all time across all manufacturers. If Nintendo keeps selling the Switch for another couple of years, that crown could be within reach.

The Ripple Effect

The Switch's success story extends beyond hardware numbers. The platform created a gaming revolution by proving players wanted flexibility: the same device that works on your TV can travel with you on a plane or to a friend's house.

That innovation opened gaming to new audiences who never considered themselves console gamers. Families playing Mario Kart together, commuters exploring Zelda on the train, and friends gathering for Animal Crossing sessions all became part of the Switch phenomenon.

The momentum continues with the Switch 2, which has already exceeded Nintendo's expectations. The company raised its sales forecast from 15 million to 19 million consoles for the fiscal year ending March 31, and they're on track to blow past that goal too.

Games are flying off digital and physical shelves as well. Mario Kart World has already hit 14 million units sold, while Donkey Kong Bananza moved 4.25 million copies since the Switch 2's launch.

The success translated to impressive financials for Nintendo: 803.32 billion yen in sales ($5.2 billion) for the quarter, up 86 percent over last year, and 159.93 billion yen in profit ($1.03 billion).

Looking ahead, Nintendo has major releases planned to keep the momentum going. Mario Tennis Fever arrives February 12, followed by Pokemon Pokopia in March, giving fans plenty of reasons to keep their consoles charged and ready.

The Switch proved that innovation, quality games, and understanding what players actually want can create something truly special.