TheNintendo Switch 2has smashed yet another record, becoming the fastest-selling hardware in U.S. history. Following several years in development, theNintendo Switch 2finally came out in June, rapidly proving to be a huge success for the company and achieving several milestones.
Nintendo had set the bar very high with itsrecord-breaking Switch 1, which in 2024 surpassed 143 million units sold globally. Naturally, this placed plenty of expectations on what the legendary company would bring to the table this time—and fortunately, the new console managed to please fans. The Switch 2 didn’t take a huge risk like the Switch 1. While it does bring some innovative features, such as the Joy-Con’s new functionalities, Nintendo played it safe this time and delivered a sort of upgraded Switch 1 console—a more powerful system, newer technology, a more mature design, but the same style. Aside from the console, the company made sure to secure a decent amount of launch games, which includedMario Kart World,Cyberpunk 2077,Tears of the Kingdom, and many more.
More than a month after release, theSwitch 2 has broken another record. According to Circana, the console debuted as the fastest-selling video game hardware device in U.S. history, selling over 1.6 million units during its launch month. It was also the best-selling console of the month, and it snatched the 1.1 million sales record previously held by Sony with the PlayStation 4.
Nintendo Switch 2 Becomes Fastest-Selling Console in U.S. History
Additionally, the Switch 2’s flagship title,Mario Kart World, was the console’s best-selling game of the month, and the third overall across all platforms—surpassed only by therecently releasedDeath Stranding 2andElden Ring: Nightreign. Despite some skepticism around the game,Mario Kart Worldwas acquired by 82% of Switch 2 buyers in June.
In just over a month, the Switch 2 has left its mark on U.S. history—and also in the Japanese market. Recent numbers from Japanese retailers revealed that Nintendo’s new console is the biggest video game system launch in the country’s history, with 1.5 million units sold, surpassing the Game Boy Advance’s record set in 2001. Moreover, theSwitch 2 has also smashed a new record for Nintendo itself, becoming the company’s fastest-selling console with 3.5 million units sold in four days.
It’ll be interesting to see how these numbers change in the coming months, especially following titles like the just-releasedDonkey Kong Bananzaand the highly anticipatedDuskbloods. Although the Switch 2 is already making waves in the industry, the console’s life has just begun—and there are plenty of exciting things coming for fans in the future.
