Nintendo Switch 2 officially breaks record for fastest-selling console ever

A sequel-sized success (Nintendo)

Nintendo has announced the worldwide sales figures for the Switch 2 after four days, and they’re more than any other console in history.

After insiders claimed the Switch 2 was set to break worldwide sales records, Nintendo has confirmed the console has done exactly that.

In a post on X, Nintendo announced the Switch 2 has sold over 3.5 million units worldwide in its first four days, making it not only the fastest-selling Nintendo console ever but the fastest-selling console of all time.

This means the Switch 2 is already outpacing the original Switch, which managed 2.7 million units within its first month in 2017. Nintendo set a target of 15 million sales for the Switch 2 by the end of March next year, and if stock remains plentiful, these early figures suggest it will surpass that number easily.

While Nintendo has only talked about the console’s sales in terms of the company’s own history, it appears to be the fastest-selling console ever. The PlayStation 5 shipped (not sold) 3.4 million units within its first four weeks, while the PlayStation 4 sold 2.1 million units within its first month.

Sony’s PlayStation 5 was subject to significant stock shortages amid the pandemic, so the Switch 2’s success is a reflection of Nintendo’s efforts to ensure there’s plenty of supply. Prior to launch, Nintendo said it planned to have enough consoles to counter scalpers, and it seems like that strategy has worked.

As for UK numbers, the Switch 2 is the fastest-selling Nintendo console ever in the country, but it is the fourth overall behind the Xbox Series X/S, the PlayStation 4, and the PlayStation 5. The UK has always been Nintendo’s least successful major market though, so that isn’t surprising.

The Switch 2’s success is particularly impressive considering its launch line-up, outside of Mario Kart World, is devoid of essential exclusives from Nintendo.

There is strong third party support but only for existing titles, some of which are fairly old. The only two exclusive third party titles are Konami’s Survival Kids and the budget-priced Fast Fusion.

Nintendo’s first party output is set to expand in the coming months, with Donkey Kong Bananza, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Kirby Air Riders, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A all expected to arrive before Christmas.

Nintendo also recently announced a Splatoon spin-off called Splatoon Raiders, although it’s unclear when it will be released.

Will Donkey Kong Bananza keep the momentum going? (Nintendo)

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